by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — After a season of presenting races for drivers of different ethnicities, the winners of each will convene at Monticello Raceway on Thursday, Nov. 11, to compete in the Heritage Drivers Series Final, dubbed the All-America Cup.

The Heritage Drivers Series began in January and each month a different ethnic race was presented. Those who earned a right to participate in the All America Cup include George Polk, Jr., Jennifer Lappe, John Gilmour, Alan Charles, Ken Devaux, Greg Merton, Jordan Stratton and Jimmy Marohn.

On January 18 Polk won the Dr. Martin Luther King Pace with Anna Sage in a time of 2:03 and he’ll represent those of African-American heritage. Jennifer Lappe won the Lady Godiva with Polly S Turr in 2:00.3 on February 15 and she’ll drive for the women in America. In March John Gilmour won the St. Paddy Pace with Gemini John in a time of 2:00.4 and he’ll be driving for those of Irish descent. Alan Charles won the 12th annual Passover Pace — “the Race for the Matzohs” — on April 5 with Cody’s Little Gal in 2:01.3 and will represent the Jewish community. On May 24 Ken Devaux won the Maple Leaf Pace with Bolt Of Silk in 2:00.2 on Victoria Day in Canada and needless to say the Canadians will be cheering for him. Greg Merton won the Mayflower Mile in late June with Tradin Paint in a 1:59.3 clocking and he’ll have those of British descent in his corner. In late July, for the second consecutive season, Jordan Stratton won the Munich Mile and will represent those of German heritage. He won the event with RE’s Queen Victoria in a time of 1:59. And The Godfather Pace was won by Jimmy Marohn, also for the second season in a row, when he guided Jus Trouble to a six length victory in 1:59. Marohn will have the Italian-American community in his corner in the All-America Cup.

“If anyone who won a Heritage Drivers Series preliminary leg is not able to compete on Nov. 11 then the runner-up in their event will get first call,” noted Eric Warner, the track’s director of racing.

On Monday, Nov. 8, Warner will get a field of eight horses together for the All-America Cup and each driver will be assigned a horse by a lottery drawing, similar to the way the post positions are selected.