Senator Gilbert offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 122.

            A resolution designating April 29, 2006, as Dale Earnhardt Day in Michigan.

            Whereas, NASCAR racing legend Ralph Dale Earnhardt was born on April 29, 1951; and

            Whereas, Dale Earnhardt amassed 76 victories during his career, including seven Winston Cup Championships, four IROC Championships, ten wins at Talladega Superspeedway, and 34 wins at Daytona International Speedway; and

            Whereas, His twenty-one-year career at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS), spanning from 1979 to 2000, included 63 starts in the Winston Cup, IROC, and Busch Series.  His two wins in the Winston Cup Series, two in the IROC Series, and six second-place finishes provided Michigan fans with memories they will never forget; and

            Whereas, Dale Earnhardt was truly the face of NASCAR, inspiring fans throughout Michigan and the nation with his skills on the track, accumulating records that attest to the talent and ability of one of the greatest drivers ever to have raced the short tracks and superspeedways of NASCAR. In 1998, he added to his incredible legacy when NASCAR honored him and his father Ralph as two of the 50 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR history; and 

            Whereas, When “The Intimidator” took to the track in the black Chevrolet, fans stood, cheered, and watched every move.  He is still admired, still respected, and will never be forgotten.  He was loved not so much for the number of checkered flags and championships he won, but for the spectacular style with which he won them.  He deeply touched countless people, and the loss of this great icon of auto racing and his presence at the Michigan International Speedway and tracks across the country will be missed for generations to come; now, therefore, be it  

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby designate April 29, 2006, as Dale Earnhardt Day in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to remember Dale Earnhardt on the occasion of this birthday for his passion for racing, his devotion to his family and fans, and his countless contributions to the racing industry in Michigan and throughout the United States; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Dale Earnhardt as evidence of our esteem, respect, and admiration for his outstanding life and career.