Monticello,
NY--On Friday, November 10 America will commemorate the valiant services of
members of our armed forces with pageantry, speeches, parades and other various
celebrations. But on the previous day, November 9th, two local
amateur clubs are planning an amateur driving challenge at Monticello Raceway
as an impetus to raise money for the local veteran’s food banks. However, since
the Mighty M is dark on Fridays this year’s Veterans Driving Challenge is
slated for Thursday, November 9.
This
project is the brainchild of Alan Schwartz , the president of the Monticello
Harness Horsemen’s Association who is also the vice president of the North
American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA).
“We
have planned our own special tribute for those who served our country with
honor by staging this Amateur Driving Challenge for veterans of our armed
forces who are currently amateur drivers,” said Schwartz, a former US Marine.
“NAADA is being joined in this worthwhile endeavor by the Catskill Amateur
Drivers Club (CADC) and its president Gerry Fielding who was a longtime Army
reservist. And at the end of the November 9th racing program each
amateur club will make a sizable donation to the Veterans Food Pantry of
Sullivan County.
Although
the amateur clubs have great ambitions this project couldn’t come to fruition
without the help of Eric Warner, Monticello Raceway’s longtime director of
racing.
The
Veterans Amateur Driving Challenge is only open to former servicemen who are
amateur drivers licensed by the U.S Trotting Association and/or the Canadian
Trotting Association.
“This
may not be an easy race to fill but once the word is out we’re hopeful of
getting a good response from proud veterans who helped preserve the American
way of life,” Schwartz added.
Last
year there was enough response from veterans that two races were staged.
Schwartz won one division while Irving Bluestein, who traveled all the way from
the greater Boston Mass- area, to compete, won the other.
Anyone
wanting more information, or to enter the event, must contact Warner at
Monticello Raceway by calling 845-794-4100 ext 557. Or contact Schwartz in the
Monticello Horsemen’s organization office at 845-791-7747.
