Drivers’ Cup: France v. USA

A new challenge of drivers is being created by LeTrot and Yonkers Raceway in 2016: the Drivers’ Cup.

Two teams of five French and American drivers will compete in 4 races, with the US leg kicking off on Sunday, March 20 at Yonkers. The competition travels to France for the second leg of the competition on Friday, June 24 and Sunday, June 26 at Paris-Vincennes. At the end of these four events, the team that accumulates the most points will receive the Drivers’ Cup, which it will keep until the next edition. In addition, the driver that accumulates the most points will receive a check for $5,500.

Each team is composed and led by a captain. For this inaugural challenge, Team America is led by Jason Bartlett:

The leading driver at Yonkers Raceway at the end of the last five seasons, Jason Bartlett has more than 6,000 victories in his career at only 34-years-old. He has represented his country on two occasions in the World Driving Championship, in 2009 in Australia, and in 2013 in France.

Team France is led by Pierre Vercruysse:

The World Driving Champion in 2013, Pierre Vercruysse is one of the most talented drivers in Europe and also one of the most successful. The 53-year-old has more than 2,000 victories in France and has climbed on the podium of some of the biggest events of the world harness racing calendar, including the Prix d ‘Amérique (3 times!). Pierre also worked several years in the United States early in his career and he knows the American trotting pretty well.

The French can now bet on races held at Yonkers and to seal this renewed friendship, LeTrot and Yonkers Raceway have chosen to jointly organize the Drivers’ Cup. All events of the Drivers’ Cup will be broadcast on Equidia Live and are open to betting among operators approved in France.