by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Greg Merton is ready. So, too, is his brother Mike. The Merton brothers will be among eight drivers who will be competing in Monticello Raceway’s Munich Mile, an event restricted to drivers of German descendants.

The Munich Mile will be the fifth leg of the Mighty M’s Heritage Drivers Series and is slated to go to post on Monday afternoon (July 30).

Greg Merton has been on fire in recent months and now is challenging Jimmy Taggart, Jr. and Jimmy Marohn, Jr. for leading driver honors. His 140 wins are currently four less than Taggart’s 144, which ranks Merton second on the local leaderboard, three ahead of Marohn’s total of 137.

Greg’s brother Mike is also enjoying a good season in the sulky. He recently passed the 2,000 career win plateau and his 87 winners here are sixth best among the driving colony.

“I’ve gotten a few inquiries and even received some e-mails concerning Germany native Wim Paal, who raced with us in the New York Sire Stakes last week, saying that he might be interested in driving in our Munich Mile,” said Eric Warner, the Mighty M’s director of racing. “We’d certainly love to have him.”

Another possible entrant might be Jordan Stratton who won this event twice. In 2008 Stratton became the youngest reinsman to ever win a Monticello Raceway driving title and has moved on to Yonkers Raceway where he is among the leading drivers there.

“Jordan said that if he’s available he’ll be back to drive in our Munich Mile although he won’t know for sure until early next week,” Warner added. “However, I have confirmation from Peter Kleinhans, Keith Haase and Cory Stratton, Jordan’s younger brother, but we will still need a few more drivers to have a full field.”

Already in the books are four races for other ethnicities whose winning driver in each is now eligible to compete in the series finale — the All America Cup — slated for this fall. Already with berths after winning their Heritage Series preliminary legs are Bobby Williams, Jr. (Martin Luther King Pace for African-Americans); Lisa Krom (Lady Godiva Pace for women); Jimmy Taggart, Jr. (St. Paddy Pace for Irish Americans); and Alan Charles (Passover Pace for drivers of Jewish heritage).

Drivers of German heritage who may be interested in competing in the race are urged to call Warner in the racing office at 845.794.4100, ext. 557. Or they can contact the track’s publicity department at ext. 455.