Forte , who is having one of his best seasons already has
reined 157 winners and is challenging for leading driver honors here at
the Mighty M. In his career Forte has driven 3151 horses to victory.
Joining Forte in the line-up is former two-time
Monticello Raceway driving champion Kyle DiBenedetto. During the seasons of
1987and 1998 DiBenedetto topped the drivers leaderboard and has been a
force to be reckoned with ever since.
Thus far this season DiBenedetto has driven 127 and in his
illustrious career the 45 year old Honsedale, Pa resident has recorded 5557
driving victories.
But the Godfather Pace defending champion is Jimmy
Marohn—his mom is the former Bridget Circo—and not only is the ‘Mighty Mite’
the defending champ he is a two-time Godfather Pace winner. He’ll bring his
5319 career wins with him.
Other possible local talent of Italian extraction that may
join the fray is Greg Annaloro. He has returned to action at the Mighty M
and has reined 32 winners here this season from a limited amount of
starts. If Annaloro joins in he’ll bring his 2172 lifetime winners
with him.
The tracks director of racing Eric Warner said he also has
confirmation from Matt Zuccarello but he will still will need eight
drivers to have a complete field in the Godfather Pace.
The winner of the race for drivers of Italian heritage will
join winners of the previous ethnic races in the series finale dubbed the All-America
Cup later this fall.
Already with berths in the All America Cup after winning
their Heritage Series preliminary legs are: Bobby Williams, Jr. ( Martin Luther
King Pace for African-Americans); Lisa Krom (Lady Godiva Pace for women); Jimmy
Taggart, Jr. (St. Paddy Pace for Irish Americans) and Alan Charles
(Passover Pace for drivers of Jewish heritage) and Mike Merton (Munich Mile
for drivers of German heritage).
Drivers of Italian heritage who may be interested in
competing in the race are urged to call Warner at the racing office at
845-794-4100x557. Or they can contact the tracks publicity department at
extension 455.
