| 42nd Annual Governor's Cup 200 Right Around the Corner at New Smyrna Speedway | by Jane Smith
Samsula, FL. (November 12, 2007) It is a sure sign that Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas is on the way as the 42nd Annual Governor's Cup 200 is set to run this Saturday, November 17, at New Smyrna Speedway. With one of the richest racing history's in Florida behind this race, many have come and tried to win the golden cup and this year is no exception.
Blake Lehr and Ricky Charmichael race side by side
Governor Hayden Burns commissioned the Governor's Cup in 1965 to pay tribute to Al Keller, long time promoter of Florida stock car tracks. Wayne Reutimann won the first race at Sunshine Speedway where the Cup was run until enviromental issues temporarily closed the track in 1979.
Sunshine Speedway hosted the race in 1979, with the race moving back to Golden Gate for the next three years, under the direction of Don Nerone. The DeSoto Speedway hosted the race until 1987, though the Cup was not officially competed for. It was at that time that Clyde Hart, the builder and owner of New Smyrna Speedway stepped forward and revived both the race and it's history.
The race has been run at New Smyrna's half-mile ever since. In 1998 the Governor's Cup was promoted for television by Terry Wall and Jack Smith, and was shown for the first time to fans all through the South via FOX and Sunshine Network
In 2001, the Governor's Cup was very special as then Governor Jeb Bush gave the command "Gentlemen Start Your Engines." It was only a few months after 9/11 and the Governor had already agreed to be the Grand Marshall. In spite of his staff's objections, Governor Bush came to the race to show the people of racing that we would continue and get over 9/11.
In 2002, Governor Bush asked Florida's most famous writer Patrick D. Smith to stand in his shoes as the Grand Marshall. In spite of a few health issues, Smith was there and autographing books before the opening ceremonies. Since 2002, we have seen many of Florida's finest be the Grand Marshall.
In 2005, we saw Jeff Scofield win the Governor's Cup 200 but previous winners have included James Powell, Mike Fritts, Dick Anderson, Wayne Anderson, Jeff Choquette, Jimmy Cope, David Rogers, Dumont Smith, Gary Balough, Dick Trickle, Jack Arnold, Billy Bigley Jr. just among some of those lucky enough to wint he 200 lap event.
Besides the Snowball Derby held at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, this is the race every Super Late Model driver wants to win. They come from far and near to compete on this one night for the honor of having their names added to the Golden Cup that is treasued by short track racers.
This year's Governor Cup is no exception to the rule. Expected are Wayne Anderson, Tim Russell, Jeff Choquette, Brian Finney, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Pierce, Dusty Cornelius, Blake Lehr, Sam Watts, Scotty Crockett, David Rogers, B.J. McLeod, and many more.
The "best of the best" will be in the field for the 42nd running, each wanting the win but only one going home as the winner.
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The schedule for this weekend is as follows:
Friday-November 16, 2007
2:00 Pit gate opens
6:00-9:00 Practice (Sunbelt and Mini Stock Challenge)
Saturday-November 17, 2007
9:00 Registration and Pit Sign In Pit Gate Opens Hauler Parking
11:00 Mandatory Drivers and Spotters Meeting
1:00 Grandstands open
1:00-2:30 Practice (Sunbelt and Mini Stock Challenge)
3:00 Qualifying Sunbelt Super Late Models Florida Mini Stock Challenge
5:00 Qualifying Ends
6:00 Autograph Session on Track
7:00 Pre Race Ceremonies
7:10 Driver Introductions
7:30 42nd Annual Florida Governor's Cup 200 Florida Mini Stock Challenge 100
For more information on New Smyrna Speedway go to www.newsmyrnaspeedway.org or call 386-427-4129.
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