Speaking on the main floor of the historic State Capitol Rotunda, Governor Branstad commended Wallace for his contributions to the state of Iowa as designer and part owner of the Iowa Speedway in Newton, and to the sport of NASCAR racing nationwide.
“As Governor of Iowa, I am very proud to honor Rusty Wallace with this Proclamation today,” Branstad said. “His many contributions to NASCAR racing have earned him a well-deserved induction to NASCAR’s Hall of Fame, and his forward-thinking design of Iowa Speedway helped to create a destination in central Iowa that benefits every Iowan. Rusty may have been born in Missouri, but we will always claim him as one of our own.”
Wallace expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received from Iowans all across the state, and specifically to Governor Branstad for the official Proclamation.
“I am humbled and honored that Governor Branstad made time to recognize me today with an official Proclamation,” Wallace said. “As an ‘Honorary Iowan’, I couldn’t be more proud of this great state, or of the racetrack we have in Newton, and I look forward to being here for as many Iowa Speedway events as possible.”
Wallace, whose post-racing career combines a busy ABC/ESPN broadcast schedule, managing his son Steven’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race team, overseeing his auto dealership interests and fundraising for the charitable NASCAR Foundation, nevertheless finds ample time to promote Iowa Speedway.
“Rusty is without a doubt our best promoter,” said Iowa Speedway President and co-owner Stan Clement. “He literally goes out of his way to be here whenever possible. Rusty gladly does media interviews, greets fans, and spends time with our promotional partners. Certainly he is deserving of this official Proclamation, as well as his recent induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”
Season Tickets, weekend passes and tickets to individual events are currently available for Iowa Speedway’s 2013 racing season, which begins on June 7 – 8 with the first of two NASCAR Nationwide Series event weekends. Other major events include the Iowa Corn Indy 250 weekend on June 22-23, the second NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend on August 2-3, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series weekends on July 12-13, and September 7-8.
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