by Charlene Polk, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

New Kent, VA — While it may not be the Meadowlands or the Red Mile during Grand Circuit week, Colonial Downs in Virginia can boast a slew of top drivers from all over the country.

Though it hosts harness racing just two months a year, Colonial’s 1-1/4 mile oval this year managed to attract an array of leading drivers from states such as Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire and Maryland. The drivers, several of whom have been coming to Colonial each fall since it opened, say they enjoy the unique racetrack and its friendly atmosphere.

Charlene Polk photo

John Wagner, Jack Dailey, Mark Gray, Mark Gingrich, Frank Milby and Ridge Warren prepare to go to work at Colonial Downs.

“I like the track at Colonial,” driver John Wagner said. “There are a lot of drivers from all over.”

Whether they are Virginia veterans or experiencing their first meet at the New Kent track, horsemen agree that the assortment of people at Colonial creates a truly welcoming atmosphere.

“I’ve met more nice people here than anywhere,” driver Jack Dailey said.

Dailey came to Virginia for the first time from Ohio, where the racing this time of year is limited. The horseman who can usually be found at Lebanon Raceway says he has noticed a different style of racing at the large 1-1/4 mile track.

“There is a different style here,” he said. “It’ll take awhile for my horses to realize it.”

Like Dailey, many of Colonial’s top drivers are Ohio natives. 24-year-old Chris Page, who currently leads the standings with 30 wins (as of October 11) says he always has a good time here.

“I like the laid-back atmosphere,” he said. “It’s like being at home.”

Charlene Polk photo

Corey Braden, Wayne Long, David Ingraham, Sean Bier and Chris Page are part of the diverse drivers’ colony at Colonial.

Page, who finished second in the 2008 drivers’ race at Scioto Downs and was also runner-up at Colonial last year, hopes to finally come out on top by increasing the lead he has over fellow drivers Sean Bier (with 28 wins) and last year’s leading driver David Ingraham (with 22).

Colonial’s drivers’ list is something to be admired, as in addition to Page it includes Frank Milby, leading driver at Rosecroft Raceway, Kyle Ater, leading driver at Scioto Downs, former Lebanon leading driver Dailey and Thunder Ridge top driver Ridge Warren.

Others worth mentioning include Colonial’s 2006 top driver Corey Braden; longtime driver Del S. Miller; Mark Gray, who finished second in Ocean Downs’ drivers race; Wayne Long, who has won 379 races and $1.8 million racing in Maryland and Delaware; and Bier, winner of 1,677 races and a familiar face at Colonial Downs.

“They’re a good bunch of guys to drive against,” Ater said.

Trainers, as well, value the competence of the drivers at Colonial.

Crystal Lilley photo

Kyle Ater prepares to head out to the track at Colonial Downs.

“I think people here have a good choice of drivers,” trainer Lisa Staten said. “You can pick and choose and see who will get along with your horse. I use Chris Page and Frank Milby; they do listen to what you tell them and try to help you.”

Staten says she knows that most drivers come to Virginia not for the small amount of money they can make (racing for a minimum purse of $2,750) but rather for the fun they have and the fast miles they get to race, as races as cheap as $3,000 claimers typically go in 1:53.

But regardless of why they are there, drivers are not complaining.

“It’s a nice place,” Ater said. “I just wish it was open longer.”

— Crystal Lilley contributed to this story