The road leading to the 2009 World Driving Championship in Norway starts at Grand River Raceway on Monday, October 20 with the first of four regional driving championships that will determine finalists to Canada's National Driving Championship in 2009.

The Elora, ON track hosts the Ontario Regional Driving Championship featuring an eight-race competition for nine of the sport's most talented reinsmen. The top two will advance to the National competition scheduled for March 21, 2009 at Fraser Downs in Surrey, BC and the winner of that event will represent Canada at the worlds in Norway.

"We are extremely excited to be hosting this event in Elora and showcasing some of the best talent in the country," commented Kelly Spencer, manager of Marketing at Grand River Raceway. "This is a fabulous line-up of drivers, and a wonderful way to cap off our 2008 race season. We're very grateful for the opportunity."

The following drivers have confirmed their participation for the Ontario Regional event:

Gord Brown
(Eastern Ontario – Rideau Carleton, Kawartha)

Scott Coulter
(Central Ontario - Grand River)

Brad Forward
(Western Ontario – Dresden, Hiawatha, Windsor & Woodstock)

Jody Jamieson
(Central Ontario - Mohawk & Woodbine)

Paul MacDonell
(Central Ontario - Mohawk & Woodbine)

Paul MacKenzie
(Central Ontario - Flamboro)

Bruce Richardson
(Central Ontario - Clinton, Hanover, Western Fair)

Mike Saftic
(Central Ontario - Mohawk & Woodbine)

Robert Shepherd
(Northern Ontario – Sudbury & Georgian Downs)

Criteria to select the drivers included wins, earnings, UDR, and their ability to be a good ambassador for harness racing. In addition, all drivers were asked to commit to attending all three of the event dates; the Regional Driving Championship on October 20, the National Driving Championship (March 21, 2009) and the World Driving Championship (May 14-20) before taking part in the regional event.