by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — The eighth and final leg in Monticello Raceway’s Heritage Drivers Series will be presented on Wednesday, August 26, with a race for drivers of Italian descent which will be dubbed “the Godfather Pace.” The date of August 26 was chosen for the event because on that date in 1451 the Italian-born navigator, Christopher Columbus, was born.

Upon the completion of the Godfather Pace the winners of each of the preliminary legs will come back for a series finale scheduled in early October though a final date is still pending.

When the Mighty M last presented the Godfather Pace in 2006, Ed Lohmeyer drove Terrific Peek to a 1:59.3 triumph. Though the name Lohmeyer certainly isn’t Italian his mother was the former Caroline Manzi and the raceway is hopeful that Ed will be able to return to defend his crown.

And perhaps Lohmeyer’s cousin, Cat Manzi, who won the event in 2005, may venture back home to compete in the event. Both Lohmeyer and Manzi began their illustrious careers here at Monticello Raceway in the 1960s.

According to Eric Warner, the track’s director of racing, there are a few Italian-American drivers regularly competing here — among them Kyle DiBenedetto, John De Simone, Jr., and Todd Marciano. But, as always, in order to get a full field Warner will need a total of eight drivers for the Godfather Pace.

Currently Warner is in the process of seeking Italian-American drivers for the Godfather Pace. Anyone interested in competing, or for further information, please call Warner in the racing office at 845.794.4100, ext. 557; or call the track’s publicity office at ext. 455.