Ruvola of Napierville, IL is a VP strategic planner by
trade and each year she enjoys driving in the amateur series and over the years
she has made a very creditable showing. One just has to ask any of her male counterparts
in the Billings of her abilities and she’ll always get a thumb-up review.
Peter Gerry, the longtime president of the driving series says ;
“Michelle consistently beats up the boys and she can handle herself against the
best of them. She should be a good fit in the Lady Godiva.”
Driving competitively since 1996 the mother of three often
finds herself lined up against her dad, George Bonomo, who undoubtedly
urged his daughter to get involved in harness racing especially since Bonomo
has been a longtime owner of Standardbreds. And although both joined the
Billings amateur ranks together in 1996 Bonomo has to take a back seat to his
daughter in races won since dad has 31 lifetime wins which is two less than his
daughter’s current total of 33.
When contacted about driving in this year’s Lady
Godiva, Ruvola said enthusiastically; “I’d love to and thanks
for thinking of me.”
Ruvola will bring with her 33 wins; 21 seconds and 17 thirds
in 179 career starts which equates to a very creditable lifetime .281UDR.
But Ruvola will have to bring her best game when she
lines-up alongside her competitors in the May 14th Lady
Godiva. Three of her challengers have already been victorious in the race
for the Godiva Chocolates.
Betsy Phillips , with 550 career driving victories won the
2008 edition with longshot Dryad Hanover in a 2:02.4 clocking.
Terry Donnelly, another talented Billing amateur driver was victorious
behind 73-1 shot Greenmenasgo in 2:03.1 in the 2004 Lady
Godiva; and Lisa Krom is the defending champion after having won last year’s
event with Allikiat fighter in 2:03.
When the hoopla subsides and the post position drawings have
been completed eight talented lady teamsters will be set to be battle for
the chocolates in the 10th annual Lady Godiva.
