When the Mildred Williams Series was going there was an
abundance of ladies looking for a chance to drive. But now since that series
has folded over the past two years the Mighty M has struggled to get enough
drivers for a race.
Last year the track went with seven girls and earlier this
season the race didn’t fill.
“The same thing happened last year; we had to change
the race date from Valentine’s Day until the day after Mothers Day,” noted Eric
Warner the tracks director of racing.” That problem arose again this year when
we couldn’t fill the Lady Godiva in February. Hopefully we’ll get enough ladies
for an event on May 13.
“As it stands now we have only heard from four women who say
they are ready to drive in our upcoming event. They are Lisa Krom, Terry
Donnelly, Whitney Goodblood and Veronica Merton.
Monticello’s reigning queen, Betsy Phillips with 550
lifetime wins, is recuperating from a badly broken ankle and won’t be
able to participate.”
Lisa Krom won last year’s Lady Godiva with East Tower in
1:59.4 which is currently the series best winning time. They defeated
Western Dancing driven by Whitney Goodblood and Michelle Ruvola
with B Major. In fact Krom has won the last two Lady Godiva’s. Krom also won
the race during 2011.
Other past winners include: Jody Riedel (2003 & 2006),
Terry Donnelly (2004); Charlene (Sherry Urquidez) Cushing (2005); Devan Miller
(2007); Betsy Phillips (2008); Doreen Daily (2009) and Jennifer Lappe
(2010).
“Still there are plenty of women who would be eligible to
compete this year. Hopefully we’ll hear from some of them in the near future,”
Warner added.
The Lady Godiva will be the fourth leg of Monticello
Raceway’s Heritage Drivers Series 2013 and the winner of this race will earn a
berth in the series finale dubbed the All-America Cup—set for later this
fall.
Any lady with an “A” or “P” driving license from the USTA or
Standardbred Canada interested in competing in the Lady Godiva on Monday,
May 13 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.
