by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs
Nichols, NY — After a day of big money on the line at Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday afternoon, the top seven money-winning drivers in North America will be invited to participate in the fifth annual Drivers’ Championship at Tioga Downs, and for the first time ever, the Meadowlands will host an opening segment on their closing night, Saturday, August 20.
Drivers will earn points on three or four races at The Big M, and will carry those accumulated points with them to Tioga Downs for the final on Sunday, August 28, with a 1:30 p.m. post time.
Top prize for the final at Tioga Downs will be $25,000, a Tom Harmer Evolution Race Bike, and a commemorative ring from Bow River Jewelry. However, the leader following the Meadowlands leg will not go home empty handed, as the leader at the halfway point will receive $10,000.
“This is a great new concept for this event that will get people hyped up for the final at Tioga on Sunday, August 28. Our sponsors have really stepped up this year for the event and we want to thank all of them because they are the ones who make this event possible,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast at Tioga Downs.
The top seven money-winning drivers in North America are as follows: George Brennan, Tim Tetrick, Ron Pierce, Jody Jamieson, Brian Sears, David Miller, and Yannick Gingras. Representing Tioga Downs in 2011 will be leading driver Ed Hensley. A sponsor’s exemption for the event will be announced later this week.
On the day of the final, Tioga Downs will feature a driver meet and greet along with a Tim Tetrick bobblehead giveaway, beginning at 12 noon on the trackside apron.
Tioga Downs would like to thank its sponsors for the 2011 Drivers’ Championship: Accumark, Allerage Farms, All Event’s Engraving, Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supplies, Binghamton Senators, Bow River Jewelry, Community Press, Coon and Son’s, Climans Green Liang Architects, Delaware County Fair, Dig Safely, Elmira Jackals, Evolution Racing LLC, Ferris Tractor, Figisbig.com, Harness Racing Hall of Fame, Horsemen & Fair World Magazine, Hub International, Jim Riegle Colors, Larson Design Group, Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, LV Harkness, Mainesource, Maitland Trifecta, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Northwood Bloodstock, Oakdale Mall, Ontrack, Roberts Communication Network, STHHA, Tioga State Bank, Winbak Farms and Youth Beats.
For more information on Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.