by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — When Monticello Raceway presents its Godfather Pace on Monday, June 20, the leading driver in North America and Hall of Fame reinsman, Catello Manzi, will participate.

“The Catman”, currently with 369 driving victories this year and 11,087 thus far in his illustrious career, will be joined by seven other drivers of Italian heritage in what will be the sixth leg of the Mighty M’s year-long Heritage Drivers Series.

Besides Manzi, some of the track’s top drivers will also be participating.

Former Monticello Raceway driving champion Kyle DiBendetto brings over 4,300 wins to the contest. Currently DiBenedetto is second on the track’s leader board with 101 victories.

And Mike Forte, with over 1,600 lifetime victories, adds yet more class to the driving line-up on Monday. Enjoying the best season of his career, Forte already has reined 133 winners this year and his 87 at the Mighty M currently ranks him third on the track’s leader board. He is also among the leading drivers at Yonkers Raceway.

Also with a mount in the Godfather Pace is young Eric Abbatiello, the son of Hall of Famer Carmine Abbatiello.

“The Little Redman” has only over the last few years taken harness racing seriously and is burgeoning into a top rate catch driver. Abbatiello has already reined 102 winners this year and has been a regular here — and at Yonkers Raceway — since Freehold Raceway closed in late May.

Though Ryan Macedonio, Mike Spano and Frank Macedonio are also participating, the contest figures to be among the aforementioned drivers.

Abbatiello has drawn the morning line favorite, Sweet Jessy Cadet, from post position three, while Forte handles the second choice, Broadway Pretty, from post two.

Manzi will handle a relative outsider in Rusty’s Madness and will start from post position six, while DiBenedetto’s Fox Valley Veda could be in for a long journey from post seven.

Like post position, the driving assignments were also drawn by lot.

The Godfather Pace will be the sixth race on the 13 race card on Monday, June 20. First post is slated for 1:10 p.m.

Mighty M Gaming at Monticello Raceway, located on Route 17B in Monticello, New York, features over 1,700 video gaming machines, the 350 seat Winner’s Circle Buffet, Mighty Mmmm Food Court and the 75 seat Lava Lounge with nightly entertainment. Mighty M Gaming is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. For more information, please call toll free at (866) 777-GAME.