The inaugural Junior National Driving Championship will take place on Saturday, July 25 at Clinton Raceway, bringing together young drivers from across Canada to compete for Canada’s first national junior title.

The live broadcast will be available to watch below.

Held as part of the 2026 National Driving Championship weekend, the Junior National Driving Championship showcases the next generation of Canadian harness racing talent as young drivers from across the country compete.

The competition features four junior drivers representing the Maritime Minis Racing Association taking on 12 competitors from the Ontario Young Guns Racing Association. Participants will compete in a series of miniature horse races throughout the morning. The top performers will then advance to the Championship Final to determine the inaugural Junior National Driving Champion.

In addition to the exciting on-track competition, Saturday's event celebrates youth participation in harness racing and highlights the future of the sport by providing young competitors with a national stage to demonstrate their horsemanship and sportsmanship.

The morning's schedule includes a special post parade, two qualifying heats, a Consolation Final, the Championship Final and the Inaugural Junior National Driving Championship awards presentation.

Saturday's Schedule

• 10:45 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies & Post Parade
• 11 a.m. – Heat 1
• 11:15 a.m. – Heat 2
• 11:30 a.m. – Post Position Draw For Final Heats
• Intermission
• 11:45 a.m. – Consolation Final
• 12 p.m. – Championship Final
• 12:20 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
• 1 p.m. – Driver Meet & Greet

Enjoy the broadcast and follow Standardbred Canada throughout National Driving Championship weekend for continuing coverage from Clinton Raceway.

The action continues on Saturday night with the live Driver Showcase before culminating on Sunday with the 2026 National Driving Championship at Clinton Raceway, where Canada's top eight drivers will compete for the national title and the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2027 World Driving Championship.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)