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Friday, July 10, 2015

Lems, Marohn honored with replica colors giveaways this weekend


by James Witherite, Tioga and Vernon Downs racing media

Nichols, N.Y. -- Having captured driving titles at Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs respectively in 2014, Chris Lems and Jim Marohn, Jr. will both be honored with a unique giveaway this weekend at the upstate New York tracks, as fans in attendance will receive shirts (while supplies last) depicting the colors of Lems and Marohn.

Lems's black and silver colors will be distributed to fans at Vernon Downs on Saturday (July 11) evening, with post time at the Central New York oval slated for 6:45 p.m.  Lems, a 28-year-old South Dakota native, maintains his spot atop the Vernon standings with 59 wins so far at the Miracle Mile.  His closest pursuers, John MacDonald and Jimmy Whittemore, are currently tied for second with 50 wins apiece.  Additionally, Lems leads all Vernon drivers in purse earnings on the season, with $317,060 amassed well before the midpoint of the 90-card campaign.

Marohn's white, teal, and black colors will be available to those in attendance at Tioga Downs for the Sunday (July 12) afternoon card, due to begin at 1:30 p.m.  Though primarily racing at the Meadowlands this year, Marohn has maintained a dominant presence at Tioga on a limited schedule, amassing 29 wins in 92 drives, enough to maintain fifth place in the standings.  His .470 Universal Driver Rating is the highest among all drivers with at least 30 starts at Tioga this season.

Both drivers will be available to sign autographs and visit with fans prior to the races on the days of their respective giveaways.