by john manzi for NAADA
Nearly
three months ago the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA)
president, Joe Faraldo, received a formal invitation from the French amateur
organization (LeTrot) for a rematch of the French vs American Amateur
Friendship Challenge only this time with all races on French soil, including a
competition over the fabled Vincennes racetrack outside the City of Lights.
At
that time Faraldo responded positively telling his counterparts that NAADA
would field a team of its members who have participated in their Spring
Trotting Series. That event began in mid-March and will culminate with the
Series finale slated on May 18.
After
reviewing possible candidates Faraldo and his organization have named six
talented American amateur harness drivers who will wing their way to Paris in
late May and represent NAADA in races there and at facilities in greater
Normandy.
Those
preparing to join Faraldo and represent America in the upcoming USA-France
Friendship Competition include Alan Schwartz, Tony Verruso, Tony Ciufettelli,
Bob Davis and Peter Kleinhans. All the aforementioned have their paperwork
completed and have made preparations to convene in Paris on May 26.
“We
will have a tough plight in order to avenge the terrible loss we sustained at
the hands of the French when they visited us (in the USA) two years ago for a
Friendship Competition,” Faraldo reasoned. “Nevertheless we look forward to the
challenge, and win or lose, we will definitely enjoy all the locales that we’ll
visit.
“We
expect to soon receive an itinerary for the upcoming trip and when we do we’ll
disclose it.”
