November 13, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 181 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF ROGER PENSKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2019

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a man who 
has achieved greatness in motorsports, business, and in his community. 
On October 24th, Roger Penske was awarded the highest honor a civilian 
can receive, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award is not given 
lightly. According to the White House, to receive such an honor one 
must either contribute ``to the security or national interests of the 
United States, world peace, cultural or significant public or private 
endeavors.'' It is fair to say, that Mr. Penske has done much in his 
life to grow his community into a better place and his business into 
the global industry leader it is today.
  Mr. Penske has had significant success in both auto racing and 
business for more than 50 years. After forming his own auto racing team 
in 1965, Team Penske has won over 500 races and 36 national 
championships. The team's most recent wins include the 2018 NASCAR 
championship and 2019 Indianapolis 500, which marks a record breaking 
18 Indianapolis 500 victories for a team owner.
  Since starting his own car dealership in 1969, Penske Corporation has 
expanded into a company that generates $32 billion in revenues and 
employs approximately 64,000 people. However, Mr. Penske is not only a 
man with a mind for business, he is also a man with a generous heart. 
In 2005 he was named Michiganian of the Year after vowing to spend $35 
million, in order to revive and restore neighborhoods in Detroit. Just 
as Penske Corporation is an exceptional example of a great American 
business, so also is Roger Penske an outstanding example of an American 
citizen. Our country is fortunate to have Roger Penske as a role model 
for generations to come. I offer Mr. Penske my sincere congratulations 
on this prestigious honor.

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