Delaware, OH — Incredible Man and driver Ron Cusimano teamed up to win the annual Tim Fouts Memorial Standardbred Driving Tournament for amateur drivers held Sunday (Sept. 20) at the famed Delaware, Ohio half-mile oval and home of The Little Brown Jug. The duo scored an impressive win measuring 11-3/4 lengths in 1:54.4.
Representing the Southern Tier Racing Club at Tioga Downs, Incredible Man led at every pole and widened his advantage from 1-1/4 lengths to eight lengths during the third panel with a :29.2 closing quarter stretching that margin to the wire.
Adarryl Gates, Jr., representing the Unites States Amateur Driving Club, finished second with Dancethewayuare while Jamie Marra finished third handling Arrhythmic Surge after having competed in the recent International Series at The Meadows earlier in the week.
Louis Gasparro III was fourth steering Keeping It Lit while the nickel went to Mcfehr and David Glasser.
Cusimano’s charge, the heavy favorite at 1-20 odds ($2.10) took charge immediately off the wings and never had an anxious moment through panels of :28 and :56.3 and stretched the lead further during a :28.4 third panel before closing the session with an effortless :29.2 finale.
Said Cusimano after the race, “When I saw the morning line at 4-5, I figured that I had a live one going in and he sure proved the point today.
“The track was really good today despite the early rain so kudos to Tom Wright and, of course the USTA’s Michele Kopiec, who always does a phenomenal job in putting things together.
“It’s really an honor to win this event honoring our amateur drivers.
“We try and play a role in donating our funding to so many worthy causes that benefit local and national charities.”
Trained by Brian Brown for the Caldwell Mamie Racing LLC, Incredible Man is a 7-year-old gelding by Always A Virgin. He earned his fifth win of the season in 23 starts, good for $38,165. He has banked $341,455 on the strength of his 25 career wins and a record of 1:49.1 over the half-miler at Northfield Park.
The Tim Fouts Memorial was established years ago honoring the memory of one of the most respected presiding judges in the sport. Previous winners have included Dein Spriggs, Bo Sowers, Tony Dinges, Christina Johnson, Dakota Jackson, Jonathan Brwesnahan and Steve Oldford.