It is indeed an Honor to receive this Award. Thank you Governor Herbert for your support of all types of sports events in Utah. Jeff Robbins, thank you for your untiring devotion to bringing major sports events to Utah--and now your efforts to help bring the Winter Olympics back to Utah. Good Luck!
I am forever grateful to former Governor Mike Leavitt, for having the opportunity to serve on several boards including the 2002 Winter Olympics. It was fortuitous when the governor asked me to join him on a helicopter ride to Provo, Utah to meet the arrival of the Olympic Flame, just days before the Olympic Opening Ceremonies on February 8, 2002. I remember the governor asking me where my Swearing-in ceremony as U.S. Ambassador was going to be held, and suggested it could be held at Utah State Capitol, since Secretary of State Colin Powell would be in Utah. The next day the governor called to say it was all set. To hold this once-in-a-life time ceremony, just minutes before the Winter Olympics Opening Program, will be remembered forever by our family.
Sports activities have been a very important part of my life. My interest in rare vintage race cars began with their restoration and preservation. It was the driver’s endurance in these hand-made racing machines, pushing the limit, which had piqued my interest. Among them was Ab Jenkins, an early 20th century racing legend, who brought the world’s best drivers to Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats to compete. It is important to preserve this early racing history for future generations.
Today, there is a great concern about continuing to race on the diminishing salt flats. However Utah’s HCR 10 Resolution is intended to help replenish the salt. Tonight we have with us Al Teague, who with his “Spirit of 76 Streamliner” set the world’s land-speed record in 1991 at 409.98 miles per hour, which was held until 2017. This unique record-setter is part of the Price Museum of Speed Collection.
Again Governor Herbert and Jeff Robbins, I am most appreciative for this Award.