by John Pawlak, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The U.S. Trotting Association and Meadowlands Racetrack have joined forces to present a unique way of promoting “Back to the Track Weekend, July 15, 16 and 17.” It’s called “Home Base,” a video presentation that will provide a live look at what’s happening at racetracks around America.

The broadcast will take place on Friday, July 15, and can be seen at www.thebigm.com and wherever the Meadowlands’ “In the Sulky” program is seen.

Back to the Track Weekend involves all American racetracks hosting live racing; the tracks and local horsemen’s groups will offer many promotions designed to draw crowds to sample the excitement of harness racing. Specific promotions, including giveaways of trips for two to the 2011 Little Brown Jug and a $25,000, guaranteed, multi-track Pick-4 wager may be found online at www.BackToTheTrack.com.

“It will be like a New Year’s Eve telecast, when the networks take you around the world to see the new year come in,” T.J. Burkett, the editor of Hoof Beats, who came up with the idea, said. “The USTA’s John Pawlak and Meadowlands Racetrack’s Sam McKee will co-host the show, and periodically ‘throw’ to tracks — whose personalities will either make picks for their portion of the Pick-4 or show the color and excitement the evening will generate among fans.”

The show will also spotlight what will be happening at America’s tracks all weekend long, and also preview the $1 million Meadowlands Pace, which will be raced at Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, July 16.