by john manzi for NAADA
Formed
in the early 1980’s on heels of the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Series the
North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) has long afforded both men
and women the opportunity to test their skills in racing action. And since
their inceptions the growing amateur movement has spawned various amateur clubs
which, over the years, were starting venues for many successful professionals
racing today, including the likes of George Brennan, Jordan Stratton, Joe
Bongiorno, Greg Merton and Jimmy Taggart, Jr., to mention a few.
Although
amateur racing didn’t immediately become an integral part of the Standardbred
scene, in recent years it has been one of the sport’s bright spots. And today,
not only do many race tracks depend on the amateur races to help fill their
racing cards, but the movement has introduced new members who support the
industry by purchasing horses and hiring professional trainers.
After
decades of producing events for amateur drivers beginning Thursday, March 16
and continuing weekly through May 11 the North American Amateur Drivers
Association (NAADA) will launch its annual Spring Trotting Series which will
offer races at both Monticello and Yonkers Raceways.
The
events will kick-off at the Sullivan County (NY) oval on Thursday, March 16
followed by action at Yonkers Hilltop oval on March 23. Racing at those venues
will continue on consecutive Thursdays through May 4 culminating in a $15,000
Final at Yonkers on May 11 for the drivers who earned the most points in the
preliminary legs.
At
Monticello the participating amateur drivers will race weekly for $4500 purses
while at Yonkers participating members will vie for $6000 purses. However,
should it fill, the Monticello Raceway final will be contested on Wednesday,
May 10 and compete for a purse of $5000.
The
series is open to all amateur drivers as long as they become members of NAADA.
Membership fee is $150 per calendar year.
To
inquire about the general conditions or to become a participant in the upcoming
NAADA Spring Trotting Series please contact NAADA president Joe Faraldo at:
718.544.6800; Faral@thorn.net ; or contact
his vice president Alan Schwartz at: 845.292.8125; ctclv@aol.com
