by John Pawlak, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The first promotional shots have been fired: The official USTA “Back to the Track” website and Facebook Page, have appeared on the Internet, and “followers” can now find out about the event on Twitter.

It was earlier announced that Back to the Track will take place on July 15, 16 and 17.

The above sites are designed to inform racing fans and horsemen alike about the second annual event, designed to bring fans back to America’s harness racetracks to reacquaint themselves with the color, excitement and fun they experienced at the track in years past.

“Last year’s effort brought out big crowds and caused quite a buzz,” USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner said. “We know that some fans had simply left us; we tried to get them back, and welcome some new fans, and it seemed to work quite well.”

Plans for a major, guaranteed wager centered on the $1 million Meadowlands Pace Final, drawings for trips to the famed Little Brown Jug and other features that will be announced as time for Back to the Track draws near will again make the weekend a real winning draw for fans — old and new.