Marohn is the Godfather of Monticello

Who knew that Jimmy Marohn was half-Italian other than him and his son, Jimmy Jr. But he is--his mom was the former Bridget Circo--and when Jon Lione, who was programmed to drive Flying Aftermidnite was unable to be at Monticello Raceway for the Godfather Pace, the eighth and final leg of the tracks year-long Heritage Drivers Series on Wednesday, Marohn was a last-minute substitute.

 

And for owner John Stubits and trainer Carl Wellman the change paid dividends for them because "the Mighty Mite" got their pacer up in the final strides to win Monticello Raceway’s event for drivers of Italian descent in 2:01.4.

 

When asked why he never said that he was part Italian Marohn shot back lightheartedly “Nobody ever asked me.”

 

The little man, who always has a wonderful devil-may-care attitude, joked in the winner's circle after his victory, saying with tongue in cheek, “I gave them a chance,” meaning that he trailed the field  for most of the mile and was even in fifth place at the top of the lane until he got after Flying Aftermidnite and the pacer charged home and collared Climb The Ladder, who  was all-out under strong urging from driver Johnny DeSimone. Only a nose separated the two at the finish. Third place went to Merle’s Boy who was driven by Todd Marciano.

 

Sent off as the second choice in the betting, Flying Aftermidnite scored his sixth victory of the season and returned a $5.70 win mutuel.

 

With his victory Marohn has earned a berth in the series finale which will be presented in early October. And Marohn’s entrance into that event sets up a confrontation with his son , Jimmy Jr., who won the St. Paddy Pace, for drivers of  Irish heritage, back in March.

 

The Heritage Drivers Series final, dubbed the “All-America Pace”, will feature the winning drivers of each of the series eight preliminary legs. (Monticello)