I've just finished speaking to a class at the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program, concluding a three-day stint with students. I often find that the out-of-class conversations with students are the most interesting as they're never shy about asking questions. Some of them know quite a bit about harness racing and some of them know practically nothing, but they're inquisitive.

They're also optimistic about the future of racing. If they weren't, would they be here to study for a career in racing? They're realistic enough to know all about racing's challenges, but willing to tackle these challenges and find solutions. I encouraged them to be innovative instead of going with the same old/same old ideas that have been tried and have failed in the past.

I always feel that these young people in the RTIP program here at the University of Arizona are the hope for racing's future. It lifts my spirits to see their commitment to a career in track management.