IRL: Cheever Honored by the City of Orlando
27 April 1999
Orlando, Florida - Mayor Glenda Hood passed a resolution today proclaiming this day, April 26th, to be known as "Eddie Cheever Day" for the City of Orlando."What an honor this is," stated Lake Nona resident, Eddie Cheever enthusiastically. "I chose to move to Orlando three years ago because of the beautiful weather, the wonderfully warm people, the never-ending list of fun things to do with my children, the superb airport that allows me to shuttle back and forth to Indy, and, of course, the golf!"
"Eddie Cheever is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in racing today, " said Mayor Hood. He brings recognition to our community and serves as a role model for our youth."
The City's recognition of Eddie Cheever, Jr. is part of a series of ongoing opportunities that Mayor Hood and the Orlando City Council have taken to honor international leaders and role models in their community. Metro Orlando is the third largest entertainment industry in the nation after New York and Los Angeles and the number one tourist destination in the world. Orlando is the home of many international sports and entertainment stars including Pete Sampras, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, and Ken Griffey, Jr.
In January, Eddie Cheever and his #51 Team Cheever/The Children's Beverage Group team were lucky enough to be a top contender in Cheever's backyard when they won the 1999 Indy 200, a repeat of their 1997 title. With the win, Cheever became the first two-time winner of the Orlando event.
"The win this year was very special as it was the first time, in my twenty-five year career, that I have won a professional race in my home town, " added the Pep Boys Indy Racing League team owner and driver.
The City of Orlando's recognition precedes a ceremony to be held the following morning in the Florida House of Representatives Chamber in the state capitol of Tallahassee. The Florida House and Senate will both pass resolutions designating April 27th "Eddie Cheever, Jr. Day" for the State of Florida. The state initiative has been headed up by Central Florida State Representative Bill Posey, who first met Cheever , when he was acting as the honorary starter for the Governors Cup State Championship Race at New Smyrna Speedway in November of last.
Eddie Cheever, Jr. is currently ranked third in the Pep Boys Indy Racing League Drivers Standings while his #51 Team Cheever/The Children's Beverage Group race team lies second in the run for the 1999 Championship title. Round 3 of the 1999 Pep Boys Indy Racing League 11-race series is scheduled for this Saturday, May 1st at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Primary sponsorship of Team Cheever comes from The Children's Beverage Group. The Children's Beverage Group (TCBG) is the designer of the RIP-IT SIP-IT(tm) straw-in-the-pouch drinking system that began distribution nationwide in 1997. For more information, call TCBG's corporate headquarters at 847-562-4040 or visit their website at www.tcbginc.com. Associate sponsors of Team Cheever include Rachel's Gourmet Potato Chips, Goodyear, Menards, TruGreen*Chemlawn, STP, Bosch, Pennzoil and Invincible Sportswear.
Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.