Two of Canada's top female drivers will head to Europe later this month to take part in an international multi-track driving competition

.

The North America vs. Norway International Ladies' Driving Challenge will pit eight drivers - four from North America and four from Norway - in competition for international bragging rights. The first leg is on Monday, May 16 in Trondheim with the finale on Friday, May 20 in Biri.

Representing North America will be Americans Stacy Chiodo and Doreen Dailey, while Canada will feature Norwegian ex-pat Ann-Karin Larsen, who now resides in Norwood, Ont., and Tammy MacKay from Truro, Nova Scotia. MacKay leaves for New Jersey on May 14 to meet up with Chiodo and Dailey before flying to Norway, and is thrilled to be a part of this international event.

"I am extremely excited to be going on this trip," MacKay told Trot Insider. "I am looking forward to meeting new people and touring the beautiful scenery of Norway. One thing that harness racing has done for me is that it has definitely given me the opportunity to meet so many great people from all over Canada and the U.S. and now, I will gain even more friends from a different country this time. It will be an invaluable experience in a totally different setting!"

Part of that invaluable experience for MacKay, who has been driving since 1993, will come from not just the tracks, but the horses themselves.

"It's just trotters so it will be quite different from here, that's for sure," laughed MacKay.

As part of the festivities, the group of drivers will meet the King and Queen of Norway. The drivers challenge also coincides with the celebration of the country's anniversary. But before MacKay celebrates overseas, the local harness racing community in Truro will send her off in grand style.

"The THHOA Annual Horsemen's Banquet is this Friday, May 6 and before the meal is served a silent auction will take place at The Truro Horsemen's Club as a fundraiser to assist with funding for my trip to Norway to represent Canada," noted MacKay. "There will be many donated items to bid on as well as a stallion service to one of Meridian Farms' studs. The highest bidder will have his/her choice of a breeding to Allamerican Navajo, Aahm Canadian Now, Ameripan Gigolo, D M Dilinger, Driven To Win, Northern Bailey, N Xample or PJs Nabby."

SC Director Kent Oakes will serve as the emcee for the banquet, which gets underway at 6 p.m.