The Weaver Bruscemi name is front and center in Standardbred racing led by Mark Weaver, but it most definitely includes Mike Bruscemi even though he prefers to fade into the background. The 52-year-old Bruscemi was first listed as an owner separately with Weaver in 2005 before being joined at the hip under the Weaver Bruscemi moniker one year later. Some two decades later they send out thousands of horses each year. While Bruscemi prefers to avoid the spotlight, we were able to corner him during a moment of weakness to talk about his role in the partnership, love of the sport and just to find out: Who is Mike Bruscemi?    How did you get started in harness racing? The obvious answer to that is Mark Weaver. I got involved after talking to him for a while. I think I grew up a little like Mark in that we both like gambling on horses or sports. When we met we had a lot in common from that aspect. He told me he had a couple of horses and that sparked my interest. What is your relationship like with Mark Weaver? It is pretty good. I don't think I could have a better friend. You can't do anything wrong with him. He is such a giving person and anything you talk to him about he can relate with it, not just about the horse industry.  Truth be told, you're the brains behind the Weaver Bruscemi partnership, right? That is definitely a myth. What role do you play in the Weaver Bruscemi racing empire in combination with trainer Ron Burke? My best role is being quiet, learning and listening. I don't think anyone could be in a better position than I am with Mark because he is the best at what he does. My value is maybe doing nothing and going along with Mark. Although you are more of a silent partner, do you ever feel strongly and speak up about a horse or an issue? Very seldom, maybe once or twice. Mark kind of knows that if I do say something I mean what I'm saying because I don't say much. When I want to have input I tell him but whether he agrees with me or not it is fine. It doesn't matter to me.  What kind of car do you drive? Lincoln Navigator. Favorite dinner meal? Snack? Steak; pretzels. What is your favorite track to visit? The Red Mile. I love the historical nature of it and the atmosphere there. What is your favorite big event in racing? There are a couple but I guess I have to be biased and say the Adios at my home track [The Meadows]. How often is racing on your mind? Every day. I literally watch 99% of my races. I keep up the best I can. If I take a day or two off and don't try to keep up with Mark and Ronnie [Burke], I'm way behind.  What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing? I'm a big hockey fan, so probably following that. What is your favorite hockey team? Pittsburgh Penguins. What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don't know? I own a Pizzeria. Is owning the Sammy's Pizzeria your full-time profession? I guess it is. Right now it is at the point where it is a family-run business. Where is Sammy's located? It is a little sit-down place with a full menu in Pittsburgh. We have a full liquor license but focus on beer.  Did you do something before owning the Pizzeria? My dad was in the trucking business so I worked with him through high school and college. Shortly before he got out of that I got into the pizza business. ► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter I'm a New York guy and we are famous for our pizza. Do you make a good pie? I'm a big New York pizza guy too and I come to New York for its pizza, but I think we do alright.  What is one word that describes harness racing for you? Exciting. You race exclusively with Ron Burke as your trainer and have owned thousands of horses with him. Do you speak with him often or let Mark handle that side? I speak to Ronnie more as a friend. Mark is definitely the communication between Ronnie and me when it comes to the horses. How often do you speak to Mark about horses? Mark and I talk every day, whether it is about horses or something else. What was your favorite moment in harness racing? The one that sticks out the most for me would be Sweet Lou winning the Breeders Crown in 2011. It was so early for Mark and me with all the horses. I remember the exact spot I was in at Woodbine when it happened.  Which is/was your favorite horse that you've owned? It is hard to go over Foiled Again but I would say Sweet Lou. I feel like with Mark as well you guys have this attachment to Sweet Lou. Is it because he was your first stallion? I think that has something to do with it. Foiled is retired but Sweet Lou is still a stallion and involved in the sport. Maybe the attachment is there because of the longevity.  What attracts you to harness racing? In the beginning it was probably the gambling end of it but now I just love the win.  Do you take winning as personally as Ronnie? He takes it to a whole other level. I don't get into it like that [laughing]. You mentioned betting. Are you really into handicapping? As the years went by I learned a lot about the industry which I could put towards the gambling end. I'm not good at it but I love to do it.  Bythemissal has taken the harness world by storm but hasn't your team quietly been waiting for him to win races like the Adios and Milstein? It almost felt like a little secret. Ronnie had said to us that this horse was fast and that was before the Adios. We were really excited about it and thought he could do what he is doing, but we really didn't know. Now we know Ronnie was right on. Do you think Bythemissal is the best 3-year-old pacer right now? I'm real superstitious so I don't want to answer that question.  Have you ever been in a jog cart or bike? Never. I definitely have the urge to try but just have never done it. I should've done it by now. It is definitely on my list.  If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be? I read a lot of things that Eric Cherry has said and I think he has a great insight on the sport with a lot of good ideas. That being said, I think trainers that want to get owners need to market to people better. If you are in business for yourself, you have to market it and draw in customers. There are so many trainers and very few do it.  Do you think operations like yours with 300 horses hurts the sport in some ways? I would say no. As big as Ronnie and Mark have gotten and as much as is being made, a lot of it is put right back into the business. To me that is a plus.  How do you view the future of harness racing? I'd like to be positive about it but I think it has a lot to change if it is going to continue. When you first met Mark about 20 years ago, could you ever have imagined being where you are now in the industry? Absolutely not. I figured him and I would own a couple of horses along the way, maybe get to 10 or 20 horses. It really turned into a business.  Is it more fun for you than a business because you are more on the outside from an operational standpoint? It is. I'm fortunate to be around Mark and Ronnie. I know I fell into a good spot and I just try to keep up with them.  Time for the stretch drive. Best horse you ever saw: Foiled Again. He wasn't the fastest but he had the biggest heart and longevity.  Lasix -- Yes or No?: I have no opinion on that issue. Favorite TV Show?: Cheers. Trotters or Pacers?: Pacers.