Tracks announced for 2024 National Driving Championship

MISSISSAUGA, ONT., Mar. 5, 2024 — Standardbred Canada is pleased to announce the host harness racing tracks and dates for the 2024 National Driving Championship (NDC) and the Regional Driving Championships. The final will take place at Hippodrome 3R, in Trois-Rivières, Que., on Friday, July 5.

The National Driving Championship will determine Canada’s representative in the 2025 World Driving Championship set to be held in New Zealand.

“The Trois-Rivières racetrack is extremely proud to welcome such a major event to its track this summer. We wish the best of success to all the top drivers across the country, who will be giving their all to earn this prestigious title,” said Sophie Mongeon, Chair of the Board for Club Jockey du Québec.

Drivers must earn their way into the National Driving Championship by finishing first or second in their respective Regional Driving Championship.

The Western Regional will be hosted at Century Downs on April 13, The Raceway at Western Fair District will host the Ontario Regional on April 23, the Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional will be hosted at Hippodrome 3R on May 19, and Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park will host the Atlantic Regional on May 25.

“We are very excited to announce the sites for the 2024 National Driving Championship,” said Darryl Kaplan, President & CEO of Standardbred Canada. “We introduced this event 17 years ago and we are thrilled to be bringing the final to the province of Quebec for the first time. Fantastic partners at great tracks across the country have helped elevate the NDC into a highly anticipated series of events, culminating this year with the final at Hippodrome 3R on July 5th. We look forward to crowning a Canadian champion who will also represent Canada at the 2025 World Driving Championship in New Zealand.”

Regional Driving Championships

• Saturday, April 13 – Western Regional Driving Championship – Century Downs; Calgary, Alta.
• Tuesday, April 23 – Ontario Regional Driving Championship – The Raceway at Western Fair District; London, Ont.
• Sunday, May 19 – Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship – Hippodrome 3R; Trois-Rivières, Que.
• Saturday, May 25 – Atlantic Regional Driving Championship – Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park; Charlottetown, P.E.I.

National Driving Championship

• Friday, July 5 – Hippodrome 3R; Trois-Rivières, Que.

Regional events will feature up to nine drivers who will compete in a series of 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 (2022, 2018), Brandon Campbell (2016), Jody Jamieson (2014, 2011), Brad Forward (2009) and Gilles Barrieau (2007).

From Standardbred Canada