“This may sound funny, but I really don’t pay that much attention to the numbers. This (the record) is like a bonus. I just drive.”
On November 24 at Northfield Park, Aaron Merriman became the first driver in the history of harness racing to achieve multiple 1,000-win seasons, and he did it in back-to-back fashion, nonetheless (for more on the achievement, click here).
Merriman has taken the time to discuss the achievement with The Plain Dealer.
Much of the article focuses on the hectic lifestyle that the 40-year-old has had to conform to in order to become the sport’s current dash-winning stalwart. One thing is evident from the article: Merriman loves the rush of driving.
“I just love the action, even though my schedule takes a toll,” Merriman was quoted as saying. “I can stand in the paddock and feel like hell, but as soon as I get in the bike, I feel better. Some days I feel like I’m 20, but there are others when I feel much older. And, I like doubleheaders, driving day and night.”
Merriman’s schedule has definitely taken its toll on him. Regardless, his passion for being in the bike is superseding any negative fallout that comes with the lifestyle.
“I’m definitely tired, not of winning, just tired,” he said. “I’ve said before that I was going to quit doing this, but I keep going… Who knows what the future will hold?”
MERRIMAN NOTCHES ANOTHER RECORD
As the Untied States Trotting Association has explained, Merriman has continued to re-write the record book.
On Tuesday (Nov. 27), just days removed from notching second consecutive 1,000-win campaign, Merriman set the record for the most driving victories in a single month.
Merriman won eight times on Tuesday – twice at the Meadows and six times at Northfield – to push his total in November to 123.
Tim Tetrick held the previous record for wins in a month, as he had made 121 trips to the winner’s circle in November of 2007. Tetrick finished 2007 with a record 1,189 victories.
Merriman entered Wednesday’s harness racing action with 1,020 wins. He won 1,095 races in 2017, which is currently the second highest total in history.
(With files from The Plain Dealer and the USTA)