1998 Governor's Cup Program


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	the following is the introduction to the 1998 Governor’s Cup in the event program

               A Time To Celebrate!
                                                 Jack E. Smith
                         Florida Stock Car Racing | www.karnac.com

The 1998 Race Rock Florida Governor's Cup 200 is more than the Late Model Championship For The State. It is a celebration of the longest running short track race in Florida, and the drivers, promoters, fans, and businesses who have made it happen over the years since it's inception in 1963.



		the Governor’s Cup

The Governor's Cup was commissioned by Governor Haydon Burns and was first awarded in 1965 to a Wayne Reutimann. The Governor's Cup Trophy was created as a means of paying tribute to Al Keller, who traveled the state promoting the sport of stock car racing, and has continued to be the premier race of the season through all these years is spite of set backs and the immense changes our state has seen.

The race was originally run at Golden Gate Speedway in Tampa until environmental pressures forced the temporary closure of the track in 1979, with the race moving back to Golden Gate for the next three years, thanks to the efforts of Don Nerone. The DeSoto Speedway hosted the race from then until 1987, though the Cup was not officially competed for.


	That was the year a man of decision stepped forward and saved our most treasured race. His name was Clyde Hart, the man who built the New Smyrna Speedway in 1966. The Trophy was gathering dust some where near Tampa until Mr. Hart arranged to bring the Trophy back to the race fans of Florida. This is the eleventh year of the Governor's Cup at New Smyrna Speedway. Stock car race fans were saddened by the passing of Mr. Clyde Hart in June of this year at the age of 77. Without the foresight and vision of Clyde Hart, Florida may have lost it's most treasured racing Trophy.

We are indeed indebted to not only Clyde Hart but to all the other men and women of Florida stock car racing, who have through the years kept the spirit of The Governor's Cup alive. Now the torch has been passed to yet another generation, Robert Hart, son of Clyde Hart and owner of this fine facility with it's rich history, has demonstrated his commitment to the fans of Florida and to the continued prominence of the Florida Governor’s Cup.



		Clyde Hart - late owner of New Smyrna Speedway


	Like his father, Robert has had the vision by bringing in such a fine organization as Race Rock Restaurants to have the 1998 Race Rock Florida Governor's Cup 200 televised. This ensures all the stock car fans of Florida and the southeastern United States can see the very best drivers the state has to offer, and compete for it's highest honor and Trophy. To the men who started it all, to those who have kept it going, and to the new generation who will ensure it's continued success, we THANK YOU, and today we celebrate the drivers who will display their skills and courage in the greatest sport in the world. LET'S GO RACING!


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