R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The second annual Big Bend Open Road Race is being
 1-2     held on April 15-17, 1999, and this challenging test of man and
 1-3     machine is indeed worthy of special recognition; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Sponsored by Rodger Ward's Classic Auto Racing
 1-5     Society (C.A.R.S.),  the three-day event takes place in the
 1-6     counties of Pecos and Terrell and is a round trip race between the
 1-7     cities of Fort Stockton and Sanderson; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, During the race, 60-plus miles of Texas State
 1-9     Highway 285 are transformed into the fastest highway in Texas; the
1-10     terrain of this road is wide and forgiving and features many
1-11     challenging curves and long straightaways, making it an ideal place
1-12     for full-throttle excitement; and
1-13           WHEREAS, The race's participants and their vehicles must meet
1-14     all the necessary safety requirements and are grouped into one of
1-15     five classes: the Unlimited Division, which features no speed
1-16     restrictions, the Grand Touring Division, the Grand Sport Division,
1-17     the Super Sport Division, and the Touring Division; and
1-18           WHEREAS, The 150 expected drivers represent almost three
1-19     times  the number of competitors in last year's inaugural race; in
1-20     the 1998 event, Derek Eastty of Austin was the winner, setting the
1-21     speed record of 165.178 miles per hour with an average time of just
1-22     over 21 minutes 29 seconds while driving a 1984 Chevrolet Corvette;
1-23     and
1-24           WHEREAS, Other highlights of the extravaganza include a car
 2-1     show and an awards banquet; the event has united the counties of
 2-2     Pecos and Terrell, and through the cooperation of these
 2-3     communities, as well as the Texas Department of Transportation and
 2-4     local law enforcement, this spectacular race promises to be a treat
 2-5     for all those in attendance; now, therefore, be it
 2-6           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-7     Legislature hereby commemorate the second annual Big Bend Open Road
 2-8     Race on April 15-17, 1999, and extend to the event's host,
 2-9     organizers, and participants sincere best wishes for a highly
2-10     successful race.
                                                                     Gallego
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 477 was adopted by the House on May
         31, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House