12TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR PACE SET FOR TUES. JAN. 17, 2012

December 22, 2011, by John Manzi, Publicity Director, Monticello Casino and Raceway

Monticello Raceway will present its 12^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace on Tuesday, January 17^th  in spite of the fact that the nation will celebrate Dr. King’s birthday on Monday, January 16.

“Since we will not have a live racing program on Monday, January 16^th it was decided that we will honor Dr. King’s memory the following day,” said Eric Warner the tracks director of racing.

The race, which features the talents of African-American drivers, was first presented in 2001 and although the raceway was initially reticent to showcase this event the results have been a win-win situation, not only for the raceway, but for the African-American community, too.

“It will once again be our pleasure to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a race named in his honor. Over the years the Dr. King Pace has proved to be an event that is looked forward to, not only by the African-American community, but by many racing fans, too”  Warner added. “Last year we had a very competitive race and the competition was enjoyed by all the participants.”

In the 2011 Dr. King Pace Cedric Washington reined Blissful Doll to a 2:02 victory which was Washington’s third victory since the events inauguration.  He had previously won the inaugural with Cran Meadow Kalie and then copped the 2003 edition with Fancy GB.

Washington is expected to return to defend his crown and will undoubtedly be joined by other locals including Washington’s dad, General “Bubba” Washington, and Bobby “Boonie” Williams, Jr.

Currently Warner is in the process of seeking more drivers to compete in this year’s event.

“I’ve already heard from George Polk, Jr. who says he’ll be back to compete again this year. Polk won the Dr. King Pace two years ago but we’ll still need eight drivers to fill the event,” Warner said.

Any driver of  African -American descent who might be interested in competing in this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace  is urged to contact Warner in the race office at Monticello Raceway by calling 845-794-4100 x 557.  Or they can call the tracks publicity office at ext. 455.