by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — American racetracks are readying for the influx of women harness drivers in the international Mildred Williams Women’s Driving Series, which began last year in Canada and crossed the border this season to include many United States racetracks.

On Saturday (May 12) the ladies will drive at Vernon Downs and on Sunday (May 13) they will perform at Tioga Downs and at each venue, monies will be raised for charity.

Monticello Raceway plays host to an event on Monday afternoon, May 14. Slated as race number six on the 13-race card, eight women will be driving to benefit breast cancer research.

Now in its second year, the Mildred Williams Women’s Driving Series creates racing opportunities for women drivers while raising money for charity. The series is named for Mildred Williams, a pioneer who raced during the early 1950s and whose efforts furthered the acceptance of women drivers in Canada.

This year the series has expanded to 37 venues, 19 of which will be at various racetracks in the United States.

Terry Donnelly, who’ll drive Donnas First Shark in the Monticello leg on Monday said of the series: “This is a wonderful way to raise funds for the various charities that we are racing for and in the process we showcase the talents of women drivers.”

The field with post position order and drivers are as follows: Magic Surprise (#1-Stacy Chiodo); Fishy’s Sushi (#2-Betsy Phillips); Victory Chant (#3-Joey Ayotte); Imissbackwhen (#4-Jody Riedel); Who Cares (#5-Kelly Case); Grey Guitar (#6-Ann Karin-Larsen); Donnas First Shark (#7-Terry Donnelly); and Allamerican Candy (#8-Karyn Malinowski).

The women will be donating their driving percentages to Breast Cancer Research and many of the attending fans are expected to chip in. So, too, will Monticello Raceway, the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association and Josh Summer’s Focus Media.

Representatives from the Breast Cancer Foundation along with many breast cancer survivors will also be on hand to solicit donations.

Post time for the 13-race card on Monday, May 14, will be at 1:10 p.m. The women drivers race, slated as race six, will go to post at approximately 2:30 p.m.