After being sidelined last year for the first time since its inception, the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Series is in the process of resuming races again this season, albeit with a reduced schedule.

“Last year was a tough year for all of us,” noted Billings Series president Tony Verruso. “The Billings was unable to race at all for the first time in 38 years. Looking forward to this year, I still see obstacles to construct any type of series as we have had in the past. Horsemen are reluctant to travel as far as they used to, and with still so many COVID restrictions in place, many are unable to.

“So, with that in mind, we are going to race a reduced schedule this season. We are starting with a three-race schedule at Yonkers Raceway beginning on Thursday, Jan. 21, and then every other week from there, Feb. 4, and finally on Feb. 18. Other legs will be added as the spring approaches, but for now this is all I can guarantee.”

The conditions for these races are basically the same as the AHDC Series currently racing at Freehold. The club entry fee will be $50 for the whole year and there will be an entry fee of $50 for each leg. Entries can be made by email only on the day prior to the host track's box closing at 12 noon by writing to [email protected].

“We will try and add as many dates as I can secure with racetracks that I think will have a chance of filling,” Verruso added. “I hope to see you all racing at some point this year.”

Two divisions have already been drawn and will be contested on Thursday (Jan. 21) at Yonkers Raceway.

(C.K.G. Billings Series)