by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Driver Jason Bartlett will miss the remainder of the 2011 season while recovering from a severely sprained right ankle.

Bartlett, who first made a name for himself in his native Maine as a standout basketball player, was on the court in a pick-up game on Wednesday (Dec. 7) when he landed on another player’s foot.

Mike Lizzi photo

Jason Bartlett

“It’s just part of the game,” Bartlett said. “It’s happened to everyone, and it’s not the first time it’s happened to me. There was bruising and swelling, and the doctors diagnosed it as a Grade 3 sprain.”

After taking Thursday night (Dec. 8) off from his Yonkers Raceway night job, Bartlett returned the next evening with a couple of winners. He has been out of the sulky since.

“Racing was not a problem, but getting around in the paddock was a bit of an issue. It was just uncomfortable, and I’m trying to stay off the ankle as much as I can.

“I’m going to take advantage of the holiday break and get back to 100 percent,” Bartlett said. “It feels much better than it did even earlier this week. I went for an MRI, and it’s nothing more serious than they first said.

“I’m looking forward to the start of 2012. There’s no way I won’t be there.”

Bartlett, the Raceway’s three-time defending driving champion, is going to finish second to George Brennan this season (680 wins to 349, through Thursday). Bartlett’s complete 2011 totals are 407 wins and more than $7.6 million in purses.