by john manzi for NAADA and CADC
Efforts
by the North American Amateur Drivers Association and the Catskill Amateur
Drivers Club to present a race(s) for veterans who are also amateur
harness drivers are coming to fruition according to NAADA vice president, Alan
Schwartz.
“We
have received confirmation from quite a few vets who are looking forward to
competing in the event(s) here at Monticello Raceway which will help us raise
money for the local veteran’s food bank,” Schwartz said. “Just recently (CADC
president) Gerry Fielding and I have heard from Peter Gerry, George Bonomo, Joe
Pennacchio, Bernie Boland and Jimmy Marshall 3rd, as well as local
horsemen, Allen Sisco, Pete Siebert and Paul Moore so we’re well on our way of
getting a field together. And should we get enough vets we’ll have two races.”
The
event was planned for national Veterans Day, November 11th but since
the Mighty M is dark on Fridays the race(s) will be slated for Thursday, Nov.
10. “But that’s OK since November 10th will be the 241st
Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps,” noted Schwartz a former U.S
Marine who besides being the vice president of NAADA is also the
president of the Monticello Raceway’s Harness Horsemen’s Association.
“It’s
true we have a good start at filling at least one division but with a few more
entries we could possibly have two races,” Schwartz added.
At
the end of the November 10th racing card at the Mighty M both NAADA
and CADC will each donate $1000 to the Veteran’s Food Pantry of Sullivan
County, NY.
Both
amateur organizations are urging those who plan on attending the afternoon’s
race card to please bring along a non-perishable food item which will then be
delivered to the veteran’s food pantry.
The
Veterans Amateur Driving Challenge is only open to former servicemen who are
amateur harness drivers licensed by the U.S. and/or the Canadian Trotting
Associations.
