Monticello, NY- There’s one thing for sure and that is amateur racing is now an integral part of the harness racing industry. Each year there are more races for amateur drivers and amateur drivers clubs are becoming a normal part of the industry.

Unlike seasons of yesteryear where amateur racing was little more than a fad it has blossomed into an industry which continues to grow.

This season’s National Amateur Driver of the Year award winner, Tony Verruso, is a veteran of many years of participating in amateur driving contests.

In 2021 Verruso participated in many amateur events and has driven 84 times and has had 23 winners; 15 seconds and 12 thirds for an outstanding .421 UDR and his mounts have earned $175,545.

Verruso, who is the president of the American Harness Drivers Club and also president of the granddaddy of all amateur events, the CKG Billings Series, has been driving harness horses since the early 1990’s and it seems the more he drives the better he gets.

Verruso admits he’s driving better horses for better trainers and is feeling more comfortable sitting behind a spirited steed.

Amateur racing began in earnest in the early 1980’s with the CKG Billings Series and with the North American Amateur Drivers Association and has blossomed where nearly every racetrack now offers events for amateur drivers.

Verruso will receive his award when USHWA holds its National Meetings and Awards Banquet in Florida in later this year.