by Marv Bachrad, publicity director, Dover Downs

Dover, DE — Corey Callahan has his sights set on another Dover Downs leading driver title when the 2017-18 season opens on Oct. 30.

Last season was another big one for leading reinsman Callahan, who registered his eighth consecutive leading driver championship. Callahan got off to an unusually slow start before getting hot to finish the season with 169 wins. That was 26 more than runner-up Vic Kirby.

Several former Dover Downs’ champions return, including three-time track leader Tony Morgan, the second-leading all-time race-winning driver in North America. Two other former titlists, Tim Tetrick and Jim Morand are among fan favorites returning. Morand, a leading catch-driver at the track over the past two decades, was seriously injured in a racing accident late last Spring. After rehabbing, Morand has recovered and will be back this meet.

Both Tim Tetrick and Yannick Gingras had impressive records last meet, finishing in the top five standings with 100 winners each. In addition, the driver colony includes highly regarded Alan Davis, Montrell Teague, Jonathan Roberts, Roger Plante, Vince Copeland, Pat Berry, Sean Bier and Frank Milby.

The top 2- and 3-year-olds now in training rendezvous in a stakes filled November of major events highlighted by the $350,000 (est.) Hap Hansen Progress Pace for sophomore pacers, all eight rich Matron Stakes for juveniles and four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund finals for freshman pacers and trotters.

Opening day is Oct. 30 for the meet which continues until March 30 with racing four days a week. Monday through Thursday post time is 4:30 p.m.