Guess this one sort of tips where we’re from, doesn’t it? Florida has a truly great racing heritage, and this print goes back to the birth of post-war short track racing in the Sunshine State.
Ever sat in the old tin roofed grandstands at Golden Gate Speedway on a Sunday afternoon and watched the Governor’s Cup 200? This print will take you there: Palm Beach Fairgrounds Speedway, Hollywood Speedway, Tampa Fairgrounds, Opa-Locka and Hialeah speedways and many others. You’ll see Bobby Allison in the 50’s in his modified before he went to Alabama, his brother Donnie Allison in a super at old Hollywood, Rod Perry, one of the most gifted drivers ever to get behind the wheel, Tampa’s Wane Reutiman, and the ageless Buzzy Reutiman (still racing at East Bay Raceway), Will Cagle, Billy Gill, Harry Pullen, Hialeah Speedway’s Bobby Brack, Dickie Anderson, Billy Barnwell, The Palm Beach Fairground Speedway kings Paul Connors and Jim Crow, Eau Gallie Speedway’s Ernie Bass, and all the rest. You’ll see the up north out of state forays that made Florida drivers feared competitors; and what cars we have had through the years! You’ll see the evolution of the sport itself, fascinating no matter where you live. Flathead and overhead valve v8 Dirt Modifieds as well as Pavement Modifieds, winged supermodifieds that once raced here; both rear engined and turbocharged, Gary Balough’s “batmobile”, built in total secrecy by Balough and Kenny Weld that is still talked about up north, and Gary’s last all pro car.
This is a print that goes from the late 40’s through the mid 80’s. There are few racing collectibles that involve a particular state; this alone makes “Orange Blossom Special” a truly unique art object. If you run a racecar in this state, you’ve gotta have this one up in the shop. And if you’re a race fan, you need it on the wall in the den or living room; it’s a guaranteed conversation starter!
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