J 973: Honoring Jim Rothwell upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 973 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Jim Rothwell upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to outstanding competitors 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 in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jim Rothwell upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame & Museum in Fonda, New York; and WHEREAS, Jim Rothwell, commonly called "Rocky" by those around him, started his racing career in 1979 in the late model division at many local tracks such as Five Mile Point, Fulton, Brookfield, Utica Rome, Rolling Wheels, and Weedsport while working for Skip Seymour at Skip's Used Cars; and WHEREAS, Racing quickly became a passionate hobby for Jim Rothwell, in part because racing was a family affair, with his uncle, Ed Rothwell, being an early inspiration; and WHEREAS, Throughout his 46-year racing career, which is still ongoing, Jim Rothwell has been in and seen many different classes; Jim Rothwell started in the late model division, switched to 320-modified, and eventually turned to the "Open Sportsman" division, where his 23 career wins at Utica Rome place him second on the overall win list in the division; and WHEREAS, Jim Rothwell has won countless races and recalls winning six or seven championships; his two most cherished achievements are his 50-lap victory in Fonda in 1989, which earned him $1,000, and his Super Nationals win at Afton in 2021, which earned him a large trophy; and WHEREAS, Even when faced with hardship, such as a big accident which wiped out his vehicle in Fulton in the late 1970s, Jim Rothwell persevered and continued racing; after his Fulton accident, he managed to race the following night in Utica Rome; and WHEREAS, When not actively racing, Jim Rothwell takes time to be a supportive grandfather and continues his familial racing legacy by owning his grandson Carson's crew, whom he has raced against before; and WHEREAS, With a desire to use his skills and passions to serve his community, Jim Rothwell owns Rothwell's Used Auto Sales in Plymouth, New York- a local family-owned repair shop, dedicated to serving the community for over 40 years; and WHEREAS, Jim Rothwell has clearly contributed to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of the stock car racing community; and WHEREAS, Jim Rothwell's extraordinary racing accomplishments are a tribute to his skill, dedication, and commitment; his character and achievements stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who aspire to succeed in stock car racing; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Jim Rothwell upon the occasion of his induction into the New York State Stock Car Association Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jim Rothwell.