The California Amateur Driving Club celebrated its fifth anniversary this past weekend with the final of the TVG Pacing Series. A full field of 10 horses went to the gate and Long Last Look emerged the winner after having circled the field from last to first during the third quarter.

While the race culminated the 2010 Amateur Season, the achievements of the CADC over its first five years of existence is a testament to the strong support the club has received by both Cal-Expo management, and the local horsemen. Since 2005, the club has seen six of its amateur drivers go on to professional driving careers, including Jason Maier, Jim Foley, Tim Clevenger, James Guagliardo, Ralph Silvestri and James Kennedy. In addition, the club boasts two Fauts Memorial champions in James Foley and Rick Bertrand, who just won the 2010 edition of the race during the recent Jug week in Ohio. And, consistent with the club’s goals, it has attracted new owners or renewed interest into the game in Robert Stepien, Tom Parris and most recently, Karen Isbell. In addition, David Siegel represented the U.S. in the 2008 World Cup competition for amateur drivers.

Another bright star of the club’s existence has been the annual East-West Challenge which takes place in the spring. Four drivers representing the Billings group come out for six to eight races spread over two nights and, with random draw, compete against a group of CADC drivers. The CADC drivers earn spots on the squad based on points accumulated during its TVG Late Closing Series from the previous year.

The club 'works' due to the cooperation and support of three key organizations. Cal-Expo management has seen the long-term benefits of spicing up the program with the TVG series and the East-West Challenge. Handle on the race is at or over the level of comparable races so the purse pool is not negatively impacted. The California Harness Horsemen’s Association sees the benefits of a varied program as well, as has benefitted from increase purses during the events which are made possible by sponsors, namely the Billings group for the East-West Challenge, and by longtime supporter TVG. Both groups also have seen that the CADC has fulfilled its mission in cultivating new professional drivers, and attracting new owners to the game.

Club president David Siegel has been generally satisfied with the results. “I am very pleased that we have the support of management, the horsemen, and our wonderful sponsor in TVG," Siegel explained. "My only disappointment is that I had hoped the club would have brought more new owners into the game. The thrill of driving in a race is unparalleled and harness racing is one of the few, if not only, sports where an amateur can compete amongst pros or other amateurs in a pro-like setting. I hope that over the next few years we can do a better job of bringing in some new blood.”

Siegel added, “As much as we have done, I think we could do more with additional sponsorship. Sponsors get high-level promotion from Cal-Expo in terms of exposure well beyond the fees they pay and all fees go directly to the horsemen, so it’s a win-win for all involved. I would love get calls from interested parties so we can expand the program even further.” Interested sponsors can contact the club at [email protected].

More information about amateur driving and the CADC can be found on their website at thecadc.com.

(CADA)