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2012 SESSION

12104563D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 170
Offered February 10, 2012
Commending Glen Wood.
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Patrons-- Stanley, McDougle and McWaters; Delegates: Marshall, D.W., Merricks and Poindexter
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WHEREAS, Glen Wood, a native of Stuart, Virginia, was recognized for his outstanding career as a driver and team owner in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) with election and induction as a member of the third class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Glen Wood joined fellow inductees Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Inman, and the widow of Richie Evans at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 20, 2012, for the induction ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Glen Wood, one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers, was inducted by his brother, Leonard, before an audience that included NASCAR dignitaries, drivers, crew chiefs, team owners, and family members and friends from Patrick County; and

WHEREAS, known as the “Wood Chopper” on the racing circuit, Glen Wood won four races over an 11-year racing career and, in 1998, was named one of NASCAR’s 50 Greatest Drivers; and

WHEREAS, the Wood Brothers Racing Team was formed in 1950 and over the early years, the team evolved from a weekend hobby into a full-time business; and

WHEREAS, along with his youngest brother, Leonard, who was with the team from its inception, Glen Wood worked full-time building and preparing the cars, while his other brothers and family members served as part of the pit crew on race weekends; and

WHEREAS, after the 1964 season, Glen Wood gave up his driving duties and became a full-time owner of Wood Brothers Racing, which fielded a long list of talented drivers including 20 of NASCAR’S Greatest Drivers such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Dale Jarrett, and Bill Elliott; and

WHEREAS, recognizing that by limiting their time off the track they could increase their position on the track, the Wood Brothers created and perfected the modern pit stop; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970s, the Wood Brothers’ notorious No. 21 car with the gold-colored decals proved to be a formidable challenge on the NASCAR circuit; with legendary driver David Pearson at the wheel, the Wood Brothers won the coveted “Triple-Crown” of NASCAR racing in 1976 by winning the legendary Daytona 500, the World 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway; and

WHEREAS, the Wood Brothers have fielded only Ford Motor Company products since 1950, making their relationship with Ford the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer; and

WHEREAS, scoring their 98th victory in 2011 at the Daytona 500 with rookie Trevor Bayne, the Wood Brothers Racing Team has now won at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades, an unmatched feat; and

WHEREAS, the Wood Brothers Racing Team holds the unique distinction as the oldest continuously operating team in NASCAR’s top series, and guided by Glen Wood, along with his brother, Leonard, the team has had 117 poles and 98 victories in more than 1,300 starts; and

WHEREAS, the Wood Brothers Racing Team has earned over $30 million in career winnings, and remains among the winningest racing teams in the history of NASCAR racing for over 60 years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Glen Wood, a Virginia native son and the patriarch of one of the most storied and successful teams in NASCAR history, on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Glen Wood as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation of his extraordinary achievements and best wishes for success in all his future endeavors.