by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — With Yonkers Raceway hosting Friday night’s (August 5) fifth and final round of the 2011 World Driving Championship, this next bit of Friday news might bounce below the radar — but not here.

Drivers Ryan Anderson and Jason Bartlett are both set to return — coincidentally, in the same (third) race. Anderson drives Mr Clancy N from post position No. 6, while Bartlett takes an eight hole seat behind Carson City Road.

Ryan Anderson

Anderson was involved in a racing accident here in mid-March’s Sagamore Hill Pacing Series, severely breaking his right ankle with bone coming through skin.

“It took a bit more time than I thought,” Anderson said. “I had about six weeks of physical therapy, and I continued to have pain, so I knew something wasn’t right. They took more X-rays and in early June, they went in and removed one of (eight original) screws out of the ankle. I’ve been getting better ever since, doing all the things around the barn and driving in (Pocono) qualifiers.

“I’m looking to have a big run now that I’m healthy.”

Bartlett has been out since sustaining multiple eye and head injuries in an Independence Night auto accident while en route to the Raceway.

Yonkers Raceway photos

Jason Bartlett

“I feel good, very glad to be coming back,” Bartlett said. “Two eye doctors and a neurologist have given me the go-ahead, and I’m very happy. Since I’ve been driving full-time (2004), this is by far the longest down time (about five weeks) I’ve had, and it’s been very frustrating.

“I jogged a few horses for Andy and Julie Miller and Linda Toscano this past weekend, and no problems. Linda and her sister, Jackie, have been very helpful, getting me to see some great specialists.”

That Bartlett is returning the same night the World Driving Championship hits town isn’t lost on him.

“How ironic, right?,” Bartlett asked…more than a bit rhetorically, since, after being selected as the U.S. representative in 2009, he was set to compete again. “These things happen, but I’ve been watching and Corey (Callahan) has been doing a great job. I am looking forward to the next one (Paris, 2013), though.”

Yonkers’ regular five-night-per-week schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) remains in effect. Evening simulcasting accompanies all live programs, with afternoon simulcasting available around the NYRA schedule.