by T.J. Burkett, Hoof Beats Executive Editor

Columbus, OH — John Campbell, Hall of Fame driver and president of the Grand Circuit, headlines a star-studded group for the USTA Speakers’ Series, to be held Wednesday (Sept. 18) and Thursday (Sept. 19) at the Delaware (Ohio) County Fairgrounds.

Campbell, who will drive Twilight Bonfire in the Jug’s third elimination heat, will answer questions from fans in the USTA/OHHA tent, located on the Delaware backstretch, on Thursday from 10–10:45 a.m. The USTA will also solicit questions from fans around the world through its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ustrotting) and on Twitter (hashtag #Jug13).

Also appearing on Thursday (9–9:45 a.m.) will be defending Driver of the Year Tim Tetrick and trainer Tony Alagna. The duo will send out Emeritus Maximus and Odds On Equuleus in the second and third Jug eliminations, respectively.

Starting off the Thursday schedule (8–8:45 a.m.) will be Roger Huston, the voice of the Little Brown Jug, who will be joined by Delaware simulcast show co-hosts Dave Bianconi and Sam McKee. The trio will handicap the Little Brown Jug, as well as selected undercard races.

Wednesday (9-9:45 a.m.) features defending Jug champion trainer Casie Coleman, along with David Miller, a late driver change from Brian Sears. Miller, who was announced Monday as the latest inductee into the Living Hall of Fame, will team with Coleman to send out Lucan Hanover. Coleman also sends out probable Jug favorite Vegas Vacation.

Rounding out the Wednesday schedule (10–10:45 a.m.) will be author Les Roberts and horseman Dan Kennedy, who collaborated to write Win, Place or Die, a harness racing murder mystery novel. Roberts is the author of 17 mystery novels featuring Cleveland detective Milan Jacovich (pronounced MY-lan YOCK-ovitch) as well as 11 other books. The setting for Win, Place, or Die is Northcoast Downs, a fictional harness racetrack filled with odd characters, suspicious activities and danger.

Dan S. Kennedy is a strategic business and marketing advisor, consultant, and professional speaker. He is the author of more than 20 business books. He was born, raised, and lives in the Cleveland area, and is a regular trainer-driver at Northfield Park.

Following the Speakers’ Series session, Roberts and Kennedy will be available to sign copies of their books, with book sales to benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. They will also have a meet-and-greet in the Hospitality Pavilion starting at 11 a.m. Click here for an excerpt.

A complimentary breakfast will be served each morning, courtesy of the USTA and NTRA Member Discounts Program.

Those who cannot attend the series can watch a live video stream at the USTA’s Little Brown Jug mini-site.

Here is a complete schedule of participants: