by Patricia Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — With two remaining contests before the champion is crowned, Hazel Park Raceway decided to mix it up with a special race for the GLADA amateurs, testing who can best rate their horse for the 1-1/4 mile race they wrote. The race was overfilled with drivers who believed they and their trotters could do it and a full field of nine will face the starter on Monday (August 15).

Leading drivers Kelly Walker and Mark Jones will vie with the field for the gold ring at the wire, with Walker driving Winsome Wonder out of the seven hole and Jones driving his own mare Classic Spur from the nine hole. Of course the other seven drivers have dreams of their own, and will try to best the frequent winners.

Mike Mitchell has Smokin Steven from the lucky one hole, while Jim Ingersoll drives his own Caballo Diablo from the two. Miss Tiger Lily steps out daintily with Dennis Dicken at the lines from the three, while Travlin Butch will ramble out of the four with Steve Oldford in the sulky. Rory Moore drives R E American from the five, and Wayne Carter, the sole series newcomer, pilots Tazer from the six. Walter Beagle will steer Banking On Spiral from the eight.

This longer race will test driver skill and trotter endurance to the max. The result will be an especially interesting and closely watched competition.