With the completion of the final two preliminary legs of
this year’s North American Amateur Drivers Association’s Charity Trotting
Series held at Yonkers Raceway on December 12th, the field of
drivers is now set for the $12,000 finale to be raced at Yonkers Raceway
on December 19.
Last night (Dec. 12) previous leg winners, Paul Minore and
Dr. John Kokinos, each emerged victorious, Kokinos for the fourth time
and Minore for the second.
Kokinos, with Jennifer Lappe’s Impressive Earl, trotted to
the front in their $6,000 split and rebuffed all challenges en route to a
1:59.4 victory over Ipo Blue Chip and driver Steve Oldford. Third place
went to Bob Davis up behind Ilari.
For Doctor John, a veterinarian by trade, his victory added
another 11 points to his totals and he finishes with 59 points and the points
championship in the seven- leg, three-track trotting series which began on
October 17 at Monticello Raceway. Freehold Raceway was also a participant in
the series.
In his $6,000 split Paul Minore, a retired high school coach
who’s most famous pupil was Carl Lewis, took no prisoners and went down the
road to score a 1:59.3 victory with his own Wygant Prince. Monica Banca with
Leave Your Mark finished a length behind the winner in second place while
Bob Hechkoff got Tremendous Hit home for third money.
As a results of those races the top eight in series points
earned a berth in the $12,000 Final. Behind Kokinos and eligible to start if
they choose to enter are; Paul Minore (40 points), Monica Banca (34), Bob Davis
(24), Dave Offenberg (23), Bob Krivelin , Bob Hechkoff, and Dave Yarock, each
with 21 points.
If any of the aforementioned don’t enter it opens up
for those next in line in points totals which includes; Tony Verruso (18),
Gerry Fielding (17), Steve Oldford, ( 13), Kelly Walker 12 and Alan Schwartz
(11).
When the series finale is completed, Joe Faraldo, the
president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association, will again make a
substantial donation from the organization to a worthwhile charity soon to be
announced.
