Assembly Resolution No. 181

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

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.