The Irish, the Jewish, the African-Americans, the Germans,
the Brits, and even the ladies, now have a representative in Monticello
Raceway’s final of the Heritage Drivers Series as a result of winning their
ethnic preliminary legs earlier this year. And after a winner is declared in
the track’s Godfather Pace slated for Tuesday, October 29 so will the Italians.
Mike Forte won last year’s Godfather Pace with
Velvety Smooth over True Gritty and driver Rock Vinci in a series fastest
1:58.2.
Jimmy Marohn –who knew he had Italian blood in his veins-
not only won the previous Godfather Pace with Just Trouble 1:59 but
he also reined Flying After Midnight to a 2:01.4 in 2010.
Other previous winners in the race for drivers of Italian descent include Eddie
Lohmeyer and Hall of Famer Cat Manzi.
“This year’s Godfather Pace will be the seventh leg in our
series of races for drivers of different ethnicities,” noted Eric Warner the
track director of racing. “We have a few locals who fit the criteria but I’m
still looking for enough Italian-American drivers to fill the race.”
Besides Forte , Marohn, and Vinci, Warner was probably
referring to Antonino Butttita and Johnny Desimone, Jr. each of
whom are having good seasons this year, locally. But, as always, in
order to get a full field Warner will need a total of eight drivers for the
Godfather Pace.
Currently he is in the process of seeking drivers for the
Godfather Pace. Anyone with Italian heritage interested in competing, or for
further information, please call Warner in the racing office at 845-794-4100
ext. 557; or call the tracks publicity office at extension 455.
