Monticello, NY — Each year amateur racing becomes a bigger part in the Standardbred sport with many talented drivers displaying impressive abilities guiding spirited steeds to victory. And this season has been no exception especially with the expansive opportunities available with the ever-growing number of amateur organizations dotting the landscape.

In spite of the talents of a multitude of amateur drivers, the USHWA National Committee unanimously voted Joe Pennacchio this year’s recipient of National Amateur Driver of the Year.

The USHWA National Committee unanimously voted Joe Pennacchio this year’s recipient of National Amateur Driver of the Year. Geri Schwarz photo.

Although having prominent stats, which “Joltin’ Joe” has, it takes more than that for consideration. Besides being a member of many amateur organizations Pennacchio is the president of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and sits on the Board of the USTA.

Since he purchased his first horse in 1987, over the years he has owned more than 100 Standardbreds and in 2004 his 3-year-old trotter Yankee Slide won the prestigious Breeders Crown at Woodbine with Brian Sears in the sulky.

“Yankee Slide was trained by Steve Elliott and was sent off at odds of 40-1 and man we were pleasantly surprised with his victory,” Pennacchio recalled.

But Pennacchio still can remember the first horse he ever purchased.

“In 1987 I bought a pacer by the name of Skipper Marlow and raced him at Monticello under the care of Craig Mosher. In 1995 I drove for the first time and had two wins in three starts. That year both wins were with a trotter by the name of Fox Valley Trump. I won at Delaware, Ohio and then at the Red Mile. After that I was hooked,” Pennacchio said.

The next year Pennacchio and Fox Valley Trump won the $30,000 Billings Series final at Freehold Raceway, covering the 1-1/4 mile distance in a time of 2:31.3.

Since then “Joltin’ Joe” (his Billings nickname) has won 176 races. This past season he had 65 starts with 14 wins, 11 seconds and four thirds for a .330 UDR.

He currently owns 14 race horses. Pennacchio’s Florida contingent is handled by Jim McDonald while Allen Sisco trains his stock in New York.

Over the years Joe has won races on all size racetracks and has enjoyed some nice horses along the way. He has even won races in Europe and thoroughly enjoys the sport and the horses he’s owned. But arguably his favorite is Super Manning, who is still racing today. The veteran trotter has won $650,000 thus far in his career and earned a record of 1:54.1 taken at Yonkers Raceway.

Pennacchio is a retired CEO who spent most of his career in department store retailing. His last assignment was as the president of Jordan Marsh department stores in Boston. He has had significant experience in running companies with both United States and foreign facilities and has served on several boards for both private and public companies.

He will receive his National Amateur Driver of the Year Award when the United States Harness Writers Association holds its annual awards banquet in Florida in late February.