The Bermuda Cablevision Friday Night Series is proving to be a big hit among local harness drivers.Driving Horse and Pony Club (DHPC) launched the series, which sees the three fastest drivers on average time in each time bar receive cash earnings, during last weekend’s season opener at Vesey Street.First place drivers earn $40 while the second and third place drivers pocket $25 and $15.DHPC president Arnold Manders said the response from his association’s membership towards the cash incentive hds been encouraging.“All of the feedback from the drivers has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “One member came to get their winnings and had a huge smile on their face and said ‘I am loving this sport again!’ That kind of reaction made all of the struggle in the summer for sponsorship all worth it.“The new incentive definitely has already encouraged new participants. We had the most successful first race night of a season that this club has seen in many years. Even the spectators were excited.”During the previous harness racing campaign there was very little in terms of cash incentives.“Last year they raced for nothing except I think for the Champion of Champions and that wasn’t the purse it usually is,” Manders said. “Our 2012/13 Committee collectively decided that it was time for a change.”Among last weekend’s purse winners was Philip Correia who clocked the night’s fastest time of 1:04/2 with his colt Cherokee’s Superman in the Free for All.Given the family oriented atmosphere that harness racing provides, it didn’t take much to convince Bermuda Cablevision to come on board as sponsors for the new series.“After meeting with Arnold and Robin Manders and listening to their dreams and visions for providing safe family entertainment on a weekly basis to our community, Cablevision felt it would be great to support them, our employee Mr Joey Trott who announces the races, and those who are trying so hard to keep horse racing alive on the Island,” a company spokesperson said.Robin Manders currently serves as the association’s secretary.Former top cricketer Manders took over the helm of DHPC after predecessor Michael Rodrigues stood down at the association’s annual general meeting earlier this year. Manders ran unopposed for the top post.