by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Add Vic Harrison to the list of executives who will participate in Monticello Raceway’s Battle of the Brain Trusts II, slated to be contested on Monday afternoon, August 16.

With Harrison, the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Racing Commission, joining the fray, there currently is a field of five. Already set to jump up behind a spirited steed that afternoon are Shawn Wiles, Assistant General Manager of Monticello Raceway; Jason Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing at both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs; John Hensley, Vice President of Racing at Dover Downs; and Douglas Solomon, the Chief of Police of Monticello, N.Y.

“Vic drove here at the Mighty M in some promotional races in the past and I know he’s champing at the bit and wants to win a heat,” noted the track’s Director of Racing, Eric Warner. “He’s been close but has yet to get the cigar.”

By his own consent, Tom Charters, who participated in the first Battle of the Brain Trusts a few years ago, has now been relegated to also eligible status.

The initial “Battle” was presented on July 3, 2008 and was won by then Monticello Casino & Raceway President and CEO, Dave Hanlon, when he guided a pacer named M I Nasty to a 2:07.1 victory. That afternoon Hanlon defeated Charters, President and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, Settlemoir, and Hensley.

Hanlon has since moved on so Shawn Wiles, the track’s Assistant General Manager and USTA Director, will represent the Mighty M in the contest this year.

For safety’s sake, the participants in the Battle of the Brain Trusts II will compete in jog carts without the use of whips and will race over the usual mile distance.