by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — Though Bob “Chappy” Chapman hasn’t been competing regularly this year in the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Championship Series, he did notch his 40th career amateur driving victory when he guided LW Jaynie Flyer to a 2:06.1 victory in Billings action at the Muskingum County Fair in Zanesville, Ohio, on Monday afternoon (August 15).

Chapman, a car dealer from Columbus, Ohio, settled in second behind the pacesetter and betting favorite Sir Pete and driver Kathy “High Flyin” Hawk as they led the field through fractions of :31.2, 1:03 and 1:35.

“Chappy” was content to stay put and waited until the final turn to make his move and when he did LW Jaynie Flyer dug in and the two leaders raced to the finish with Chapman’s trotter gaining a head victory in 2:06.1. Third place went to Done Dreamen who was driven by former National Amateur Driver of the Year, “Trader Bud” Hatfield.

With his victory Chapman moves up to ninth position on the Midwest Region leaderboard as the Billings Series passes the halfway point in the season.

Next Billings action in the Midwest will be at the Lake County Fair in Painesville, Ohio, on Saturday (August 20). Races in the eastern region will take place on Sunday (August 21) at Tioga Downs.