A welcome reception was hosted at Campbelltown City Hall for the 2015 World Driving Championship drivers and guests on Friday night.

Geoff Want, Chairman of Harness Racing Australia and President of the International Trotting Association officially welcomed the competitors during the reception. Defending WDC Champion Pierre Vercruysse was presented with the official ITA colours which he will wear in the championship.

Mayor Paul Lake wished all of the drivers the best of racing luck and presented Ray Sharman, Chairman of Tabcorp Menangle with a special certificate in recognition of the track's contributions to the community.

Earlier in the day the drivers were taken on a tour of Menangle where the opening leg of the WDC kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 21. A meeting was also held with racing stewards to review rules and regulations for the Championship.

Canadian driver and two-time World Driving Champion Jody Jamieson arrived in Australia on Friday and was interviewed by the local racing media.

Here is the schedule of race dates, tracks and number of races:

• Saturday, February 21 - Tabcorp Park Menangle - Two (2) Heats

• Sunday, February 22 - Newcastle - Three (3) Heats

• Tuesday, February 24 - Wagga - Seven (7) Heats

• Wednesday, February 25 - Bathurst - Four (4) Heats

• Thursday, February 26 - Penrith - Three (3) Heats

• Sunday, March 1 - Tabcorp Park Menangle - One (1) Heat (Tab.com Inter Dominion Grand Final day)

To view the entries for Saturday's card at Menangle, click the following link: 2015 World Driving Championship - First Leg - Menangle

Trot Insider will provide recaps and replays from each of the WDC legs as well as comments from Jamieson throughout the WDC tour.