Delaware, OH – The late James Kent “Chip” Hastings, a long-time employee of the United States Trotting Association (USTA) and member of the Little Brown Jug Society, will be honored as the 2026 Joseph Neville Memorial Award recipient by the Little Brown Jug and the Delaware County Fair.
Hastings, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, was employed by the USTA for 32 years over two stints. He first joined the association in 1976, serving in the capacity of director of officials through 1984. He returned to the USTA in 1992 in the role of liaison officer, a post he held until his retirement in December 2017.
During his tenure at the USTA, Hastings spearheaded several transformative initiatives that reshaped the organization’s technological and regulatory landscape. He oversaw the creation and rollout of the first computer‑based race office system (now known as eTrack), as well as the industry’s inaugural program for electronic eligibilities, modernizing how race information was processed and managed. He also guided the implementation of reciprocal memberships and licensing between the USTA and Standardbred Canada, strengthening cross‑border cooperation within the sport.
In the realm of officiating, Hastings left an equally lasting mark. He founded the North American Judges and Stewards Association, established the curriculum for the harness racing accreditation program, and designed the sport’s first penalty point system to address violations and repeat offenders. His work provided a structured, consistent framework that elevated professionalism and accountability across North American harness racing.
Hastings was a member of the Delaware County Senior Fair Board. He was passionate about the Little Brown Jug, and he was a member of the Little Brown Jug Society since 2007.
Chip Hastings passed away on Oct. 10, 2025, at the age of 77.