by Patricia P. Miller, for GLADA

Hazel Park, MI — GLADA club president and race favorite Steve Oldford streaked to victory to take the first race and its points toward the championship under a threatening sky but before a receptive crowd on Monday (May 21) at Hazel Park.

The eight eager amateur drivers trotted off in a blaze of action, lane shifts, and clever maneuvers to hit the first quarter in :30.2, with Junior Cole and his horse Score Card, who left like a rocket ship, in first place. He was followed closely by Christina Kennedy driving her own Striking Lightning and eventual winner Steve Oldford with CJ’s Susie for trainer Terry Deters.

Oldford was in command by the half in 1:00 and the drivers fought to move up on the inside and outside. At the three-quarter pole, Mylittlej with Richard Roach driving and Howmuchubench in rein to national amateur Driver of the Year Kelly Walker were on the prowl.

But it was all Oldford down the stretch, with Kennedy holding on for place dough and Roach up for show.

After the race, Oldford stated, “I want to dedicate this win to Mark Jones in honor of last year’s GLADA champion who is battling cancer and not able to drive with us this summer.”

Next Monday, a new field of eight will vie for the winner’s crown and point toward the honor of racing at Delaware in the Fouts Memorial Pace. Hazel Park sponsors the GLADA races every Monday of the summer racing season.