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.
