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COREY CALLAHAN TO REPRESENT THE U.S. IN WORLD DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP

Columbus, OH --- Corey Callahan, the two-time reigning Dover Downs driver champion, has accepted an invitation from the U.S. Trotting Association (USTA), to represent the United States in the upcoming 2011 World Driving Championship, which opens on Sunday, July 31 at Chester Downs.

The World Driving Championship is horse racing’s oldest, richest and most prestigious driver tournament.

The invitation was necessitated when Jason Bartlett, one of the leading drivers at Yonkers Raceway, was injured in an automobile accident earlier this month and had to withdraw due to the severity of his injuries.

The 33-year-old Callahan, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, recorded his 2,000th win earlier this year. He has driven the winners of 2,057races in his career, is currently ranked ninth in North America with 302 victories in 2011 with 302 and nearly $24.8 million in his successful career, which began in 2005.

“I’m very honored,” Callahan said. “I’ve followed (the World Driving Championship) over the years, thinking I would like to be part of it. In fact, I met (USTA Executive) Mike Tanner on a plane coming back from the Adios in 2009, after I drove Mr Wiggles, and told him to keep me in mind if a spot ever comes up.

“I’m sorry for Jason (Bartlett); he represented [the U.S.A] well in Norway [this Spring], but I’m ready to step in and will try to do as well as I know he would have.”

“I'm delighted Corey was able to accept the invitation on such short notice,” said Phil Langley USTA president. “From what I know of him he will be a great representative. I really feel bad that Jason is unable to represent us, as he too is another of harness racing's great young talents.”