Host Tracks Set For 2022 Driving Championships
Standardbred Canada is pleased to announce the host tracks and dates for the 2022 Regional Driving Championships and National Driving Championship which will determine Canada’s representative to the 2023 World Driving Championship for harness racing.
The 2022 National Driving Championship will take place at Century Mile in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, November 24.
“As the newest racetrack in Canada, it is not only a privilege but also very exciting to host the National Driving Championship at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino,” commented Paul Ryneveld, Managing Director, Racing, at Century Mile. “In our first three seasons of racing, drivers and horsepeople alike found the one-mile track to their liking and we believe the wide turns and long homestretch will make for a fun event from both a spectator and a betting angle. This will also be a fantastic event to showcase Century Mile to racing fans across Canada and North America, and to the drivers competing to represent Canada in the next World Driving Championship.”
This marks the first time that the National Driving Championship has been hosted in Alberta. Drivers must earn their way into the National Driving Championship by finishing first or second in their respective Regional Driving Championship.
The Ontario Regional will be hosted at The Raceway at the Western Fair District, Century Downs will host the Western Regional, Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park will be the site of the Atlantic Regional and the Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional will be hosted at Hippodrome 3R.
“We are very pleased to present the 2022 Regional and National Driving Championships after having to postpone the 2020 events due to COVID,” said Dan Gall, President & CEO of Standardbred Canada. “We are looking forward to working with all of our track partners across the country and are very excited to present the National Driving Championship at Century Mile, Canada’s newest horse racing venue. The one-mile oval and state of the art facility promises an exciting competition for the drivers and an exceptional experience for racing fans.”
Here are the locations and dates for the four regional events (in chronological order):
REGIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Wednesday, May 11- Ontario Regional Driving Championship
The Raceway at Western Fair District; London, Ont.
- Saturday, June 11 - Atlantic Regional Driving Championship
Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park; Charlottetown, P.E.I.
- Sunday, June 19 - Western Regional Driving Championship
Century Downs; Calgary, Alta
- Sunday, June 26 -Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship
Hippodrome 3R; Trois Rivieres, Que.
NATIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP
- Thursday, November 24 - Century Mile; Edmonton, Alta.
Regional events will feature either eight or nine drivers who will compete in a minimum of eight races. Drivers will receive points based on their finishing position and the top two point earners will advance to the National Driving Championship.
Past winners of the NDC title include Doug McNair (2018), Brandon Campbell (2016), Jody Jamieson (2014 & 2011), Brad Forward (2009), and Gilles Barrieau (2007).
The winner of the 2022 National Driving Championship will have the opportunity to represent Canada in the 2023 World Driving Championship to be held in Italy in conjunction with The World Trotting Conference.
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