On a very cold and blustery Tuesday afternoon, Dennis Watson won the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pace, featuring the talents of African-American drivers and thus kicking off Monticello Raceway's 2013 Heritage Drivers Series.
And although the 11th edition of the Lady Godiva on Valentine’s Day didn’t attract enough lady drivers for the Valentine’s Day contest the event was postponed and now the ladies will get a chance to battle in the warmer weather in mid-May around the Mother’s Day Holiday.
Other ethnic events slated to be presented monthly this year will feature races for drivers of Irish, Jewish, British, Canadian, Italian, and German descent. Then in the early fall the winners of each ethnic leg will return to the Mighty M for a final contest to crown the overall winner in the All-America Cup.
Next up will be the 13th Annual St. Paddy Pace on Wednesday, March 13 because the raceway is dark on Sunday, March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day. And of course, that race will feature the talents of drivers of Irish heritage.
Last year Jimmy Taggart, Jr. won the race and he’ll be back to defend his crown. The veteran reinsman guided Prince Aidid to a 2:00 victory which marked the first time that Taggart has won the St. Paddy Pace.
Also expected to be among this year’s competitors is last year Mighty M driving champion, Jimmy Marohn, Jr., who won the St. Paddy in 2009 when he reined Ya Gotta Belief to a 1:59:3 score, still the event’s fastest clocking.
Young Marohn will probably be joined by other former winners including Mike Doherty, who won the inaugural with Southern Justice in 2:04:1. He hasn’t missed a competition since then.
Although Director of Racing Eric Warner, has a good start with drivers for the 2013 St Paddy Pace, he still will need eight reinsmen to have a full field.
Any driver of Irish extraction who is interested in competing is urged to contact Warner in the race office at Monticello Raceway by calling 845-794-4100 extension 557; or they can contact the track’s publicity office at ext. 455.
(Monticello)