On Monday, October 25 at Monticello Raceway, Mike Forte pushed his number of career driving wins to 2,812 when he visited the track's winner's circle five times.

Forte, 52, began his career in 1977 and spent most his early years competing against the driving colony at Yonkers and Roosevelt Raceways. In recent years, he has been a staple -- and a powerful one, at that -- at 'the Mighty M.'

Since 2005 the 5’-10” 175-pounder has recorded 1,331 wins, most of them at Monticello. Forte has driven 163 winners this season.

He notched victories yesterday with Rose Run Hot Rod (2:00:4), AM Firegirl (2:00), Mic Mac Molly (1:58:3), Laurens Joy (1:59) and Giant T (2:01:2).

“I had a great day, and it felt good doing well for (owner) Elisha Lafreniere and (trainer) Lisa Krom, for whom I drive often,” Forte said of the owner- trainer combo which helped produce three of his five victories on Monday.

“Today was one of my best days ever, though a few years ago I also won five races on one card here at Monticello.”

With just a little more luck, Forte could have had six wins. He finished second by a head with Pembroke Lil -- another pacer from the Lafreniere-Krom connection -- in Race 7.

(With files from Monticello)