LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richie Evans posthumously upon the occa-
sion of his induction into the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richie Evans posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the
Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, to be celebrated on Wednesday, May
18, 2016, at Harts Hill Inn, Whitesboro, New York; and
WHEREAS, Entering the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame in the Modern
Athlete category, Richie Evans was known as the King of Modified Racing;
he won nine NASCAR Modified Titles in a 13-year span, and was ranked No.
1 NASCAR All-Time Modified Driver in a 2003 poll; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 23, 1941, in Rome, New York, Richie Evans, nick-
named the Rapid Roman, entered his first oval track race at the Utica-
Rome Speedway in 1962, after success as a street and drag racer; and
WHEREAS, Richie Evans was the NASCAR National Modified Champion in
1973, as well as from 1978 to 1984, with more than 400 wins during his
career; he was the Whelen Series Modified All-American Series Northeast
Champion from 1982 to 1985, and the Whelen Series Modified All-American
National Champion in 1985; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he is a two-time Daytona International Speedway
Modified Race Winner, and NASCAR Connecticut State Champion; and
WHEREAS, Richie Evans amassed 30 Championships at 11 tracks in four
states, and was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998; he
was elected into the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame
in 1986, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1996, the New
York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame in 1997, the New England
Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 1998, the FOUR SCORE Hall of Fame in 1986,
and the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Elected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Richie Evans is the first
driver from a Non-Premier Series to be inducted into the Hall of Fame;
in addition, his No. 61 is the only retired number in any NASCAR Series;
and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all members of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richie Evans posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into
the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Richie Evans.