The excitement is building as the nine drivers competing in the 2024 National Driving Championship (NDC) have been determined!

Standardbred Canada is thrilled to announce the finalists who will race for the national title at Hippodrome 3R in Trois-Rivières, Que., on Friday, July 5, 2024. These talented drivers will compete to receive the honour of representing Canada at the 2025 World Driving Championship (WDC) in New Zealand.

Ontario Regional Driving Championship (ORDC) - April 23, London, Ont.

1. Tyler Borth - 71 points
2. James MacDonald - 59 points

Western Regional Driving Championship (WRDC) - May 11, Calgary, Alta.

1. Phil Giesbrecht - 62 points
2. Mike Hennessy - 61 points

Atlantic Regional Driving Championship (ARDC) - May 25, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

1. Redmond Doucet - 62 points
2. David Dowling - 52 points

Quebec/Eastern Ontario Regional Driving Championship (QEORDC) - June 2, Trois-Rivières, Que.

1. Stephane Brosseau - 67 points
2. Robert Shepherd - 65 points

2023 WDC Canadian Representative

1. Doug McNair

"We are thrilled to have a stellar group of drivers who have qualified for this event from across Canada,” said Darryl Kaplan, President & CEO of Standardbred Canada. “Each of them have rightfully earned their spot to compete in the National Driving Championship at Hippodrome 3R in Quebec. We are very excited, and Standardbred Canada looks forward to crowning a Canadian champion on July 5th."  

Since its inception in 2007, the NDC has showcased Canada's top harness racing talent. The championship format brings together regional champions for an exciting single-day showdown. Past winners of the NDC include drivers such as Doug McNair (2022 & 2018), Brandon Campbell (2016), Jody Jamieson (2014 & 2011), Brad Forward (2009) and Gilles Barrieau (2007). 

Drivers compete to represent Canada on the world stage, with the 2025 World Driving Championship set to take place in New Zealand. Canadian drivers have a proud history of success at the World Driving Championship. Herve Filion (1970), Sylvain Filion (1999), Jody Jamieson (2001 & 2011) and James MacDonald (2017) have all brought home the world title.

Join Standardbred Canada in Trois-Rivières for the 2024 National Driving Championship on July 5.

(Standardbred Canada)