With the Sunshine Pro-Am Challenge one week away, the two-night series has been enhanced for harness racing fans on two fronts

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First, Pompano Park has announced that a randomly drawn 'legends' race will be carded for both Monday and Tuesday night (March 12 and 13). These races will feature 10-horse fields with drivers that have amassed over 64,000 lifetime victories. Heading the list will be 8,000-win drivers Doug Brown, Bruce Ranger, Dale Hiteman and Wally Hennessey.

In addition, two native Californian drivers will participate --- Rick Plano (more than 5,000 wins) and Ed Hensley (more than 4,000 wins). Rounding out the other four drivers are Dave Ingraham, Richard Simard, Joe Pavia and Mickey Micnichol, all with well over 4,000 wins apiece.

Second, the legends races, along with three Pro-Am races each night, will comprise the Pick-4 sequence.

Leading Cal-Expo driver Luke Plano had the following to say about next week’s event: "I am grateful that the folks at Pompano have put this together. It’s a really clever series that should be very competitive, and, on the personal front, it will be great to be in south Florida and spend time with my mom and Dad. Also, being on hand live to support my dad in the legends race is just icing on the cake.”

Cal-Expo amateur Rick Bertrand echoed Plano’s sentiments.

"I [raced] in a few Billings events years back, and I think the East-West Challenge that Cal-Expo has hosted for the last several years have been great. But I think this event will top them all in terms of interest by the public. All of us from Cal-Expo are indebted to John (Yinger) and his team for hosting this event. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to it."

Cal-Expo track announcer Scott Ehrlich will join the Cal-Expo team and is scheduled to call a race or two each night, as well as handicapping various races from the winner's circle with Pompano Park handicapper (and former Cal-Expo race expert) Steve Carpenito.

(With files from Trackmaster)