by John Berry, for the Florida Amateur Driving Club
Pompano Beach, FL — Noted amateur driver Dein Spriggs will represent the United States in the upcoming World Amateur Driving Championship event, sponsored and hosted by the Federation Europeenne Des Gentlemen Cavaliers (F.E.G.A.T.), Europe’s Amateur Driving Federation.
The event will be held in Belgium on July 28-29 at the Tongeron and Waregem tracks and features amateur drivers from a dozen countries.
Spriggs, president of the Florida Amateur Driving Club, has amassed more than 450 career wins and was Amateur Driver of the Year in 2004 and 2005. He has spearheaded the success of the FADC, which has donated more than $200,000 to charities since its inception.
Upon learning of his invitation, Spriggs humbly lamented, “I received a ‘call from the bullpen’ from Joe Faraldo, who is president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association. I use the term ‘bullpen’ because Joe Lee, the equipment manager for the New York Yankees, was originally tabbed to go but, with his obligation to the Yankees, it would have been impossible for him to participate.
“Of course, this is a great honor to be representing our country and I will do my utmost for the U.S., the NAADA and Joe Lee in this prestigious event.”
Spriggs’ driving career stretches over four decades and since the turn of the centuryhis UDR has been over .300 in 14 of the last 17 seasons and over .400 in six seasons, including a .508 average in 2008, .496 in 2005, .487 in 2006, .479 in 2004 and .469 in both 2015 and 2017.
Other countries represented in this world championship competition include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Sweden and The Netherlands.
Argentina’s representative, Leonardo Agusti, has the most wins in the select group with 1,300 while Australia’s John Cremen has 1,155 career victories.