The anticipation for the 2024 National Driving Championship (NDC) is mounting as the chosen tracks and dates were recently unveiled alongside with the Regional Driving Championships. The pinnacle of the competition will be held at Hippodrome 3R, located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, on Friday, July 5.
The National Driving Championship stands as the gateway for determining Canada's representative in the 2025 World Driving Championship, slated to take place in New Zealand.
Expressing her elation, Sophie Mongeon, Chair of the Board for Club Jockey du Québec, remarked,
"The Trois-Rivières racetrack takes immense pride in hosting this significant event this summer. We extend our best wishes for success to all the elite drivers from across the nation who will be vigorously vying for this prestigious accolade."
Securing a spot in the National Driving Championship necessitates drivers finishing either first or second in their corresponding Regional Driving Championship heats.
The Western Regional Championship will be held at Century Downs on April 13, with The Raceway at Western Fair District being the venue for the Ontario Regional on April 23. Meanwhile, the Quebec/Eastern Ontario Regional Championship will unfold at Hippodrome 3R on May 19, and the Atlantic Regional Championship will be hosted at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park on May 25.
Darryl Kaplan, President & CEO of Standardbred Canada, voiced his enthusiasm regarding the 2024 National Driving Championship venues, stating,
"We are thrilled to reveal the locations for the 2024 National Driving Championship. We initiated this event 17 years ago and are overjoyed to bring the final to Quebec for the first time. The exceptional partnerships at renowned tracks nationwide have propelled the NDC into a highly anticipated series of events, culminating this year with the final at Hippodrome 3R on July 5th. We eagerly anticipate the coronation of a Canadian champion who will represent the nation at the 2025 World Driving Championship in New Zealand."
The Regional Driving Championships will feature up to nine drivers competing in a series of races, accumulating points based on their finishing positions. The top two point earners will advance to the National Driving Championship.
Notable 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).