by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — They’ll be coming in from far and wide just to compete in Monticello Raceway’s Metamucil Mile on Wednesday (Nov. 30). Harness drivers over the age of 65 that is.

“We’ve had real good response for our race for older drivers,” noted Eric Warner, the track’s director of racing. “Two gentlemen will be coming in from the midwest and two others are native New Yorkers — one from Saratoga and one from the Batavia area. And of course we have quite a few locals who also want to participate.”

Two who are traveling the longest distances to compete are longtime horseman Larry Coleman and longtime amateur reinsman Dr. Mike Caston. Coleman will be traveling in from Iowa while Doc Caston will be coming in from Michigan. The New Yorkers are Mickey Bartlette from Saratoga and Larry Draper from western New York.

Last year’s Metamucil Mile winner, Alan Schwartz, will return to defend his title and Greg Decker, who won the initial race for the older drivers in 2009, is looking forward to again competing.

Amateur reinsman Gerry Fielding will be returning as will John Gilmour, the seven-time Monticello Raceway driving champion who arguably will be the one that most of the competitors will be looking to defeat.

“And we have some back-ups in case we have a storm on the last week in November which could hamper some of the out-of-towners from being able to make it to Monticello for the race,” Warner added.

The post positions for the race will be drawn on Friday (Nov. 25). Driving assignments, like post positions, will also be drawn by lot that day.

The Metamucil Mile will be the eighth race on Monticello Raceway’s betting card on Nov. 30. First post will be at 12:25 p.m.