Corey Callahan has accepted an invitation to represent the United States in the upcoming 2011 World Driving Championship, which will open on July 31 at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack
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The invitation from Phil Langley, president of the U.S. Trotting Association, was necessitated when Jason Bartlett was injured in an automobile accident earlier this month and had to withdraw due to the severity of his injuries.
Callahan, 33, who was born and resides in Maryland, recorded his 2,000th win earlier this year. Overall, he has 2,057 career victories and is currently ninth in North America in terms of races won in 2011 with 302. He has driven the winners of more than $24.8 million in his brief but successful career, which began in 2005.
“I’m very honoured,” Callahan said in a phone interview moments after receiving harness racing’s equivalent of a call to the bullpen.
“I’ve followed (the World Driving Championship) over the years, thinking I would like to be part of it. In fact, I met (USTA Chief Executive) Mike Tanner on a plane coming back from the Adios in 2009, after I drove Mr Wiggles, and told him to keep me in mind if a spot ever comes up.
“I’m sorry for Jason (Bartlett); he represented us well in Norway, but I’m ready to step in and will try to do as well as I know he would have.”
“I'm delighted Corey was able to accept the invitation on such short notice,” Langley said. “From what I know of him he will be a great representative. I really feel bad that Jason is unable to represent us, as he too is another of harness racing's great young talents.”
(USTA)
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They ain't got NOTHING on
They ain't got NOTHING on Jody - I know I know, it has a lot to do with the luck of your draw with the horses you got on the "inside" to the ones on the outside since EVERYONE drives from the same post at least once (but you still gotta hope the ones you got in good posts are good horses....)
NONE of that matters Jody Jamieson is the BEST in North America and other than a select few hes (that aren't in the competition) hes got their number and if people already don't consider him one of the top 5 in the world they will now (after he brings that championship back to Canada)
Everyone in this competition is a GREAT driver and does well in their respected race tracks - but on a continuous basis Jody proves that you can put him on any kind of horse in any kind of race, big stakes little stakes, trot or pace he can win against the best and will probably make us proud Canadians - as not one driver that is driving right now loves the sport as much as he does - just listen to him talk in a post race interview - he loves the fans as much as driving!
Good luck Jody - and Congrats Corey on getting in I see you drive a lot while watching HPI Simulcast and you will def. give everyone a run for their money!