by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Canada’s superstar Jody Jamieson is set to defend his 2011 Drivers’ Championship title on Sunday afternoon (August 26th — post time 1:15 p.m.) at Vernon Downs.

Jamieson captured the 2011 edition of the Drivers’ Championship just weeks after he participated in and won the World Drivers Championship held in the United States last year.

To honor Jody Jamieson for his victory in the fifth edition of the Drivers’ Championship, Vernon Downs will be giving away (while supplies last) Jody Jamieson bobbleheads on Sunday beginning at 11:45 a.m.

All nine drivers participating in the Drivers’ Championship (Tim Tetrick, Yannick Gingras, George Brennan, Ron Pierce, David Miller, Brian Sears, Dave Palone, Jim Morrill, Jr., and Jody Jamieson) will be on the apron for a driver meet and greet and autograph session beginning at 11:45 a.m. Commemorative t-shirts marking the sixth annual Drivers’ Championship will also be given away on the trackside apron while supplies last.

The drivers competing have agreed to donate their five percent in earnings on races used for the Drivers’ Championship to charity — of which Jeff Gural and Vernon Downs will both match.

Tim Tetrick, Brian Sears, Dave Palone and Jim Morrill Jr. are competing for the Standardbred Retirement Foundation. Other charities include: Yannick Gingras–Toys for Tots; George Brennan–Wounded Warrior Project; Ron Pierce–Friends of Blackwater; David Miller-Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse, N.Y.; and Jody Jamieson–Spring of Hope.

Vernon Downs would like to thank all of the drivers for their generous donations to these wonderful charities.

Hotel rooms are still available at Vernon Downs for the State Fair celebration and all reservations and golf sign ups can be directed to Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast, at 607.699.7588 or jsettlemoir@tiogadowns.com. Reservations for hotel accommodations and reservations for golf must be made to Settlemoir by Thursday (August 23).

For more information on Vernon Downs visit www.vernondowns.com.