It's only fitting that the track that offers North American harness racing's best purses should feature North America's best drivers

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So, the announcement that George Brennan, Yonkers Raceway's runaway driving leader, was voted 2011's Driver of the Year by the U.S. Harness Writers Association for a second consecutive season is hardly a news flash.

Brennan, who moved his base to Yonkers from the Meadowlands a bit more than a year ago, made himself at home right away. Entering Tuesday's program, he racked up 693 local wins with purses nearing $11.2 million. Brennan's complete seasonal totals (entering Tuesday) were 750 wins and $14.5 million in purses, both figures ranking second in North America.

"Now that the season is winding down, I've had some time to look back and really appreciate what's happened," Brennan said. "Everything worked out better than I could have hoped. I always have to mention the owners and trainers, who put me down on a lot of very good horses. Without their support, and the support of my family, none of this would be possible."

The 44-year-old Brennan's career numbers entering Tuesday were 7,117 wins and more than $117.5 million in purses.

While Yonkers ends its 2011 season of harness racing on Friday night, Tuesday was Brennan's final work night of the season. Thus, he was feted Tuesday by Yonkers in the winner's circle...a place where he regularly gets his mail, as evidenced by six wins Saturday night and seven Monday night.

Brennan's season also included any number of big-money stakes victories, including the Hambletonian (Broad Bahn), Hambletonian Oaks (Bold and Fresh), George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series (Real Nice), William Haughton Memorial (Alexie Matosie) and the American-National and Windy City (both with Betterthancheddar), among others.

"We're tremendously proud to have George selected as Driver of the Year," general manager Bob Galterio said. "His success has reinforced Yonkers Raceway's status as the preeminent harness track with the most talented driving colony, and we're looking forward to even better season in 2012."

(with files from Yonkers)