by john manzi for NAADA
The
fields are set for the upcoming Italian American Friendship Races. The
three-track series kicks off on Wednesday (8-17) at Monticello Raceway with two
divisions set to go to post in races two and five on the 10-race betting card.
The
competition then moves on to Yonkers Raceway for the second leg which will go
as race two on the Thursday (8-18) betting card and the competition will
conclude on Friday (8-19) at Tioga Downs with events in the second and fourth
races, also on the wagering program.
As
previously announced the veteran Italian team of Roberto Michelotto,
Giancarlo Moretti, Raffaello Ruffato, and Otello Zorzetto will be constant and
the visitors will drive in the races at all three tracks.
But
for the American home team a different driving foursome will be in action at
each venue.
At
Monticello, Bob Hechkoff, Bobby Krivelin, Peter Kleinhans and Dave Offenberg
will carry the fortunes for the American team there. Then at Yonkers Raceway,
the American team will consist of Hannah Miler, Joe Faraldo, Tony Verruso and
Tony Ciufettelli. Anchoring the Americans at Tioga Downs will be Alan Schwartz,
Gerry Fielding, Matt Zuccarello and Joe Lee.
Guests
of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) the visiting Italians
arrived on Monday, August 15 and will be chauffeured throughout the week by
members of NAADA. Besides the driving rivalries the Italian guests will be
lodged at different hotels along the journey and treated to dinners each night,
much of which was arranged by NAADA event planner, Alicia Schwartz.
Along
the way will be sojourns to Historic Track, the Harness Racing Museum and Hall
of Fame, Blue Chip Farm, the Mark Ford Training Center, as well as excursion to
Bethel Woods, the site of the original and world famous Woodstock Festival of
1969.
“I
truly believe that our Italian guests will enjoy what we have planned for
them,” said NAADA president, Joe Faraldo. “And win, lose or draw our NAADA
members will also have an enjoyable time, But the our enjoyment would certainly
be kicked up a notch if we happen to come out on the winning end.”
