WHEREAS, Eric McClure, an accomplished driver in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, earned the 2015 A.L. Mitchell Young Alumnus of the Year Award from Emory & Henry College; and

WHEREAS, the A.L. Mitchell Young Alumnus of the Year Award recognizes an Emory & Henry College graduate who has made significant contributions to his field or community; a member of the Class of 2000, Eric McClure honed his business sense and learned the importance of respect for others during his college years; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, Eric McClure worked for Morgan-McClure Motorsports, his family's racing company; he made his first start in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Xfinity Series in 2003 and first competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Eric McClure used the knowledge and business acumen he acquired at Emory & Henry College to help secure well-known, national sponsors for his car in 2006 and 2011; after nine consecutive seasons, he maintains the longest active driver-sponsor partnership in the NASCAR Xfinity Series; and

WHEREAS, Eric McClure completed his 250th event in 2014 and plans to continue pursuing his passion for racing; he lives in Chilhowie with his wife, Miranda, and daughters, Mabreigh, Maryleigh, Mirabella, Merritt, Myanna, and Meraline; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Eric McClure hereby be commended on receiving the Emory & Henry College A.L. Mitchell Young Alumnus of the Year Award; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Eric McClure as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his success and best wishes for the future.