LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Lee Wallard posthumously for his
extraordinary athletic achievements upon the occasion of his induction
into the Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lee
Wallard posthumously for his extraordinary athletic achievements upon
the occasion of his induction into the Schenectady City School District
Athletic Hall of Fame, to be celebrated at the 16th Annual Schenectady
City School District Athletic Hall of Fame and Reunion Dinner on Monday,
September 9, 2013, at Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame
was established in 1998 to honor those individuals who have made signif-
icant contributions to the history and tradition of sports in the Sche-
nectady City School District; and
WHEREAS, Nearly a century ago, Lee Wallard was a student attending the
Schenectady City School District; and
WHEREAS, During the 1930s, Lee Wallard began driving in auto races in
Altamont and participated in his first race in 1941, in the AAA Champi-
onship at the "Syracuse 100," prior to serving his country during World
War II in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, After World War II, Lee Wallard continued his passion for
racing, competing in and winning the 1951 Indianapolis 500 driving the
No. 99 Belanger Special to victory, leading in 159 of the 200 laps; and
WHEREAS, Lee Wallard, becoming very popular within the racing communi-
ty, is known for and credited with changing the driving strategy, tech-
nique and practice used during the Indianapolis 500 race; and
WHEREAS, Lee Wallard participated in three additional Indianapolis 500
competitions, finishing 7th in 1948, leading in the 1949 race until his
car failed due to mechanical problems, and in 1950, finishing 6th; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, with his successes in racing, Lee Wallard was named
Schenectady Athlete of the Year by the Mont Pleasant Athletic Club,
where he was honored by Yogi Berra; and
WHEREAS, During a race in Reading, Pennsylvania, just days after
winning the 1951 Indianapolis 500, Lee Wallard was burned and hospital-
ized for several months, from which he came back and raced for several
more years until his retirement in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Lee Wallard traveled the world as a
representative of the Champion Spark Plug Company and advocated for
safety initiatives including highway safety; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Lee Wallard; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Lee Wallard posthu-
mously for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments which are a trib-
ute to his skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations with
praise and pride to honor Lee Wallard posthumously for his extraordinary
athletic achievements upon the occasion of his induction into the Sche-
nectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Lee Wallard, and the Schenectady City School
District Athletic Hall of Fame.