by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Both Corey Callahan, the leading dash winning driver, and Josh Green, longtime leading trainer, seek to defend their titles when the 2011-2012 Dover Downs season opens on Saturday (Oct. 29).

Callahan eked out a second consecutive top driver championship last meet by finishing with 229 victories, one more than Ron Pierce with 228. It was Callahan’s second consecutive season on top of the standings. Pierce was followed by Ross Wolfenden with 131. Tim Tetrick, a former champ, was fourth with 101 wins and Vic Kirby just missed triple digits by posting 99 wins in his best season at the track.

For the last six seasons, John Green has headed the trainer standings, wrapping up the title early before haltering 90 winners at meet’s end. Dylan Davis enjoyed his best meet, easily finishing in second place with 67 wins. Wayne Givens was third with 54 winners, Trish Foulk made the winner’s circle on 52 occasions while George Teague, Jr. finished fifth with 51 triumphs.

The leading percentage winning driver during the six-month season was Eric Goodell with a .379 UDR. There was a tie for second place between Daryl Bier and 20-year-old Montrell Teague at .353. Tim Tetrick was fourth with a .347 rating and Ron Pierce was fifth at .343.

Among trainers, Josh Green was the percentage leader with an outstanding .465 clip. Daryl Bier was next with a .428 average. George Teague, Jr. was third at .414. Brit Evans had a .408 percentage while Eli Scott was fifth at .394.