Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano help celebrate "Motorsports Appreciation Week" in New York State ~ Welcome Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup, professional driver Colin Braun to the Capitol ~ Watch Senator O'Mara's tribute

Albany, N.Y., April 21—Both houses of the Legislature will act this week on a joint Legislative Resolution sponsored by State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as “Motorsports Appreciation Week” in New York State.

O’Mara, Palmesano and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), who co-sponsors the Resolution in the Assembly, are being joined in Albany today by Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup, WGI Vice President Jon Beckman, WGI Director of Marketing & Promotions Andrew Smith and professional driver Colin Braun to help celebrate the contributions of motorsports to New York State’s economy and culture.  Braun’s stellar, 22-year career in racing has spanned open wheel cars and sports cars to the NASCAR Truck and Nationwide Series.

At the Capitol, the local legislators singled out “The Glen” for its unique contributions to American motorsports.  WGI events annually generate over $200 million in economic activity across the region, as well as accounting for more than 2,000 local jobs. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in August is one of New York’s largest sporting events and attracts fans from all 50 states as well as 16 different countries.     

WGI celebrated its 65th Anniversary in 2014.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, "We appreciate this opportunity to join our legislative colleagues to pay tribute to one of the world’s iconic sporting venues.  Across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, we all take great pride in the fact that 'The Glen' has resonated so powerfully throughout the history of American motorsports for more than six decades. Watkins Glen International has long stood as a mainstay of our regional culture and economy.  It's one of New York State's premier destinations, a backbone of our leading tourism industry, and a driving force for countless charitable, community service and economic development initiatives.  Very simply, we're fortunate to call Watkins Glen International one of our own."    

The Resolution (S.R.1432) is being approved by the Senate and the Assembly tomorrow.

It reads, in part, “Having a global fan base in the millions, motorsports is one of the most popular and fastest growing sports in the world...This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, encourages all New Yorkers to observe and participate in Motorsports Appreciation Week, and experience the thrills and adventures associated with one of our nation's favorite pastimes.”

In the photo above, from left to right: WGI President Michael Printup,  Senator O’Mara, Colin Braun and Assemblyman Palmesano in Senator O’Mara’s office in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

[Watch Senator O'Mara's remarks on the floor of the Senate earlier today HERE] 

See more HERE...