By Godwin Kelly, Motorsports Editor
SAMSULA -- Erik Jones, a 15-year-old driver from Byron, Mich., led every lap and kept veteran David Rogers at bay in a three-lap shootout to win the Florida Governor's Cup at New Smyrna Speedway on Saturday night.
Jones became the first driver not from Florida in 30 years to win the Super Late Model race, which dates back to 1965.
Rogers, the 1994 NASCAR short-track champion, tried to squeeze past the teen on final restart.
The cars touched fenders but Rogers was unable to rattle Jones, who recently captured the Jegs All-Star Pro Late Model Series championship.
"He gave us a run for the money on the last restart," Jones said in Victory Lane. "My car was flawless."
Rogers, a two-time Governor's Cup champion from Orlando, said Jones didn't race like a young driver.
"He was good; really smooth," Rogers said. "He never missed a lick. I didn't have anything for him."
Rogers was hoping Jones would make a mistake over the half-mile asphalt oval in the closing laps, but it didn't happen, even when the Late Models touched and caused sparks in Turn 1.
"Them 15-year-olds are tough, man," Rogers said. "You can't wear them out."
Bobby Good was third, followed by polesitter Ben Kennedy and Donnie Wilson.
"I can't be more thrilled with this team," Good said. "The car started out tight but came around at the end of the night."
Good was able to shoot past Kennedy on the final restart to get the final podium position.
The final of a dozen cautions was brought out when Tim Russell's car spun in heavy traffic in Turn 2. Seven other cars were involved in the melee, which produced a huge plume of white tire smoke.
Kennedy, the great grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., earned pole position honors and started at the top of the 33-car grid.
Only 15 cars were running at the checkered flag.
Jones won $5,000 for the victory.
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