Governor John E. Baldacci today presented Jason Bartlett with USA driving colours to represent Maine and the United States in the 2009 World Driving Championship
. Bartlett accepted an invitation from the U.S. Trotting Association to represent the country in the competition to be held in Norway May 14-20.
“Harness racing is an important sport in Maine – to our economy, our history and our culture,” Governor Baldacci said. “When you are in Norway, you’ll be representing not only your country, but also your State. We wish you well and the entire State of Maine will be cheering you on.”
Jason Bartlett is a native of Augusta and is a former small-college All-American basketball player. He began racing at the age of 17 in 1998 on the Maine fair circuit and at commercial tracks throughout New England before advancing to larger raceways in New York and Pennsylvania. He currently ranks fourth among all North American drivers in terms of races won this year with 520. Last year he received the Rising Star Award from the U.S. Harness Writers’ Association.
The World Driving Championship is the oldest driving competition in harness racing. It is contested biannually in conjunction with the World Trotting Conference.
(Governor's Press Office)