The field is now set for the 2016 National Driving Championship this Friday, October 14 at The Raceway at Western Fair District following Tuesday afternoon’s 'horse draft.'
Rather than the usual format for assigning drivers, Standardbred Canada conducted a 'draft' for the eight races, similar to a hockey pool style draft. This format provided the drivers direct involvement in determining the horses they will drive.
First, there was a draw to determine the order of the draft (first through eighth) for the first NDC race (race two) and then a random number generator was used to determine the draw for the next seven NDC races so that each driver had the opportunity to draw a first through eighth pick.
The post position draw was done following the draft. The automated draw was used for the first NDC race (race 2) and then a random number generator was used for the balance of the seven races to ensure that every driver drives from post one through eight for the competition.
"The draft went well, much better than the last draft," stated driver Brandon Campbell, to which the returning drivers agreed. "They worked all the kinks out that we ran into last time. All in all, I think everyone got some competitive horses."
The NDC races are carded as races 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. First race post time is 7:05 p.m.
To view the completed fields, click here or view program pages here courtesy of TrackIT.