Columbus, OH — Mike Kimelman has been involved in multiple aspects of the Standardbred business since the mid-1980s, and he will add another entry to his résumé this month when he begins his role as a U.S. Trotting Association ID Technician, covering New Jersey, lower New York, and northeastern Pennsylvania.
The areas were previously serviced by retiring longtime tech Jim Shupe.
Kimelman is taking appointments now and will be fully operational on or about April 15.
A native of Port Chester, N.Y., Kimelman has worked in harness racing as a driver, trainer, and breeder. In addition, he currently serves on the USTA Board of Directors, representing District 8-A in New York, and previously was on the board of Goshen Historic Track for many years.
Kimelman’s grandfather, Oscar, established Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, N.Y., and Mike was in fifth grade when his family moved there, setting the foundation for his future in the industry. After high school, Kimelman worked for horsemen such as Billy Popfinger, Steve Demas, and Billy Herman before fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional trainer-driver by opening his own public stable in 1984.
After childhood friend and schoolmate Tom Grossman purchased Blue Chip Farms in 2001, Kimelman gave up his full-time stable to become president of the farm and served in that capacity through 2014. He has since returned to training and driving a small stable on a regular basis.
For his career, Kimelman has won more than 550 races as a driver and, since the inception of official training stats in 1991, nearly 300 as a trainer.
The USTA encourages those in need of ID tech services in Mike’s area to set up appointments as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. He can be contacted at 845.249.5693.