COLTS NECK, N.J. -- George Sholty, a Hall of Fame harness racing driver and winner of over $20 million in purse money, has died after an extended illness. He was 68.

Sholty, born into a harness racing family at Logansport, Ind., died Thursday night, Harness Racing Communications reported Friday.

He won his first race in 1951. Racing on the East Coast through the 1950s and 60s, Sholty was one of the dominant drivers of the era, winning numerous titles at Yonkers and Roosevelt raceways in New York.

In all, Sholty won 2,934 races and $20,777,666 in purse money. He won the 1966 Pacing Triple Crown with Romeo Hanover and his dozens of classic victories included the 1979 Hambletonian with Legend Hanover, 1979 Meadowlands Pace with Sonsam and three Breeders Crown races with Conifer in 1984, Express Ride in 1985 and in 1987 with Armbro Fling. He last drove in a race in 1998.

Sholty also was a successful trainer. Champions he trained included Coffee Break, Conifer, Gentle Stroke, Express Ride, Anniecrombie, Armbro Fling, Rivaltime, Armbro Hilary, Scott S Hanover, Armbro Iliad, Nevele Olympian, Calm Down, Florida Pro, Passing Glance, Ideal Society and Raven Hanover.

Sholty was inducted into the Harness Racing Living Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York in 1984.

He is survived by wife Myrna, son George and daughters Tressa, Kim and Terri.