by
john manzi for the Billings Series
The
C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series kicks off its 34rd season at
Pompano Park on Sat., April 18 followed by a contest at Northfield Park on
Thurs. April 23. Then, almost weekly, there will be races for amateur drivers
at various racetracks in the United States and Canada 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. And because of the success of the Billings Series it has spawned various
local amateur driving organizations.
“We
are again going this year 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 division will encompass racetracks in the east while the western
division will feature races at tracks in the Midwest. There will be a
travel division with events in both East and Midwest and a few racetracks
in Canada will host Billings events thus making the Billings a true
international amateur Series.
“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 22.
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 April 18. However, late
nominations can always be made but at an additional cost.
