Celebrate Motorsports Week Statewide

Senate Resolution No. 996 BY: Senator O'MARA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2017, as Motorsports Appreciation Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to set aside weeks to recognize exceptional recreational institutions which have positively impacted their communities and are a crucial element in the economy of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2017, as Motorsports Appreciation Week in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Motorsports is the group of competitive events which primarily involve the use of motorized vehicles, whether for racing or non-racing competition; and WHEREAS, Since the invention of the automobile, motorsports has been one of America's favorite pastimes; it has brought families together at community gatherings throughout its storied history; and WHEREAS, On November 28, 1895, the very first kind of car race was held in the city of Evanston, Illinois; it stretched over 54 miles and took 10 hours to complete; and WHEREAS, This combination of cutting edge technology under the hood and courageously skilled drivers behind the wheel, has become a touchstone for generations; and WHEREAS, Organizations and tracks throughout the State of New York involved in the motorsports exhibit include: Watkins Glen International; Wide World Ferrari Maserati of Spring Valley, New York; I Love NY; Alfred State College; Sahlen Packing Company of Buffalo, New York; and Short Track, Holland Speedway, Holland, New York; and WHEREAS, Since the 1970s the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has enjoyed a rapid rise, becoming the second most popular professional sport on television, until recently averaging more than nine million viewers a race, behind only American football; and WHEREAS, The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race is held annually at Watkins Glen International, and is the largest weekend sporting event in New York State, attracting visitors from all 50 states as well as 16 different countries; and WHEREAS, Having a global fan base in the millions, motorsports is one of the most popular and fastest growing sports in the world; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, encourages all New Yorkers to observe and participate in Motorsports Appreciation Week, and experience the thrills and adventures associated with one of our nation's favorite pastimes; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2017, as Motorsports Appreciation Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.