A few years ago, two young drivers were breaking onto the scene in Ontario harness racing, and making a climb up the rankings at Hanover Raceway. Doug McNair and Scott Zeron were doing their time and paying their dues driving all across the Ontario ‘B-circuit’ tracks, and making an impact

. McNair and Zeron each got into a groove at the Hanover track that season, notching 31 and 33 wins respectively. Now, each of these young stars can be found near the top of the national drivers’ standings in terms of wins and purse money earned.

Although it may be too soon to project career numbers like McNair and Zeron, two up-and-coming drivers both experienced their own breakout seasons last year at Hanover Raceway. Ryan Holliday of Mount Forest and Bob McClure of Orangeville both burst onto the scene at the Hanover oval last season, tying for second in the track’s drivers’ standings with 36 wins apiece. Not only that, the duo were consistent all year, challenging eventual top driver Bruce Richardson until the final few weeks of the summer meet.

McClure, the son of driver and trainer Lormer McClure, enjoyed many highlights in 2011 including a trip to the Meadowlands with Southwind Vavoom. His success was not limited to Hanover Raceway, but he certainly looked comfortable in the winner's circle in Hanover. His 36 wins there were close to half of his season total of 81, and as he begins the 2012 summer meet at Hanover already on pace to match that number this year, expect a career year for McClure this season.

Holliday is also looking to improve on his breakout 2011 campaign. Similar to McNair, Holliday has seen a lot of success driving his father Dave’s horses, but has also established himself as a winner for many different trainers. On pace for his first 100-win season in 2012, with 41 wins as of May 11, 2012, Holliday will surely compete for top spot at Hanover Raceway this season, and push for successes elsewhere as well.

It may be soon to anoint these two the next big stars on the Ontario harness racing circuit, but one thing is certain. The 2012 campaign will be a crucial marker for the future of McClure and Holliday, as they both look to take the next big step in their careers.

To view Saturday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Saturday Entries - Hanover Raceway.

(Hanover Raceway)