by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On Monday (Jan. 2), Monticello assistant general manager and USTA District 8 director Shawn Wiles joined the 2011 driving and training champions at the track for an impromptu trophy presentation ceremony in the track’s winner’s circle.

Geri Schwarz photo

Shawn Wiles (second from left) joined Gary Messenger (left), Bob Lounsbury (second from right) and Bruce Aldrich, Jr. (right) for an impromptu trophy presentation. Absent was top percentage driver Billy “Zeke” Parker, Jr.

Wiles was joined by Bruce Aldrich, Jr., whose 410 winners were tops among drivers, and by Gary Messenger, whose 104 winners from his barn earned him top honors among trainers. Bob Lounsbury’s .491 UTR was the best percentage among the trainers and Zeke Parker’s .341 UDR copped the driving percentage crown.

For Aldrich it marked his second consecutive driving title and third of the 21st century while Messenger, who has always been among the top trainers, copped his first training title.