John Manzi

[dougie]

Had a great chat with John Manzi tonight. He's hanging in there and ennjoying retirement. For all you "Ploppers" who never met John at Monticello ("The Mighty M"), you missed quite a guy. Although John starting out driving at Monti's oval, he spent much of his career as the Public Relations Director at what was "the fastest 1/2 mile track" in America. His promotions were legendary. I doubt John is a member of "Horseplop". If he is, and he's reading this....I love you John! THey'll never be another like you!

[Fuguzzi]

Definitely a great guy. Imaginitive, creative, honest and devoted husband.

[dougie]

Fuguzzi, i've know John since i'm 8 years old. I'm 66 now. And in all those years, i've never met his wife. I know she has passed away. I heard he was a devoted husband.

[old guy]

good man

[Hambletonian46]

what made John special was that he truly seemed to care about the fans...can't say that about too many of the folks running harness racing today.

[JL52]

Totally agree that he cared. I had a middling 3 yo pacer that won a pretty soft Open at Monticello. Post-race, he complimented me as if I had won the LBJ. And yes, his promotions were legendary.

[jupiter]

Great man, cared about the business, horseman and fans. Just wanted to have everybody enjoy the show.

[ryansdad]

John was a very nice guy from the mid 70s t early 80s my mother would sponsor a race for him were driver would get a set of colors owner would get a blanket and the trainer would get a training suit

[Fuguzzi]

Anything special for the forgotten horse?

[harnessplop]

No more fans at monticello, has a bad urine smell from niggers

[Fuguzzi]

That crap isn't necessary. Whats wrong with you?

[toothman]

John appeared to me to be a natural, from his cigar to his newfound head of hair.
I don't really remember Allen Finkelson's work that well, but John always had a feel for a good promotion.  And I owe him a debt of gratitude for encouraging me to get in a jogcart and drive in 2 editions of the Bartenders Derby. What fun!
And then there's JM in the PM on Sunday nights.
And i'm sure he was a loving devoted husband.

[dougie]

Yes toothman, i remember the "Bop Shop" on WVOS every sunday night. Some great old hits. John also played alot of those "obscure" titles. I know he misses it. He's a great guy!

[Fuguzzi]

Btw, as many of you know, John is nothing like Catman, in looks or personality

[harnessplop]

That crap isn't necessary. Whats wrong with you?

Stating facts. Naggers all over monticello now..even forte knows its shithole