by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Amateur Drivers’ Association

Monticello, NY — Rob “Rapid Rail” Krivelin will have two chances to overtake the C.K.G. Billings Eastern Region point leader, Peter “the President” Gerry, this week.

On Thursday, July 12, at the Afton (NY) Fair, Krivelin will drive Unitas in the only Billings contest in that central New York village and on Sunday, July 15, he’ll jump up behind Red Lace in the second of two Billings splits at Monticello Raceway.

Gerry, who has 72 points in seven Billings starts this year, holds a six point advantage over Krivelin, who currently has nine Billings races under his belt this season. Though he’ll have a two race advantage when the week is out, Krivelin has a chance to overtake Gerry on the Eastern Region leaderboard.

At the Afton Fair on Thursday afternoon, one four-horse division will go as race 13 on their 18-race card. Two years ago, Krivelin and Unitas trotted to a track record 2:02.4 in a Billings race there and he’ll probably be the one to beat in that contest on Thursday.

At the Mighty M on Sunday, Krivelin’s chances aren’t as good as they are at Afton. His Red Lace is a longshot and they’ll have to start from post six and face Miracle Lane, who’ll be driven by “Spellbound Bill” Mulligan, and CR Mr Bean, with Alan “the Intimidator” Schwartz at the controls.

Gerry, on the other hand, also has a drive at Monticello but he too will have his work cut out for him. Although his trotter, Little Joey Angus, is rated as second choice on the morning line, Gerry can expect some stiff competition from Joe “the Jewelry King” Pennacchio’s B The Snitch, and from Steve “Cannonball” Markoff’s KW’s Champion.

The Eastern Region leaderboard’s top ten are as follows: Peter Gerry (72), Rob Krivelin (66), Tony “the Capo” Verruso (51), Alan “the Intimidator” Schwartz (45), George “the Brooklyn Cowboy” Casale (45), Steve “You’re Never Too” Oldford (42), “Congenial Gene” Miller (36), Bob “the Headhunter” Hechkoff (34), Dave “Yes It’s True” Offenberg (31) and Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel (30).