The fifth edition of Monticello Raceway’s Maple Leaf Pace, which will go to post on Monday, May 24, is an event for drivers of Canadian heritage and the fifth leg of the tracks Heritage Drivers Series.
Eight drivers will battle with the winner earning a berth in the series finale, the All-America Pace, which will be presented in early October.
Of the eight participating, two, Travis Henry and Maxime Velaye, will be traveling in from Ontario to compete in the event. Both youngsters are up-and-coming drivers that are just beginning to launch their careers. Henry, is just 21 years of age, while Velaye is only 22. Both are currently racing at Flamboro Downs. Henry will handle Little Rosey and start from Post 3, while Velaye has JJ Lucy from Post 7.
Canadian born (Waterloo, Ontario) Mark Gingrich, a winner of 603 races and purses in excess of $5.2 million, will travel to the 'Mighty M' from Pocono Downs to compete. He drew Call Shawnie and will start from Post 6.
The race also features the Devaux brothers, Jimmy and Ken, both Mighty M regulars.
Jimmy, a former Monticello Raceway driving champion, has recorded 2,425 career driving victories and already has 61 wins this year. He has drawn the weak race favourite in Mojo Mama, and they will leave from Post 5. Ken, one other hand, has Bolt of Silk from Post 2.
Noticeably missing from the Maple Leaf Pace is John Gilmour. But Gilmour already has a berth in the All America Pace having won the St. Paddy Pace on March 17.
(With files from Monticello)