Again the Billings will be run under the auspices of the
Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association.
The series which began in the early 1980’s is considered the
Grand Circuit of Amateur Racing. Known for its constant traveling
sideshow, over the years some of the best amateur drivers in North America
compete, or have competed, in it.
This year the amateur driving series takes on a new look.
“We have changed to five divisions of short series instead
of having a seven-month year long event,” noted Billings Series president Tony
Verruso. “We think now the series format will be more attractive and easier for
many of the members to participate.”
According to Verruso the Eastern Regional and the Midwest
Regional will each have two short series and there will also be a
Travel Series. All will have a series ending finale.
Obviously, the eastern divisions will encompass
racetracks in the east while the western divisions will feature
races at tracks in the Midwest. The travel division will have events in
both east and Midwest as well as races in Canada on Prince Edward Island.
And at the end of every divisional series a final event will be
contested.
“The beauty of this format will allow everyone to race in
any division. However, the points earned in each division will be calculated in
that division only,” Verruso explained. “And the European Point System will
again be used to tally each participant’s points.”
Despite the new format there still will be Billings Gold and
Silver Cup finals at the end of the season and will take place at Harrah’s
Philadelphia on November 24th .
As usual, only drivers can be nominated to the Billings
Series; horses have to meet the series criteria.
A complete listing of conditions and nominating costs can be
had by contacting Verruso at sulkyracer@hotmail.com
or one can check out the Delvin Miller Harness Driving Series on the USTA
website under amateur racing.
But remember, nominations close on May 30th,.
However, late nominations can always be made but at an additional cost.
