by Joshua Potts

Springfield, IL — On Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Delaware County Fair in Ohio, Kyle Wilfong won the Tim Fouts Memorial Amateur Driving Championship aboard the mare Lookin Ata Sadie.

In doing so, the 18-year-old senior at Donovan Junior/Senior High School in Donovan, Ill. became the first member of the Mid-Western Amateur Drivers’ Association to win the coveted prize.

Ten amateur driving clubs from all over the United States each sent a representative to compete in the Fouts Memorial, which serves as the U.S. Trotting Association’s Amateur Club Championship. Going into the race with four wins and a second from five starts, Wilfong was selected to represent the Illinois-based Mid-Western Amateur Drivers’ Association.

“That was a big honor,” said Wilfong. “I really wanted to win that race representing Illinois.”

While he was happy to get the victory, the race did not unfold as the talented teen expected.

“I was planning to leave, but she was a little apprehensive at the gate. I let breakers get out of the way. And later in the race, when the chance presented itself, she wanted to get by the other horses. Her trainer Russ (Baldwin) said she’ll give you everything she’s got.”

Wilfong and Lookin Ata Sadie, a 5-year-old daughter of Sadies Dreamboat, out of the Raque Bogart mare Raques Deuce Coupe, teamed up to score by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.2.

This was Kyle Wilfong’s first trip to the Delaware County Fair, the home of pacing’s most prestigious prize, The Little Brown Jug. The thrill of racing on such hallowed ground, however, was not lost on him.

“It’s hard to say. I loved every second of it. It really meant a lot.”

Kyle Wilfong is the next generation of a well-known harness racing family. His father, Brett Wilfong, and grandfather, Lynn Wilfong, are prominent horsemen themselves.

“I really enjoyed it,” said the younger Wilfong, about growing up in a harness racing family. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun. You get a lot of experience. What I’ve accomplished is thanks to my dad and grandpa.

“I love the thrill of competition. I try to just give the maximum effort that I can. I really enjoy driving. I can’t see myself doing anything else. Hopefully, that’ll be my cup of tea.”

If Kyle Wilfong’s performance in the racebike up until now is any indication, it certainly seems as though it already is.