The Irish, the Jewish, the African-Americans, the Germans, and even the ladies, now have a representative in Monticello Raceway’s final of the Heritage Drivers Series as a result of winning their ethnic preliminary legs earlier this year.

And after a winner is declared in the track’s Godfather Pace, slated for Monday afternoon, August 27, so will the Italians.

Jimmy Marohn, who knew he had Italian blood in his veins, not only won the last Godfather Pace but he won the previous two and his 1:59 victory with Just Trouble in 2010 is the record for the fastest winning time in the event. Other previous winners in the race for drivers of Italian extraction include Cat Manzi and Eddie Lohmeyer.

“This year’s Godfather Pace will be the sixth leg in our series of races for drivers of different ethnicities,” noted Eric Warner the track director of racing. “We have a few locals who fit the criteria but I’m still looking for enough Italian-American drivers to fill the race.”

Warner is probably referring to Mike Forte, Kyle DiBenedetto, Jimmy Marohn and Greg Annaloro, all of whom are having good seasons this year, locally. But, as always, in order to get a full field, Warner will need a total of eight drivers for the Godfather Pace.Currently he is in the process of seeking drivers for the Godfather Pace.

Anyone of Italian descent interested in competing, or for further information, please call Warner in the racing office at 845-794-4100 ext. 557; or call the track's publicity office at extension 455.

(Monticello Raceway)