House Committee Supports Auto Racing as Florida's Official Sport

Auto racing narrowly grabbed the pole position over college football and baseball on becoming the state's official sport.

A majority of the House State Affairs Committee supported a bill to place auto racing as the sport of Florida.

Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, who has the Daytona International Speedway in her district’s backyard and is a sponsor of HB 745, said the state has historical significance with race parks across the state.

“This is a wonderful sport; I challenge you to substantiate that families cannot participate,” Hukill said, noting that fans come from all age groups.

A number of committee members, however, said the state is too varied in its sports in which both children and adults are able to engage, with its history of baseball to football, golf, swimming and surfing.

The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee is scheduled to vote on a similar bill, SB 266, this afternoon.