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Article from
ArcaRacing.com
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Pennsylvania
Honors Bobby
Gerhart....... |
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Gains Capital in the PA Capitol
HARRISBURG
PA (6-7-05) - Getting the attention of the highest
political powers in the state of Pennsylvania is not easily
accomplished, but that's exactly what ARCA RE/MAX Series veteran
driver Bobby Gerhart has done.
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| In
recognition of Gerhart's three Daytona ARCA 200 victories, the
Lebanon, Pennsylvania second-generation driver was honored Tuesday
morning inside the rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol during which
John D. Payne, member of the 106th Legislative District PA House of
Representatives, announced a new motorsports caucus designed to
increase awareness of motorsports in Pennsylvania and its economic
impact on the state. |
| On the
very same spot where President Teddy Roosevelt stood commemorating
the opening of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in 1906, Gerhart,
along with Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania Catherine Baker Knoll
(Dem), Representative Peter Zug (Rep), Pocono promoters Joe and Rose
Mattioli, Director of Driver Development for Hendrick Motorsports
Andy Papathanassiou and ARCA PR director Don Radebaugh, spoke to
scores of media, politicians and business associates from the
Rotunda. |
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| "I just
want to thank Representatives Peter Zug and John Payne and Lt.
Governor Catherine Baker Knoll for their tireless work in putting
this caucus together to bring attention to our sport," said Gerhart.
"I can't put into words what this means to me, to be recognized here
today.
"My dream started with my father
Bobby Gerhart, Sr; he laid the groundwork for our foundation. He
instilled the dream inside two young men (brother and crew chief
Bill Gerhart) 40 years ago, opened some doors for us. That dream is
still very much alive today.
"I would like to personally thank
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for this honor. I am proud to
represent the state of Pennsylvania."
House Resolution No.
240 was introduced on the floor of the PA House of
Representatives paying tribute to Gerhart for his history-making
third victory at Daytona......
WHEREAS,
"Mr. Gerhart and Iggy Katona are the only stock car drivers to have
won the event three times."
WHEREAS, "Mr. Gerhart and his
brother Bill have made careers in auto racing following in the
footsteps of their father, the late Bobby Gerhart, Sr., a well-known
racecar driver for more than three decades and EMPA Hall of Fame
Inductee."
WHEREAS, "Mr. Gerhart has partnered
with Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team, in
coaching and grooming promising stock car drivers."
RESOLVED, "The House of
Representatives pay tribute to Bobby Gerhart....."
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| Lieutenant
Governor of Pennsylvania Catherine Baker Knoll (far right) also
spoke at the ceremony and then gave a personally guided tour of the
century-old Capitol.
"I congratulate him on the honors he
has brought to Pennsylvania," said Lt. Governor Knoll. |
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| "And I
congratulate the Legislature's Motorsports Caucus for getting this
remarkable athlete to slow down long enough to receive attention
this morning.
"How proud Pennsylvania is of him
will be obvious in the language of the official proclamation I have
brought along.
"What deserves our applause and
admiration is the rest of your make-up - the character part of the
Gerhart greatness. Character as in courage. Character as in
perseverance. Character as in competitive spirit.
"Bobby Gerhart, you are an example
for us all. There is not a person in this room who has not imagined
himself or herself behind the wheel of a car, rounding that last
turn, headed for the checkered flag.
"Fortunately, the urge stops with
our imagination. Skills like yours belong to only a precious few.
We'll find our emotional rewards in other professions, but in the
meantime, our cheers for you grow louder with every
race."
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| Below: From the
Floor of the Senate chamber, left to right are Bill Gerhart, Joe
Mattioli, Governor Knoll, Rose Mattioli & Bobby
Gerhart.
In addition, Doctor Joe Mattioli addressed the
audience. |
| "This is a very
wonderful occasion. This new caucus has done more for auto racing in
Pennsylvania in three months than in dozens of years. Rose and I
have attended press conferences all over the nation, but never had a
stage like this. |
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| "We have known the
Gerhart family for many years and they've always had a positive
effect on racing in Pennsylvania. We all respect them very much; now
come on up to Pocono and watch them race."
PA House of Representatives member
Peter Zug, who was instrumental in Gerhart's recognition in the
House of Representatives, said, "It's a distinct pleasure and
privilege to honor Bobby Gerhart, a great competitor and the pride
of Lebanon County. Over the years, he has carved out a great career
in stock car racing, while winning the repsect and support of the
racing community."
Papathanassiou, of Hendrick
Motorsports, also spoke. "When we began our involvement with driver
development and started looking for teams, Bobby Gerhart Racing was
at the top of the list to provide, not only on-track coaching, but
to develop the right attitude in young drivers."
Radebaugh addressed the audience
from an ARCA/Pennsylvania historical perspective reminding the
media, politicians and business associates that, "ARCA, born in
Toledo, Ohio in 1953, is very proud of its Pennsylvania roots dating
back to its inaugural season when the series raced at Butler
Speedway (PA) on July 3rd, 1953." And that, "Through the years, ARCA
raced in the state of Pennsylvania 67 times, from Heidelberg to
Langhorne, from Williamsgrove and Selingsgrove to Sharon, from
Lincoln to Speedway Park, and in the modern era....to Lake Erie
Speedway and Pocono Raceway where this Saturday, the historic
triangular superspeedway would host the series for the 40th
time."
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