by Patricia P. Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — Another competitive race showcased the driving talents of the GLADA club members on Monday (August 6) at Hazel Park Raceway.

Kelly Walker, USHWA national amateur driving champion of the past year, was looking for a win with his own Jedrik Hanover, a 7-year-old gelded son of Andover Hall trained by Terry Tomlin.

Leaving steadily from the eight hole, a march to the top left Walker in front by the three-quarter pole for a victory in 2:00.1.

A full field of nine faced off with the starter and seven trotters ripped away from the gate, leaving two breakers behind. A dash to the quarter pole found Ace Hanover in rein to Steve Oldford on top in :28.2, followed by Smokin Steven with Mike Mitchell in the bike in second, and Y F Crasher and his driver Richard Roach, last week’s winner, in third.

At the half in :59, Ace Hanover led the way but Y F Crasher was up for second first over and Smokin Steven was working away in third. As the trotters rounded the final turn, Jedrik Hanover had made his outside move and was challenging for the lead and perennial speedster Merlincrest, driven by Michael Caston, cast his spell on the field and roared up the outside from fourth to third.

The camera flash saw Walker seize the victory, with Ace Hanover in second and Merlincrest up for the show dough.

The end of the season is in sight and points are critical. Who will be season’s champion? Watch and listen and learn as the GLADA club races on toward the finish line.