by John Manzi, for NAADA

Monticello, NY — To say that the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA) is having a busy year would be a gross understatement. Besides three local 10-race series, the third of which is underway now, the members have hosted three European organizations; one from Spain, another from Hungary and a third from Italy; and now beginning Oct. 8 and continuing through Oct. 14 they will host their counterparts from France. And just a month ago NAADA members traveled to Palma de Mallorca to compete against the Spainards on their home turf.

According to NAADA president Joe Faraldo, one of two Americans who has won a race in France, his members will have to be at the top of their game when the French come to town.

“We raced against them here four years ago and we came out on the short end,” he said. “They’re confident in their driving ability and they drive like professionals so we can probably expect another beating.”

There will be a competition at Yonkers Raceway on Tuesday (Oct. 9) followed by one at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday (Oct. 10). On Friday (Oct. 12) there will be a race—maybe two—at the Meadowlands

Drivers for the French team include Jerome Maillard, Ms Sandrine Oyer, Sebastien Campain and Jean Marc Freyssenge. NAADA will field different members at all three venues.

“We may win or we may lose but the results are not that important,” Faraldo said. “The camaraderie shared is what is. However, either way, everyone will enjoy good food, good wine and a good time.”

The following is the tentative itinerary:

USA/FRANCE Friendship Competition

Oct. 8 – Oct. 14

Monday – Oct. 8: Pick up at JFK airport. Transport to The Bentley Hotel, 500 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065, Dinner at Sel et Poivre, 853 Lexington Ave. 10065

Tuesday – Oct. 9: Free in the Morning. Pick up at 2:30 p.m. to get licensed. Race at Yonkers Raceway. Dinner in Little Italy of the Bronx Ristorante Zero Otto Nove. Transport back to hotel.

Wednesday – Oct. 10: Pick up at 10:30 a.m. Drive to Monticello Raceway. Race at Monticello. Visit Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y. Dinner at the River Palm Steakhouse, Mahwah N.J. Transport to hotel.

Thursday – Oct. 11: Pick up at 10 a.m. Professional New York City tour. Tour guide will drop off at Pepolinos about 6:30 p.m. for dinner, 281 W Broadway, New York City

Friday – Oct. 12: Morning free. Pick up at 2 p.m. Drive to Meadowlands for a race or two. Dinner at Il Villagio

Saturday—Oct. 13: International Trot and dinner at Yonkers Raceway

Sunday – Oct. 14: Don Peppes for dinner then drive to the airport