by John Manzi, for the Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association

Monticello, NY — “Lightning Laura” MacNamara drove one of the fastest miles ever turned in by a lady driver in the C.K.G. Billings Harness Driving Championship Series when she guided Celebrity Playboy to a 1:56.2 triumph in the betting division of the Hambletonian amateur trots at the Meadowlands on Wednesday, August 4.

Though the three events weren’t strictly for Billings members they did, however, make up the bulk of the starting drivers in each of the three divisions.

Dave “Yes It’s True” Offenberg, another Billings participant, won his split with Double Strength in 1:59, while non-member Mike Lopez capped a third split in a 1:58.2 clocking.

But the evening belonged to MacNamara, who scored her first-ever Billings triumph. The Warwick, N.Y. resident drove a superb race and sat a pocket while “Joltin’ Joe” Pennacchio, with My Man Ben, battled with Dein “the Jupiter Gem” Spriggs and Deep Chip to a :55.4 half.

MacNamara sat cool and waited until the homestretch to mount a bid and when she angled Celebrity Playboy to the outside the veteran trotter cruised to a two length triumph over Spriggs’ Deep Chip. Don “We’re Ready To Draw” Hoover, Saratoga Harness’ racing secretary, rallied I’m A Sakra to finish third.

Dave Offenberg scored his second victory in the Hambletonian amateur trots, having won an event two years ago. His triumph behind his own Double Strength was a squeeker but a nose win is just as worthy as a 10 length victory.

After coasting along in fourth position, Offenberg waited until the long homestretch to move his trotter and they got up just in time to collar Don Hoover and Pilgrims Kassie as the timer tripped 1:59. Third place went to Pinnochio who was handled by Robert DiNozzi.

Mike Lopez took no prisoners in his split when he sent Woody Marvel down the road and made every pole a winning one en route to a 1:58.2 triumph over John “Night Train” Regina and Play Time. “Cowboy Eric” Taddeo finished third with Highmaker.

Next Billings action will be north of the border in Ontario at Hiawatha Horse Park on August 14 and at Clinton Raceway on August 15.