The United States Harness Writers Association's National Committee has unanimously voted Joe Pennacchio this year’s recipient of National Amateur Driver of the Year.

Although having prominent stats, which Pennacchio has, it takes more than that for award consideration. Besides being a member of many amateur organizations, Pennacchio is the president of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and sits on the board of the USTA. Since he purchased his first horse in 1987, over the years he has owned more than 100 Standardbreds. In 2004, his then-three-year-old trotter Yankee Slide won the prestigious Breeders Crown at Woodbine Racetrack with Brian Sears in the sulky.

“Yankee Slide was trained by Steve Elliot and was sent off at odds of 40-1 and man we were pleasantly surprised with his victory,” recalled Pennacchio, who can still remember the first horse he ever purchased.

“In 1987, I bought a pacer by the name of Skipper Marlow and raced him at Monticello under the care of Craig Mosher. In 1995, I drove for the first time and had two wins in three starts. That year both wins were with a trotter by the name of Fox Valley Trump. I won at Delaware, Ohio and then at the Red Mile. After that, I was hooked.”

The next year, Pennacchio and Fox Valley Trump won the $30,000 final of the Billings Series at Freehold Raceway. Pennacchio has won 176 races since then. This past season he tallied 65 starts, 14 wins, 11 seconds and four thirds for a .330 UDR.

He currently owns 14 racehorses. Pennacchio's Florida contingent is handled by Jim McDonald, while Allen Sisco trains his stock in New York.

Joe Pennacchio, pictured victorious with Cheeky Little Miss

Over the years, Pennacchio has won races on all sizes of racetracks and has enjoyed some nice horses along the way. He has even won races in Europe and thoroughly enjoys the sport and the horses he's owned. Although, his favorite is arguably Super Manning, who is still racing today. The veteran trotter has won $650,000 thus far in his career.

Pennacchio is a retired CEO who spent most of his career in department store retailing. His last assignment was as the president of Jordan Marsh department stores in Boston. He has had significant experience in running companies with both United States and foreign facilities and has served on several boards for both private and public companies.

He will receive his National Amateur Driver of the Year Award when the US Harness Writers Association holds its annual awards banquet in Florida in late February.

(With files from USHWA)