Because Monticello Raceway will not have a live card on
Monday January 21 the raceway will present its 13th Annual Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 .
The race, which features the talents of African-American
drivers, was first presented in 2001 and although the raceway was initially
reticent to showcase this event the results have been a win-win situation, not
only for the raceway, but for the African-American community, too.
“It will once again be our pleasure to honor the memory of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a race named in his honor. Over the years the
Dr. King Pace has proved to be an event that is looked forward to not only by
the African-American community but by many racing fans, too” noted Eric
Warner, the tracks director of racing. Last year we had a very competitive race
and the competition was enjoyed by all the participants.”
In the 2012 Dr. King Pace Bobby Williams Jr. reined Mt
Vernon Hanover to a 2:01.2 victory which was Williams first in the race named
for the revered civil rights leader.
Williams is expected to return to defend his crown and will
undoubtedly be joined by other locals including three-time Dr. King Pace
winner, Cedric Washington, along with his dad, General “Bubba” Washington who
won this event in 2005.
Currently Warner is in the process of seeking drivers to
compete in this year’s event.
“I’ve already heard from James O’Farrow who says he’d like
to compete again this year. And George Polk, Jr. winner of the 2010 Dr.
King Pace wants to return but we will still need eight drivers to fill the
event,” Warner added.
Any driver of African-American descent who might be
interested in competing in this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace
is urged to contact Warner in the race office at Monticello Raceway by calling
845-794-4100x557. Or they can call the tracks publicity office at ext.
455.
