BEHIND THE SCENES: HARNESS RACING STARTING CAR

You already know that horses line up at the starting car (or truck's) gate before every race. The gate opens, they pass the starting pole, the bell goes off and the excitement begins. But have you ever wondered who's driving the car? And who's that other due (or gal) up in the camper-looking thingie that looks a lot like it's from the Popemobile? Read on to find out.

In today's video, we introduce you to two harness racing veterans who love their jobs. Norton Shoemaker is a former harness racing driver who switched to working in the starting car at Harrah's Philadelphia. His longtime partner is Andy Kean, another veteran of the racing game, who now does the driving while Shoemaker (known by his nickname "Shoe") keeps an eye on what's happening before, during and after the race in his role as a "patrol judge." 

Andy Kean (left) behind the wheel of the Harrah's Philadelphia starting car. Right, Norton "Shoe" Shoemaker, his partner, who's job is to keep an eye on the race as it happens.

​That's "Shoe" up there in the Popemobile thing, keeping watch to make sure the race is run correctly and without any interferences or rule breaking. If he sees something, he reports it to the judges up in the tower above the grandstand. They then review video of the race and determine whether in fact a rule was broken or a horse was interfered with. 

As you'll see in the video, Andy and "Shoe" are still very much in love with the harness racing game decades after they first got their start, and the opportunity to catch every race from a unique, closeup vantage point never gets old.

Did you know...if you ask around, you might be able to ride with them? Next time you're at Harrah's Philadelphia, ask a member of the racing team and see if rides are available that day. You might just get to see racing from a perspective few ever get the chance to do.