by John Manzi

The C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Champions Series makes its next to last seasonal stop at Pocono Downs on Saturday night, November 6 and the results of the two trots there could determine the point winner in the Eastern Region.

Set to battle are Eastern Region point leaders “Gentleman Jamie” Marra (109); Simeon “Hot Rod” Hunsdon (108) and Tony “the Capo” Verruso, though Hunsdon will be in a different division than Marra and Verruso. And that all three have a chance for victory, logic dictates that most eyes will be on Marra and Hunsdon since only one point separates them. Verruso’s chance to take command of the point lead in the East is somewhat harder since he is eight points off the top. But that possibility remains, especially since there is still one more leg to be contested on Monday, November 15 on Verruso’s home turf, Yonkers Raceway.

Hunsdon will battle “Tar Heel Tom” Williams in race number two on the betting card while Marra and Verrsuo going head to head in the first division, race two.

“Tar Heel Tom” Williams can make up ground on Midwest Region point leader Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford but he’s too far behind to catch Oldford, whose 135 points are 27 better than Williams’ 108. And that Oldford has his division locked-up could be why he is not racing at Pocono Downs.

Though the regional leaders are getting mentioned here the possibility remains–and a good possibility it is at that– that someone else will be victorious, especially with the talented amateurs who will be competing.

Also slated to drive that night at Pocono Downs are; Joey “the Teen” Bongiorno; Rob “Rapid Rail” Krivelin; “Lightning Laura” Mac Namara; Peter “the Past President” Gerry; “Chicago George” Bonomo; Dave “Yes It’s True” Offenberg; Dave “Linemaster” Ehrenberg II; Don “We’re Ready To Draw” Hoover; Dave “Steady As” Yarock; and Ken “the Virginia Squire” Weckstein.

Post time for the 12-race Pocono Downs card on Saturday, November 6 will be at 6:30 pm.