Georgia CommonsHouse · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HR 1040: Echo Park Speedway; commend
Last action January 16, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution formally commends Echo Park Speedway in Henry County for its economic and community contributions, without changing any state law.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives, not a law that regulates anything. It honors Echo Park Speedway, a 1.54 mile raceway built in 1960 that hosts NASCAR and IndyCar races, for its role as Henry County's top tourism draw. The resolution recites facts about the speedway's impact, including an estimated $250 million in economic activity, support for over 2,800 jobs, more than one million annual visitors, charitable giving through Speedway Children's Charities Atlanta, and its use as a hurricane evacuation site. It closes by directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
What the bill does
- Formally honors Echo Park Speedway on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives and wishes it continued growth and success.
- States that Echo Park Speedway generates about $250 million in economic impact and supports over 2,800 jobs annually.
- Notes that the speedway attracts more than one million visitors a year from all 50 states and multiple countries.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
- Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it has no regulatory or funding effect.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names Echo Park Speedway and its operators, Henry County, Georgia, and Speedway Children's Charities Atlanta. It also references the speedway's visitors, employees whose jobs it supports, and area charities that receive its donations.
Why it matters
Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or rules for Georgians. Its practical effect is symbolic recognition that becomes part of the official legislative record and can be shared publicly by the speedway and Henry County.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses recite background facts: the speedway's 1960 construction, 1.54 mile length, and history hosting NASCAR and IndyCar races.
- The resolution cites specific figures, including $250 million in economic impact, over 2,800 jobs supported, and over one million annual visitors.
- It notes almost one million dollars donated to local charities over the past decade through Speedway Children's Charities Atlanta.
- It mentions the speedway's use as an evacuation site during hurricanes and other natural disasters.
- The resolving clauses state the House's commendation and direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies to the public and press.
From the bill
“the members of this body honor the Echo Park Speedway and extend best wishes for continued growth and success.”
“Echo Park Speedway produces an estimated $250 million in economic impact and supports over 2,800 jobs”
Discussed in meetings (1)
The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.
House floor session, February 19, 2026 (legislative day 21)
From 0:56:16 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel
Summary by Georgia Commons: The House recognized Echo Park Speedway through HR 1040. The presenting member said the speedway generates more than $200 million in economic impact and serves as an economic driver beyond Henry County. The speedway’s executive vice president and general manager thanked members and said the upcoming NASCAR event would draw guests from every state and 16 countries. The executive also said the speedway would host more than 1,000 other events during the year, including graduations and the Georgia State Fair. A NASCAR driver discussed family ties to Georgia agriculture and work with South Georgia watermelon farms. The chair thanked the guests for the speedway’s year-round contributions. No vote was recorded during the presentation.
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Robert Flournoy (D, HD-74)
- El-Mahdi Holly (D, HD-116)
- Demetrius Douglas (D, HD-78)
- Mary Ann Santos (D, HD-117)
- Noelle Kahaian (R, HD-81)
- Tangie Herring (D, HD-145)
Topics
- Henry County
- motorsports
- tourism economic impact
- ceremonial resolution