What is the definition of a amateur driver?

[Kirby's Ace]

I have seen recently people driving in amateur driving races that have been driving for years!

And have driven for other trainers and owners.

So, what is a amateur driver?

[hot2trot]

someone that sux cock at driving   which iz why its fun to watch.     lets bet on who fucks up least

[Senator Blutarsky]

I have seen recently people driving in amateur driving races that have been driving for years!

And have driven for other trainers and owners.

So, what is a amateur driver?

One stop shopping to answer your question, and per each racing jurisdiction:

https://www.ustrotting.com/trackside/amateur-driving-clubs/

https://www.agco.ca/horse-racing/standardbred-licensing-process

I'm not sure if this still holds or if you remember when amateur drivers used to to have a (P) next to their name in the past performance in the US and Canada form when they raced against pros.. The "P" stands for provisional.  I still see it at times. 

[ploptart]

Agree and I think there should be a cap on how many of these races you can win and still be considered an amateur. Seems unfair to true newbies
Who to me are the true amateurs

[Senator Blutarsky]

someone that sux cock at driving   which iz why its fun to watch.     lets bet on who fucks up least

I think your response was not only great as a positive outlook, but inspirational. 

Fuck harness racing for a minute, seriously, we get 10 horny dudes, put them in a retention barn handcuffed, then we jack them all up on Viagra 1 hour before each race, and we bring out 10 world class cocksuckers.  Parade them around in pairs.  Take all the same type bets as horse racing, and when the starting bell goes off the blow jobs begin, first to blow his load wins, second, third, fourth....have past performances for this shit too.

Amazing, Porn & Gambling finally ALL in ONE!   

[jupiter]

Where are all the newbees, they don't exist and I don't want to ever see them. At least the Billings uses nothing but trotters and most used to be amateurs, people with cash. They go to different tracks, ya don't see them every week. Three on Fri. one on Sat. unbetable, can't wait till the Championship meet. See what they do, hopefully not more of the same.

[dinkadoo]

Agree and I think there should be a cap on how many of these races you can win and still be considered an amateur. Seems unfair to true newbies
Who to me are the true amateurs

not a bad idea, similar to the thoroughbreds where bug riders get a weight break but then at some point get kicked out of the nest and have to fly on their own.

Seen some of these drivers with a hundreds of drives. Trained and drove their own stable including catch driving and damn near winning driving titles at b and c level tracks.

I like how the amateurs can get 2 or 3 drives on a Friday night at the Meds.

[PIGLAND]

trace

[EPM]

Billings paddocks were a hundo back in the day..mucho dinero well maybe not but enough to go out and get plastered after the races

[Mailbox Money]

trace

There's a  difference between "getting a driver" and having a drive". Amateur drivers go through the same process as any other beginner. They drive in qualifying and or fair and matinee races under the judges scrutiny. When an amateur driver competes in races with purse money, the 5% driver earnings are donated to charity.  For example Spriggs had a regular driving career in which he won Hundreds of races and thousands of dollars, he now donates his earnings to charity. Alot of the amateur drivers have a relationship with trainers who put them up in these races. I'm not sure if it is still required but the amateurs were required to pay the trainer $100 for the drive. When you break it down the Amateur drives basically for free. Amateur drives for charity. PROFESSIONAL drives for payment.Anybody wagering on the amateur races would be wise to do some homework on these guys. I  would rather bet on a former regular driver than a lifetime pencil pusher just out for fun!

[HornbyDuke]

Ur all missing boat, simple test, must be within  6 degrees of familial separation o f andy miller,  or provide medical documentation ur hands have been broken no fewer than 5x.

[Senator Blutarsky]

Ur all missing boat, simple test, must be within  6 degrees of familial separation o f andy miller,  or provide medical documentation ur hands have been broken no fewer than 5x.

I guess that counts me out, hands of stone (from all that pumping action  ), and my mother was a jackal, and last I saw of my father was his beautiful red eyes. 

I can never be a driver even though I have all the prerequisite evil, I mean good! 

[seriously]

I have seen recently people driving in amateur driving races that have been driving for years!

And have driven for other trainers and owners.

So, what is a amateur driver?

95% of all that hold an "A" license

[kooter for hipin]

I have seen recently people driving in amateur driving races that have been driving for years!

And have driven for other trainers and owners.

So, what is a amateur driver?

An amateur driver by definition is one who accepts no material rewards for his drives.   

[Senator Blutarsky]

4/28/23 BigM Race 9, Amateur race, raining, track good - took $250k in handle.

Fast food cockroach racing is thriving now, house always wins, wise up people.  Be a better predator then them as right NOW tracks and casinos think we're jerk offs, always have and will continue to.

I'm a decent a strategist, and bettor, my handicapping needs rest, I'm really tired.  I'll come back there, but there are great handicappers at HORSEPLOP right now!

Pick your spots, and pounce...withdraw, regroup, plan, repeat.....