The 2022 National Driving Championship (NDC) is inching closer and the field of eight drivers who will compete for the chance to represent Canada is set. Each of the drivers were top performers in their regional event and will compete against the top drivers from across Canada. Trot Insider spoke with each of the contenders about a variety of topics leading up to the big event.
*All stats as of Oct. 10, 2022.
Marc Campbell finds himself with another chance to compete in the National Driving Championship, which takes place next month at Century Mile in Edmonton, Alta. He secured his spot in the NDC by finishing second in the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship, just one point behind Gilles Barrieau.
Campbell has had a couple of chances before in the NDC but fell just short. This time, he hopes the result will be in his favour and he is the one representing Canada at the World Driving Championship next year. The last time he had the opportunity, he finished second behind Jody Jamieson.
Campbell is prepared for whatever the World Driving Championship might throw his way if he is the one lucky enough to make it through.
“Absolutely, I want to have the chance to go drive in [the World Driving Championship]," Campbell told Trot Insider. "It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. I’d be nervous, but excited. I would be very honoured and look at it as a huge milestone in my career.”
Campbell will have to beat seven other top drivers from across Canada and do so at a track he has never visited before. Campbell also has limited experience on a full-mile track but is eager for the new opportunity.
“I have very little experience [on a mile]," he said. "I’ll have to watch some replays to see how the track plays out. But it will be very exciting. It will be something new so it will be nice.”
The other seven competitors are Gilles Barrieau (Atlantic Canada), Doug McNair (Ontario), Louis-Philippe Roy (Ontario), Pascal Berube (Quebec / Eastern Ontario), Samuel Fillion (Quebec / Eastern Ontario), Mike Hennessy (Western Canada) and Rod Therres (Western Canada).
A common topic of conversation among the participants is the potential for less than friendly weather in Edmonton during the event, which is slated to take place on Nov. 24. Campbell is used to racing into the winter months out in Atlantic Canada and he has dealt with his fair share of the elements, but he is being warned to be extra prepared for what might face him this upcoming November in Edmonton.
“Everyone keeps telling me to dress warmly," said Campbell. "My wife is very excited because she thinks she’s going to get a new Canada Goose jacket now. It’s for sure going to be a factor. I’m sure the local guys will be more used to it. But it is what it is. I’m just excited to be able to participate and I just want to be competitive.”
Over his entire driving career, Campbell has earned more than $7 million in purse winnings and more than 2,800 wins. His best year for earnings was just last year in 2021 when he his mounts banked $700,561 and made 206 trips to the winner’s circle. Campbell has had three years where he has recorded more than 200 wins (2016, 2017 and 2021).
Often in sports, athletes have superstitions that they must live by. A fairly well-known hockey superstition is to put the Canadian Loonie into the ice. This tradition has seemingly helped Canada’s performances during some of the biggest world events in the sport. Coming into the NDC, Campbell will stick to his own superstitions to help give him the edge against the competition. However, his superstitions are not as important to him now as they once were.
“I used to be really bad," he admitted. "It was crazy what I would or wouldn’t do but now not so much. I like to be there a little early and I don’t eat after 1:30 p.m. if we’re racing a night card. Maybe if I have a really good run, I won’t change my whip or wash my gloves but other than that I try to stay even-keeled.”
Campbell, who also trains his own stable, will continue racing out in Atlantic Canada at venues like Charlottetown Driving Park and Summerside Raceway in preparation for the NDC. Make sure to keep an eye on the P.E.I. native as he tries once more for a chance to make it to the World Driving Championship.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Trey Colbeck)