Amateur Racing
California Amateur Driving Club
Club (amateur) drivers have been part of harness racing since the sport's inception.
Once only for the rich, these driving ranks have a different face now, with a varied population of sports fans who have in common a love of racing.
Today's club drivers are attorneys, bankers, housewives, teachers, salesmen, and factory workers, among others. They are the men and women who enjoy racing from the front lines, encouraging their own winners.
For those who love the thrills of competition and the sport of harness racing, there is no better way to get into the action than to race in club driving events!
WHAT IS A CLUB DRIVER?
A club, or amateur, driver is someone
who has not received valuable compensation
for driving services.
To participate in club driving events, a person must be licensed by the U.S. Trotting Association; be a current member of the USTA; and be a current member in good standing with a locally affiliated USTA Standardbred Driving Club.
TYPES OF LICENSING
All amateur and club driving participants must hold a valid USTA driving license. The four type of licenses are: Matinee, Qualifying/Fair, Provisional and "A."
For more information on licensing
requirements, contact the USTA.
EVENTS
The types of events that are offered by your club are limited only by your imagination.
- The most common events are standard one-mile races, with a starting gate and photo finish.
- Some clubs may offer racing over varied distances.
- A starting gate and photo finish are not required to conduct a successful event, and a "starter" and "finish judges" may be selected from your membership instead.
- Other variations might include individual competitive rated miles or general horsemanship competitions.
