Local Sports Journal

Muskegon’s Robert H. Clover, a member of the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame, passed away on Thursday (May 22).

He was 88 years old.

Clover was inducted into the hall of fame in 2001 after a long and successful racing career at area tracks. His career began in 1948 at Whiskey Ridge Raceway. He raced roadsters, jalopies, stock cars, super modifieds, sprint cars, midgets and late models.

His family No. 41 car was a mainstay at area tracks for decades.

He won nearly 200 feature events during his career with one of his biggest victories coming in a 100 lap invitational at Berlin Raceway.

He is survived by his wife,  Sharon, and children Jan (Ron) VanHassel, Bobbie Buys (Kissling), Jack (Nikki) Clover, Lillian (Savino) Rodriquez, Donald “Bud” (Tammy) Lappo, Delinda Lappo, and Jonathan (Amanda) Kuhlman. He also is survived by 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave.