by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — As the starter shouts go, nine Michigan amateur drivers will roll out of the gate behind nine eager trotters in the first Great Lakes Amateur Drivers Club race of the summer, race 3 at Hazel Park on Monday (May 9).

The races will feature one female driver, Kara Sue Buxton; one former Billings champion and president of GLADA, Steve Oldford; last year’s amateur champion, Joe Cirasuolo; and six other drivers, all ready to show off their skills in the bike.

Al McCardell, Matt Nichols, Marty Adler, Mike Golden, Mark Jones, and Jim Ingersoll make up the rest of the field. Some are veterans of last year’s series and some are new to this competition. All are set and ready to roll on Monday.

The amateur series brought new fans and friends and family to the track, and betting was fast and furious. The excitement of watching the amateur drivers take to the track and drive with enthusiasm and genuine competitiveness was quite contagious and the cheering rocked the track.

Driver’s compensation and entry fees help support the annual Kid’s Day celebration at Hazel Park.