by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — On Veteran’s Day (Friday, Nov. 11), America will commemorate the valiant services of former members of our armed forces with speeches, parades and various other celebrations. But on Thursday (Nov. 10), the local amateur drivers clubs are planning an amateur driving challenge at Monticello Raceway as an impetus to raise money for the local veteran’s food banks.

“We chose Nov. 10 for two reasons. First, Monticello is dark on Fridays and second because it will mark the 241st anniversary of the United States Marine Corps,” noted former U.S Marine Alan Schwartz, who is the vice president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association, as well as the president of the local horsemen’s organization. “We have planned our own special tribute for those who served our country with honor by staging an amateur driving challenge for veterans of the armed services who are currently amateur harness drivers and we’re re being joined in this endeavor by the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club and its president, Gerry Fielding. At the end of Monticello’s Nov. 10 racing program each amateur club will donate $1,000 to the Veterans Food Pantry of Sullivan County.”

Although the amateur clubs have great ambitions their project couldn’t come to fruition without the help of Monticello Raceway’s longtime director of racing, Eric Warner, who over the years has been helpful in promoting his racetrack.

The Veterans Amateur Driving Challenge is only open to former servicemen who are amateur drivers licensed by the USTA and/or Standardbred Canada.

“This may not be an easy race to fill but we surely feel this is a worthwhile endeavor,” Schwartz said. “Once the word is out we are hoping to get a good response from the proud veterans who helped preserve the American way of life.”

Anyone wanting more information, or to enter the event, must contact Warner at Monticello Raceway by calling 845.794.4100, ext. 557, or contact Schwartz in the Horsemen’s organization’s office at 845.791.7747.