Canada’s Doug McNair captured the 2017 North American Drivers Challenge Tuesday at Miami Valley Raceway, quite a feat considering he had to battle with 29 of the continent’s leading reinsmen in the three-day event.
On the strength of two championship day triumphs, one second and a pair of show finishes over his eight drives, the 27-year-old narrowly defeated Sam Widger, who finished second with 120 points, Tyler Smith 92, and Tony Hall and Jonathan Roberts who tied for fourth with 74 points each.
McNair scored with Mintiliscious (1:59.4, $3.20) in the first challenge race of the day, over a track rated sloppy. He also reached the finish line first with Fox Valley Valdez (1:59, $6.80) in the third contest event.
Widger’s two victories came back-to-back in the fifth and sixth challenge races with Mikes Hope (1:58, $12.00) and Delight Fashion (1:57.3, $23.60).
Others to score on Tuesday afternoon were Tony Hall behind Winchester (2:00.4, $13.60), Marcus Miller with Full Of Sand (1:57.1, $5.80), Jonathan Roberts behind Sweet Colt Of Mine (1:58.1, $44.60) and Jason Brewer, who was sitting in for John DeLong who withdrew from the contest, with Likeafireballshot (1:56.2, $8.60).
McNair receives $10,000 as the winner’s share of the North American Drivers Challenge. Widger receives $5,000, Smith $3,000, Hall and Roberts $1,750 each, Tharps $1,250, Miller $1000 and Tetrick $750.
The final point standings:
1st) Doug McNair - 139
2nd) Sam Widger - 120
3rd) Tyler Smith - 92
4th) Jonathan Roberts - 74
4th) Tony Hall - 74
6th) Randy Tharps - 71
7th) Marcus Miller - 65
8th) Trace Tetrick - 47
Drivers John DeLong and Ronnie Wrenn, Jr. dropped out of the contest due to visibility issues over the sloppy surface.
(With files from Miami Valley Raceway)
Congratulations Doug. We are
Congratulations Doug. We are proud of you up here in the frozen north. Great job.