Bartlett to Again Represent the United States Against the World

Jason Bartlett was not happy with his sixth place finish in the 2009 World Driving Championship in Norway, but will have a “do over” when the Championship is hosted by the United States in 2011.

Bartlett recently accepted an invitation from the U.S. Trotting Association to participate in the 25th World Driving Championship, which will be raced over tracks where he has become one of North America’s most prolific race winners.

“I think the problem last time was that you can focus too much on winning, rather than just getting points,” Bartlett said. “It’s consistency that wins. I think it’s going to be to my advantage to race it here; the style of racing is different and it should favor me.”

The most recent World Driving Championship contested in the United States, in 1995, resulted in a win for the U.S. representative, Dave Magee. Bartlett will hope to join Magee, Ron Pierce and Joe Marsh, Jr. as the only Americans to win a world title.

Bartlett can plan on having a large cheering section. A USTA-sponsored tour, which will follow the drivers track to track, will likely be populated by family and friends from Bartlett’s native Maine, who will gather many great memories and friendships along the way.

“That’s one of the great things about the Championship: It’s a great experience and you make great friendships. We still talk regularly to Gareth Rattray (Australia) and Peter Ferguson (New Zealand),” Bartlett said.

More information about the Championship, which will open on July 31 at Harrah’s Chester and close on Aug. 5 at Yonkers Raceway, bookending stops at Tioga Downs, Monticello Raceway, and the Meadowlands, can be found online at world.ustrotting.com.