Marc Campbell and Keith Legge will represent the Atlantic Region at the 2026 National Driving Championship (NDC) after finishing first and second, respectively, in the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship (ARDC).

Campbell dominated this year's ARDC, winning four of the eight races to secure top honours by eight points over Legge, who added two victories of his own to finish second, 15 points ahead of the next driver to qualify for his first NDC. The pair will join six of Canada's top drivers this weekend at Clinton Raceway in Clinton, Ont., where the winner will earn the right to represent Canada at the 2027 World Driving Championship.

Campbell captured the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship for the first time since 2014, and enters the National Driving Championship as one of the championship's most experienced drivers. The Prince Edward Island native has competed in each of the last six Atlantic Regional Driving Championships, the longest streak in the field, and will make his third appearance at the National Driving Championship. His best national finish was when he was runner-up in 2014. He finished fifth in 2022.

"My experience this time around was unique," said Campbell. "Getting to compete against some of the younger drivers from around the region and seeing their excitement and nervousness reminded me of my first few regionals. I was fortunate enough to win four races in a row, and that certainly helped seal the deal."

Campbell said he's looking forward to making his first trip to Clinton Raceway.

"We're excited to be going to Clinton," he said. "I've never been to that track or that part of Ontario before. It's always nice to meet new people and catch up with others you haven't seen in a while. It's going to be fun watching Keith take it all in as well, although I'm not completely ready to be the veteran of the group yet."

Campbell has 12 years of regional and national driving championship experience, making him a veteran of the event whether he likes it or not. However, at 42, he has many starts left in him and says every event presents a fresh challenge.

"I enjoy seeing the different tracks, horses and people. Anytime you have eight drivers trying to score as many points as possible, every race and every second of every race becomes important. Racing is a lot more of a mental challenge than most people think."

A National Driving Championship victory would give Campbell an opportunity that has eluded him throughout his accomplished career.

"To win the nationals and be able to represent my country would be an unforgettable experience — something we wouldn't forget."

Campbell leads the field during the 2026 Atlantic Regional Driving Championship.

For Legge, reaching the National Driving Championship marks a milestone in his young career. Now in just his fourth season of driving, the Nova Scotia native qualified for the NDC on his first appearance at the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship, following a breakout season in which he earned leading driver honours at Truro Raceway.

"My first time at the ARDC was a great experience and exceeded my expectations," said Legge. "I went in there with a plan, executed it, had some racing luck and was rewarded with the chance to represent Nova Scotia at the NDC."

Legge said the opportunity to compete on the national stage is one he'll remember forever.

"To say I'm excited for the NDC is an understatement. This is a weekend I will remember for the rest of my life, no matter the outcome. I am looking forward to catching up with old friends, meeting new people, hanging out with the other drivers, picking their brains a little bit, taking something from this experience that I can build on and, most importantly, having some fun."

Harness racing has been part of Legge's life since childhood.

"I've been involved in harness racing since I was a toddler. It all started in the Emmons MacKay barn when Dixie MacKay was my babysitter, and Emmons started taking me there with him. I've been hooked ever since. I've always wanted to be a driver, and now, in my fourth season, I'm living the dream."

Legge credits loyal owners, trainers and quality horses for helping him capture his first driving title at Truro Raceway.

"Last year was my breakout year, for sure. I got some good horses to drive, some stables that have stuck with me since I first got my licence, and a few catch drives that helped me earn top driver at Truro Raceway. I didn't realize I was in contention until midway through the season. I just kept my head down, and the horses continued to race well for me. It still feels surreal."

With a spot in the NDC secured, Legge has an opportunity to build on that momentum with a top-of-the-podium finish.

"Getting the chance to wear the red and white and represent Canada on the world stage would be an absolute honour and a dream come true."

Legge and Redland Precious winning the opening leg of the 2026 Atlantic Regional Driving Championship.

The 2026 National Driving Championship will be contested at Clinton Raceway, with the National Driving Champion earning the right to represent Canada at the 2027 World Driving Championship. 

Campbell and Legge will represent the Atlantic Region at the National Driving Championship on Sunday, July 26 at Clinton Raceway. 

Joining them in Clinton will be Ontario representatives Tyler Borth and Jody Jamieson, Quebec / Eastern Ontario representatives Nick Boyd and Stephane Brosseau, and Western representatives Phil Giesbrecht and Kelly Hoerdt. The eight drivers will compete in eight races, with the National Driving Champion earning the right to represent Canada at the 2027 World Driving Championship on home soil.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)