S4490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2004 For each of these young women, I ex- NASCAR believe his electric talent and spon- race car—Adam’s car. ‘‘Racing is all Adam pect that the completion of the Girl sor-friendly personality would have driven knew,’’ Petty says. Scout Gold Award is only the first step the team back to the Often when something is done in someone’s toward a lifetime of civic involvement. prominence it once enjoyed. Petty doesn’t memory, it is said he or she would have allow such thoughts: ‘‘If you do, you’ll just wanted it this way. In Adam’s case, this is I take this opportunity to congratulate go crazy.’’ literally true: After helping his sponsor, each of these young women for their Kyle’s father, seven-time NASCAR cham- Sprint, promote a product that allowed kids hard work and dedication in earning pion , 66, says it took years for in different hospitals to communicate, Adam the Girl Scout Gold Award and to pub- Kyle’s upbeat personality to resurface. ‘‘It became determined to do something else for licly recognize them for their excep- took him a long time to get over it,’’ Rich- those kids—even if, as his grandfather says, tional leadership and service to their ard says, pausing to reconsider his use of the that meant offering to sign over the rights communities.∑ phrase ‘‘over it.’’ to his winnings for the next 20 years to a ‘‘Not to get over it. To get it beside of him loan officer if he’d lend Adam the money to f instead of in front of him.’’ build a camp. But the project never got roll- IN TRIBUTE TO THE PETTYS Says Stewart: ‘‘I think when you see what ing until after his death. Kyle’s been through as a person, a lot of peo- ‘‘Most 19-year-old kids (are) looking out ∑ Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, this ple at that point would kind of retreat and for themselves,’’ Richard says. ‘‘And he was, year many of our colleagues are seek- kind of put themselves in their own little don’t get me wrong. But he had feelings for ing the NASCAR vote, but I think it hole and shut themselves out from the rest other kids, too. So that just inspired us that would be wise if each member in this of the world. much more, that it was his idea originally. body, instead, sought out the NASCAR ‘‘With Kyle and (wife) Pattie, it’s just the We’re going to do it come heck or high heart. opposite. He’s such a positive person that water.’’ My neighbors in South Carolina are you can’t help gravitate toward people like NASCAR and many of its drivers, team him and you want to be surrounded by peo- owners and sponsors have chipped in for the Pattie and . In May 2000, the ple like him.’’ camp, which will welcome its first group in Pettys faced a terrible tragedy, as ‘‘CAMP’’ A MISNOMER June; Stewart has pledged to raise at least $1 their young son, Adam, the next great million. Fans have donated money and time. racing hope in the family, died during A tour of the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a retreat in rural Randleman, N.C., for Nursing home groups have sent box loads of a practice session. Pattie and Kyle chronically ill children, revealed two minor handmade teddy bears and quilts, gifts to didn’t retreat after that, but have flaws. campers. worked ever since to bring Adam’s The first is in its name: A ‘‘camp’’ has The project is personal to rookie driver dream of a camp for chronically ill shoddy log cabins, leaky canoes and a slimy Brian Vickers, who befriended Adam and the pond. This place feels more like a trendy other Petty children, brother Austin, 22, and children to reality. Many NASCAR sister Montgomery, 18. All four grew up at- drivers, owners, sponsors, and fans suburban subdivision. There are new build- ings—a theater, a gym, a pool and more— tending the same home-schooling classes have contributed, and the Victory from a tutor. Vickers isn’t comfortable talk- Junction Gang Camp will open its trimmed in bright colors and stainless steel, resort-quality guest cottages and medical fa- ing about Adam and doesn’t mention the sig- doors in June. cilities where volunteer doctors will care for nificant donation he’s quietly making to the I bring to the attention of my col- campers’ special needs. camp. Asked if Adam was talented enough to be- leagues the following article from the The second flaw, pointed out by Kyle and come a star, Vickers looks at the floor and April 23 USA Today, outlining the good Pattie Petty, is a bent pedestrian bridge says, ‘‘Yeah.’’ work of the Petty family and I ask girder that was rammed by an errant deliv- TEAM LOSES GROUND that it be printed in the RECORD. ery truck. It’s March, three months before The article follows: the camp is to open. This setback doesn’t Most of today’s big-time racing teams have seem to be stressful. Instead, the Pettys moved into gleaming buildings designed to [From USA TODAY, Apr. 23, 2004] laugh, reminded of the time Adam, at 15, ac- attract tourists and impress sponsors in sub- LEGENDARY RACING FAMILY HOPES TO TURN cidentally mangled the family van by run- urban Charlotte. Then there’s Petty Enter- CORNER ning into an overhang at his grandfather’s prises’ humble jumble of white shacks in KYLE PETTY HELPS MAKE HIS SON’S DREAM A house. Randleman, a town short on stoplights and REALITY Fond stories about Adam, the only one of long on religious radio programming. (By Chris Jenkins) the Pettys’ three children who seriously pur- Founded in 1949 by Kyle’s grandfather, As a race car driver, Kyle Petty can’t hope sued a driving career, still waft through the NASCAR pioneer , then made fa- to match the success of his father and grand- garage. Once he was spotted carrying a brief- mous by Richard, the team has won 268 races father. As an executive, he can’t hope to case around the infield, an accessory not and 10 NASCAR championships. Most of that compete with NASCAR’s mega-teams that often associated with drivers. Bystanders success came before the NASCAR boom of have millions more to spend on the best cars, couldn’t let that oddity pass without com- the 1990s. When corporate America began drivers and mechanics. As a father, he can’t ment, so they asked him what he was car- waking up to the popularity of NASCAR in hope to put his son’s death in a racing acci- rying. Grinning, he opened the briefcase to the late 1980s, Richard was past his prime, dent nearly four years ago completely behind reveal a hairbrush and some gum. though he’d drive until 1992. him. For Kyle, almost anything can trigger Other teams were winning races, so they But Petty does hope, and he seems to radi- memories. ‘‘The way the sun shines, the way landed big sponsors. Having more money al- ate hope to those around him through his you see a car on the racetrack,’’ he says. lowed those teams to develop technology to sincere nature and gentle, quick wit. Other ‘‘I’ll hear somebody holler, say a name and make their cars faster. drivers might be better at turning left on the turn around expecting to see Adam standing The Pettys fell behind; they’ve won three racetrack. They don’t have his gift for turn- there. And it just tweaks you just right. And races since 1984, none since ’99. Adam was ing life’s negatives into positives. it hurts you. And it just breaks your heart. supposed to change that. When he died, the ‘‘No matter how bad your day is, when you ‘‘And I’m not the only person in this boat, promise of a young driver who could rally see Kyle, your day’s better,’’ driver Tony believe me. There’s plenty of other families crewmembers and attract sponsorships died Stewart says. ‘‘He tells you a silly joke that out all over this country who have lost kids. with him. ‘‘We had a lot of stuff lined up makes you laugh or something that makes I’m sure they all feel the same way.’’ around how we were going to do his career you feel better.’’ Adam died in May 2000 during a practice and stuff like that,’’ Richard says. ‘‘So when Petty, 43, gets angry—furious, actually— session at New Hampshire International the accident happened, everything just went when he and his cars don’t measure up. And Speedway. NASCAR officials determined into limbo. For six months or a year there, he recently woke up crying in the middle of that he died of a neck injury, the same type we just basically survived.’’ the night, missing his son, Adam. that would kill nine months Today the team, which fields cars for Kyle But in the right-hand column of Petty’s later. Drivers now are required to wear safe- and journeyman Jeff Green, 41, has funding emotional ledger is the camaraderie he feels ty collars that help prevent neck injuries, from Georgia-Pacific and General Mills, plus with others in the NASCAR community, op- and the wall Adam hit is covered with an im- associate sponsors. It’s significant money timism that his family’s team eventually pact-absorbing barrier system. (exact amounts are not disclosed), but no- will return to victory lane and, above all, the Kyle Petty doesn’t blame NASCAR. He where near what marquee teams command. completion of Adam’s dream: a $20 million- knows it might sound odd to outsiders, but But the team’s problems might not all be plus retreat for chronically ill children. being around racers offers ‘‘a lot of com- financial. Years ago it was common for driv- ‘‘I’ve always been incredibly optimistic fort.’’ ers to run teams. As the business of racing that as bad as it is, it’s got to get better,’’ The camp embraces racing as its theme. became more complex, other teams added Petty says. Used race cars will be suspended from the layers of management. Today Petty is the It would be easy to dwell on what might cafeteria ceiling. An obstacle course is built only driver with a major team who has ex- have been. Had lived, many in from tires. One building looks like a giant tensive executive responsibilities.

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:44 Apr 29, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G28AP6.074 S28PT1 April 28, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4491 ‘‘Definitely, he tries to handle way, way S. 2043. An act to designate a Federal mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- too much,’’ says Robbie Loomis, who worked building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the estry. for the Pettys before becoming ’s ‘‘Ronald Reagan Federal Building’’. EC–7219. A communication from the Con- crew chief in 2001. ‘‘He’s good at about every- The message further announced that gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department thing, but when you get stretched so thin pursuant to section 637(d)(1) of the and get pulled in so many directions, it’s of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to hard to tell what direction to go in.’’ HELP Commission Act (Public Law law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Certifi- Petty says he enjoys being busy but con- 108–199), the Minority Leader appoints cation Program for Imported Articles of cedes that the return of , the the following individuals on the part of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. to Pre- crew chief for Richard Petty’s championship the House of Representatives to the vent Introduction of Potato Brown Rot’’ teams, is making his job easier. Although Helping To Enhance the Livelihood of (Doc. No. 03–019–2) received on April 27, 2004; Inman is 67 and can’t offer much in the way People (HELP) Around the Globe Com- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. of technical advice, Petty says Inman’s pres- mission: Mr. Lytn C. Fritz of Cali- ence helps crewmembers believe the team EC–7220. A communication from the Ad- can win. Petty compares it to Joe Gibbs re- fornia, Mr. C. Payne Lucas of Wash- ministrator, Rural Business-Cooperative turning to coach the NFL’s Washington Red- ington, DC, and Mr. Jeffery D. Sachs of Service, Department of Agriculture, trans- skins. New York. mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘General Requirements for Coopera- Although Petty says this isn’t his last sea- f son as a driver, Loomis says Petty’s retire- tive Services Grant Programs, Value-Added ment could be the first major step toward a MEASURES REFERRED Producer Grants, Agriculture Innovation team resurgence. When Petty stops driving Centers and Rural Cooperative Development and focuses on running the team, Loomis The following bill was read, and re- Grants’’ (RIN0570–AA40) received on April 27, says, ‘‘You’re going to see a whole new Petty ferred as indicated: 2004; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- Enterprises.’’ H.R. 3942. An act to redesignate the facil- trition, and Forestry. The team is improving slowly; Petty’s re- ity of the United States Postal Service Lo- EC–7221. A communication from the Office cent 12th-place finish at Las Vegas Motor cated at 7 Commercial Boulevard in Middle- of the Secretary, Department of Defense, Speedway was cause for mild celebration. town, Rhode Island, as the ‘‘Rhode Island transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of The lack of research-and-development Veterans Post Office Building’’; to the Com- a rule entitled ‘‘CHAMPUS/TRICARE; Imple- money continues to show, as Petty and mittee on Governmental Affairs. mentation of the Pharmacy Benefits Pro- Green finish in the bottom half of the field gram’’ (RIN0720–AA63) received on April 27, f most of the time. 2004; to the Committee on Armed Services. Though nice guys, as the saying goes, EC–7222. A communication from the Assist- EXECUTIVE AND OTHER ant Secretary of Defense for Homeland De- might finish last, that doesn’t mean they COMMUNICATIONS fense, Department of Defense, transmitting, have to like it; a disappointing race can pursuant to law, a report relative to Depart- transform Petty from friendly to fierce. But The following communications were ment of Defense assistance to civilian sport- his outbursts aren’t without perspective and laid before the Senate, together with ing events during calendar year 2003; to the don’t last long. accompanying papers, reports, and doc- ‘‘I can deal with how we run a lot better, Committee on Armed Services. uments, and were referred as indicated: EC–7223. A communication from the Gen- sometimes, because of Adam,’’ Petty says. eral Counsel, National Credit Union Admin- ‘‘Because nothing is as bad as Adam, no mat- EC–7213. A communication from the Direc- istration, transmitting, pursuant to law, the ter what. I can go to the racetrack, run dead tor, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to report of a rule entitled ‘‘Prompt Corrective last. I can go to the racetrack, not make the Action; Corporate Credit Unions; Credit race. That’s still not the worst day.’’ law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Emer- gency Conservation Program’’ (RIN0560– Union Service Organizations; Member Busi- ness Loans; Regulatory Flexibility Pro- GANG CAMP’S AIM: HELPING SICK KIDS AG26) received on April 27, 2004; to the Com- mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- gram’’ received on April 27, 2004; to the Com- About the Victory Junction Gang Camp: mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- Campers will be grouped according to the estry. EC–7214. A communication from the Direc- fairs . disease they have been diagnosed with; a EC–7224. A communication from the Sec- group of children with hemophilia will visit tor, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- the camp June 20–25, and seven other groups ant to law, a report relative to the national of children will visit during the camp’s law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Tree As- sistance Program’’ (RIN0560–AG83) received emergency declared in with respect to Sierra eight-week season. Leone in Executive Order 13194; to the Com- Campers, ages 7–15, will be selected based on April 27, 2004; to the Committee on Agri- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- on their doctors’ recommendations and will fairs. EC–7215. A communication from the Con- not pay a fee to attend. EC–7225. A communication from the Chair- gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and The camp is seeking volunteer counselors man and President, Export-Import Bank of and donations. Plant Health Inspection Service, Department the United States, transmitting, pursuant to Online: www.victoryjunction.org.∑ of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to U.S. imports to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Tuber- f Mexico; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- culosis Cattle and Bison; State and Zone ing, and Urban Affairs. MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE Designations; Michigan’’ (Doc. No. 02–112–3) EC–7226. A communication from the Chair- At 1:12 p.m., a message from the received on April 27, 2004; to the Committee man and President, Export-Import Bank of on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. the United States, transmitting, pursuant to House of Representatives, delivered by EC–7216. A communication from the Con- Mr. Hays, one of its reading clerks, an- law, a report relative to U.S. imports to the gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and Republic of Korea; to the Committee on nounced that the House has passed the Plant Health Inspection Service, Department Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. following bills, in which it requests the of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to EC–7227. A communication from the Acting concurrence of the Senate: law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Classical General Counsel, Federal Emergency Man- H.R. 3942. An act to redesignate the facil- Swine Fever Status of France and Spain’’ agement Agency, transmitting, pursuant to ity of the United States Postal Service lo- (Doc. No. 98–090–7) received on April 27, 2004; law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘List of cated at 7 Commercial Boulevard in Middle- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, Communities Eligible for the Sale of Flood town, Rhode Island, as the ‘‘Rhode Island and Forestry. Insurance’’ (Doc. No. FEMA–7770) received on Veterans Post Office Building’’. EC–7217. A communication from the Con- April 27, 2004; to the Committee on Banking, H.R. 4219. An act to provide an extension of gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and Housing, and Urban Affairs. highway, highway safety, motor carrier safe- Plant Health Inspection Service, Department EC–7228. A communication from the Acting ty, transit, an other programs funded out of of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to General Counsel, Federal Emergency Man- the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Cattle agement Agency, transmitting, pursuant to of a law reauthorizing the Transportation From Australia and New Zealand; Testing law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Final Equity Act for the 21st Century. Exemptions’’ (Doc. No. 99–071–3) received on Flood Elevation Determinations; 68 FR 8113’’ April 27, 2004; to the Committee on Agri- The message also announced that the received on April 27, 2004; to the Committee culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. House has passed the following bills, EC–7218. A communication from the Con- EC–7229. A communication from the Acting without amendment: gressional Review Coordinator, Animal and General Counsel, Federal Emergency Man- S. 1904. An act to designate the United Plant Health Inspection Service, Department agement Agency, transmitting, pursuant to States courthouse located at 400 North of Agriculture, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Final Miami Avenue in Miami, Florida, as the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Golden Flood Elevation Determinations; 68 FR 8112’’ ‘‘Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Nematode; Regulated Area’’ (Doc. No. 03–082– received on April 27, 2004; to the Committee Courthouse’’. 2) received on April 27, 2004; to the Com- on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

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