North America’s top drivers
compete against leading local drivers for $25,000 first prize at Vernon Downs
on Aug. 25 & Tioga Downs on Sept. 2
NICHOLS,
NY – Harness
racing’s version of the All-Star Game returns to Upstate New York when North
America’s premier drivers compete in the 7th Annual Tioga/Vernon
Drivers’ Championship.
The
continent’s top six money-winning drivers have been confirmed to participate
led by Tim Tetrick, whose mounts have earned more than $9.2 million in 2013.
Tetrick has led North America in earnings for an unprecedented six straight
years; however, he’s never finished first in the Drivers’ Championship in six
appearances.
This
year’s field will also include Hambletonian winning driver and Vernon native
Brian Sears, two-time champion Yannick Gingras, defending champion Ron Pierce,
David Miller and first-time participant Corey Callahan, who will also be
honored with a bobblehead doll giveaway during the event.
Those
six drivers will compete against leading Tioga Downs driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr.
and leading Vernon Downs driver Rick Plano.
The
final competitor in the nine-man field, the sponsor’s exemption, will be
announced tomorrow.
The
first round of the event takes place at Vernon Downs during a special Sunday
night of racing on August 25 with a 6:45 p.m. first race post time. The leader
after the Vernon round will receive $10,000. The drivers and their accumulated
points will then head to Tioga Downs on a special Labor Day card, September 2,
with a 1:30 p.m. post time. The overall winner of the event receives $25,000.
The
Vernon Downs leg of the challenge shares a card with the $700,000 Zweig
Memorial Trot featuring Hambletonian champion Royalty For Life racing on his
home track. The Tioga Downs leg of the challenge shares a card with the
$400,000 Cane Pace, opening leg of the Pacing Triple Crown. The Cane is
expected to feature a long-awaited showdown between top-rated 3-year-olds
Captaintreacherous and Vegas Vacation.
In
addition to the racing on the track, fans will be treated to a variety of
giveaways and promotions including the annual bobblehead giveaway and t-shirt
giveaway while supplies last and drawings to win iPads and laptop computers.
There will also be pre-race autograph sessions with the drivers on both days of
the event.
