by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — The nine drivers competing in the six Drivers’ Championship races on Sunday afternoon (August 28) at Tioga Downs have all selected a charity and agreed to donate their five percent earnings on those races to those charities.

David Miller, Ed Hensley, Tim Tetrick and Yannick Gingras have all selected the Standardbred Retirement Foundation as their 2011 charity. Brian Sears will be competing for the August Horseplay Charity of the Month at Tioga Downs, STAT (Southern Tier Alternative Therapies) who work with special needs children through alternative therapies, including animal assisted therapies. Jody Jamieson, who is leading at the halfway point, will be donating his earnings to Luke’s Troops, who supports Canadian troops fighting for freedom and once back home takes the troops to NHL hockey games. George Brennan has selected Wounded Warrior Project as his 2011 Drivers’ Championship charity. The Wounded Warrior Project provides programs and services to severely injured service members during the time between active duty and the transition to civilian life. Ron Pierce will once again be driving for his charity, Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, Md. The Blackwater Wildlife Refuge helps protect land in Maryland for swamp land and animals that call this place their home.

As in past years, Tioga Downs Casino and Jeff Gural will personally match dollar for dollar all the money that is raised for charity with the drivers’ earnings.

Six races have been put together for the final leg of the 2011 Drivers’ Championship at Tioga Downs to kick off on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Going into the final leg of the Drivers’ Championship, Jody Jamieson holds a three point lead over Yannick Gingras and Brian Sears, who sit tied for second with 20 points.

Also featured on Sunday at Tioga Downs is the Zweig Memorial Trot for 3-year-olds. Hambletonian winner Broad Bahn leads a group of 15 colts in two open divisions, while Hambletonian Oaks winner Bold And Fresh and New York superstar Jezzy will eye up another battle in one of two divisions for the fillies.

The annual driver meet and greet will begin on the trackside apron at 12 noon, along with the Tim Tetrick bobblehead giveaway (while supplies last).

Tioga Downs and the USTA have joined forces on Sunday to offer a $5,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool on the final four races of the afternoon (10 through 13).

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday (August 26) at 6:50 p.m.