by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

Jackson, MI — The results of the C.K.G. Billings Series trot on Sunday (July 8) at Jackson Raceway in Michigan probably won’t go down in the annuals of harness racing history for it was a non-wagering affair and just another stop along the road in the sport’s inaugural and enduring national amateur driving program.

But, then again on second thought, it may be long remembered for it was the final race contested over the double-oval at Jackson Raceway which will soon be leveled.

However, it certainly will be remembered by that race’s winning driver, Patricia “the Write Stuff” Miller. She has been a longtime member of the Midwest region of the Billings Series and her victory with her own veteran trotter Keep The Cash left her completely ecstatic.

“It was a most exciting day and win for me. Huge crowd; a full grandstand bidding Jackson farewell. Much joy and some sadness as well. Another track is history,” she offered via email.

“I had the one-hole so got away well. Kept the lead until passed by Steve (Oldford with Mulligan Bi). We were well out in front of the others. I stayed on Steve’s helmet until just before the last turn. Remembering what John Campbell says about when to pull on a half-mile track (how is that for a memory?) I pulled out and Cash just cruised around Steve and on to victory. The packed grandstand was roaring and it was a huge thrill for me. Cash raced perfectly, so well trained by veteran Michigan trainer and driver Keith Crawford.”

Oldford was second best and the show money from the $2,000 purse went to My Country Boy, driven by “Jerry The Jet” Mihelich.

“Jackson is and was so special for me,” Michigan native Miller added. “After driving endless Q’s (qualifying races) at different tracks, I drove in the rain, fog, and mud of a Jackson spring day and was soaked muddy and dripping. I stomped into the race office and told them it was time, I wanted my license then, and they gave it to me. So that is a special spot in my heart for sure.”

Pat, a professional writer by trade, and her husband “Buckboard Bob” Miller have been longtime owners and drivers and have competed in many amateur series of which the Billings is the granddaddy of them all.