by Jim Miller, for Hawthorne Racecourse

Stickney, IL — Saturday (Sept. 22) is already going to be a huge night of racing at Hawthorne Race Course as 11 finals will be taking place for the Night of Champions card. These finals will crown the top Illinois-bred trotters and pacers in all age categories as part of a 13-race card that evening.

In addition to the 11 finals, racing secretary Robin Schadt has added a pair of $25,000 Invitational races to round out the card. One Invitational will be offered for trotters and another for pacers. For details on these $25,000 events, please contact the racing office at Hawthorne at 708.780.3690 or 800.850.4188.

Joining the live action on the race track will be the return of some of Chicagoland’s greatest drivers of the past for an autograph session and meet and greet. Hall of Fame driver Dave Magee will be at Hawthorne along with Nelson Willis, Connel Willis, Lavern Hostetler, Jerry Graham, Wayne Temple, Doug Hamilton, Joe Anderson, Carl Porcelli, Dwight Banks, Delvin “Ole” Insko, Dan Shetler, Ron Marsh, and Randy Jacobs. These greats will be available on the first floor of the Hawthorne grandstand and will also be presenting in the winner’s circle throughout the night.

Reservations are filling up quickly for the Night of Champions at Hawthorne. For details on the event, or to purchase tickets, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com or contact Guest Services at 708.780.3733.

Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, continues the summer harness season through Sept. 24. Fall Thoroughbreds close out the year, running from Oct. 5 through Dec. 29. For more information, visit www.Hawthorneracecourse.com or contact Hawthorne at 708.780.3700.