By Merritt                                           H.C.R. No. 179
         77R7933 MJS-D                           
                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-1           WHEREAS, The tragic passing of auto racing icon Dale
 1-2     Earnhardt, Sr., on February 18, 2001, at the age of 49, has brought
 1-3     a profound sense of loss to his family and loyal friends and fans
 1-4     in Texas and around the world; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Born on April 29, 1951, in Kannapolis, North
 1-6     Carolina, Mr. Earnhardt died while participating in what he loved
 1-7     to do best; on the final lap of the Daytona 500, a race he won in
 1-8     1998, he was involved in a fatal crash; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, Known as "The Intimidator" for his fearless driving
1-10     style, determined attitude, and fervent desire to win,
1-11     Mr. Earnhardt was a seven-time Winston Cup champion and holds the
1-12     record for career victories at the Daytona International Speedway;
1-13     moreover, his 76 wins were the most among active drivers and rank
1-14     sixth on the all-time victory list, and he recorded 281 top-five
1-15     finishes in his illustrious 26-year racing career; and
1-16           WHEREAS, Mr. Earnhardt was widely considered one of NASCAR's
1-17     greatest drivers ever and earned more than $41 million in prize
1-18     money; he also was the first person in his sport to win the Rookie
1-19     of the Year award and the Winston Cup title in back-to-back
1-20     seasons; and
1-21           WHEREAS, The first race car driver ever to appear on a box of
1-22     Wheaties, Mr. Earnhardt endeared himself to countless people with
1-23     his integrity, homespun sense of humor, and refreshing candor; in
1-24     addition, his trademark push-broom moustache and black No. 3
 2-1     Chevrolet car were instantly recognizable by his legions of fans
 2-2     and furthered his overall image as a maverick; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, Although he will be deeply missed, his infectious
 2-4     spirit, indomitable character, and indelible legacy will continue
 2-5     to live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched, and
 2-6     it is most appropriate to honor this racing legend's memory at this
 2-7     time; now, therefore, be it
 2-8           RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas
 2-9     hereby pay tribute to the life of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and extend
2-10     sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to his wife,
2-11     Teresa; to his sons, Kerry and Dale, Jr.; to his daughters, Kelley
2-12     and Taylor; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it
2-13     further
2-14           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-15     prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
2-16     Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory
2-17     of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.