Nearly three months ago the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) president, Joe Faraldo, received a formal invitation from the French amateur organization (LeTrot) for a rematch of the French vs. American Amateur Friendship Challenge, only this time with all races on French soil, including a competition over the fabled Vincennes racetrack outside the City of Lights.
At that time, Faraldo responded positively telling his counterparts that NAADA would field a team of its members who have participated in their Spring Trotting Series. That event began in mid-March and will culminate with the Series finale slated on May 18.
After reviewing possible candidates, Faraldo and his organization have named six talented American amateur harness drivers who will wing their way to Paris in late May and represent NAADA in races there and at facilities in greater Normandy.
Those preparing to join Faraldo and represent America in the upcoming USA-France Friendship Competition include Alan Schwartz, Tony Verruso, Tony Ciufettelli, Bob Davis and Peter Kleinhans. All the aforementioned have their paperwork completed and have made preparations to convene in Paris on May 26.
“We will have a tough plight in order to avenge the terrible loss we sustained at the hands of the French when they visited us [in the U.S.A.] two years ago for a Friendship Competition,” Faraldo reasoned. “Nevertheless, we look forward to the challenge, and win or lose, we will definitely enjoy all the locales that we’ll visit.
“We expect to soon receive an itinerary for the upcoming trip and when we do we’ll disclose it.”
(NAADA)