by
john manzi for the Billings Series
The
C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series kicks off its 35th season at
Pompano Park on Sat., April 17 followed by a contest at Monticello Raceway on
Wednesday. April 20. 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.
“With amateur harness racing at a near frenzy pace, the
Granddaddy of them all, the CKG Billings Harness Driving Association Series is
getting ready for yet season of racing action," noted Steve Oldford, the vice president of the
Billings Series.
The Billings starts with the first travel series races at
the Isle of Capri at Pompano Park, in sunny Florida on Sunday, April 17 and
then moves north to Monticello Raceway on the following Wednesday (April 20)
for the first leg in the series eastern region. The mid-west region opener is
slated on Sunday, April 24th in Ohio at Miami Valley Raceway.”
Due mainly to the success of the Billings Series
amateur racing has now become integral part of the sport.
“This year amateur racing action has been complimented with
weekly record braking handles in races
at the Meadowlands and at Pompano Park. Wagering was also strong in the
recently completed races in the NAADA Trotting Series at Yonkers, Freehold, and
Monticello,” Oldford added.
“Amateur racing has never been more popular than it is now”
interjected Tony Verruso, the CKG Billings Series president. “Just look at the
handle at the amateur races and you can see we are a good bet.
“Various amateur clubs are now organized to help maximize
the number of races we can get; add benefits to the tracks that host us; create
an incredible comradery among the amateur drivers and benefit all of the
charities each club represents.
“Tens of thousands of dollars are raised each year through
amateur driving for the benefit of each clubs charity. The CKG Billings is
proud to contribute its driver’s earnings to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame
and Museum.
“We
are again this year going with the five separate series format," Verruso
added."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”.
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 series ending finales.
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.
“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 in the mid-west region.”
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 Sunday, November 20.
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.
