The C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series kicks off its 33rd
season at Miami Valley Raceway on Sunday, April 27 followed by a contest at
Freehold Raceway on May 3. Then, almost weekly, there will be races for amateur
drivers at various racetracks through late November.
Again the Billings will be run under the auspices of the
Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association.
The series which began in the early 1980’s is considered the
Grand Circuit of Amateur Racing. Known for its constant traveling
sideshow over the years some of the best amateur drivers in North America
compete, or have competed, in it.
“This year we are again going with the five separate series
format. We believe it was well received by members new and old last year so we
thought it a good idea to give it another whirl,” said Billings Series
president Tony “the Capo” Verruso.
Verruso is referring to having five divisions of short
series instead of having a seven-month year-long event.
“The Eastern Regional and the
Midwest Regional will each have two short series and there will also be a
Travel Series. And each will have a series ending finale,” Verruso added.
“On the whole, participation was definitely up last racing
season and we did also get some new quality members. Our goal this year is to
continue that trend and we hope the new slot money being infused into Ohio will
go a long way to rebuilding that driving base for us.”
Obviously, the eastern divisions will encompass racetracks in the east while the western divisions will feature races at tracks in the Midwest. There will be a travel division with events in both East and Midwest and in early September two racetracks in Canada on Prince Edward Island will again host Billings events.
Obviously, the eastern divisions will encompass racetracks in the east while the western divisions will feature races at tracks in the Midwest. There will be a travel division with events in both East and Midwest and in early September two racetracks in Canada on Prince Edward Island will again host Billings events.
“The beauty of this format will allow everyone to race in
any division. However, the points earned in each division will be calculated in
that division only,” Verruso explained. “And the European Point System will
again be used to tally each participant’s points.”
Again there will be Billings Gold and Silver Cup Finals at
the end of the season and they will take place at Harrah’s Philadelphia on
November 23.
As usual, only drivers can be nominated to the Billings
Series; horses have to meet the certain series criteria.
A complete listing of conditions and nominating costs can be
had by contacting Verruso at sulkyracer@hotmail.com
or Billings Series VP, Steve Oldford at steveoldford@oldford.biz.
One can also get pertinent information on the Delvin Miller
Harness Driving Series on the USTA website under amateur racing.
But remember, nominations by mail close on May 2, 2014.
However, late nominations can always be made but at an additional cost.
