Two-time defending Driver of the Year James MacDonald has come a long way from his days as 'The Fry Guy' serving up fries and burgers at the Charlottetown Driving Park canteen.
After ascending to the top of the driving ranks in recent years at Woodbine Mohawk Park, MacDonald is now serving up winners on the racetrack with regularity and has reached new heights in his career, surpassing $10 million in seasonal earnings this year. Having developed a new title that he hopes will reign for years to come, 'King James' MacDonald was feted by the track on Monday evening for the feat he achieved over the weekend. He joined Hall of Fame driver and Woodbine host Randy Waples on the pre-game show to discuss his standout season prior to leaving for a planned Costa Rica vacation this Wednesday for his brother Curtis's 40th birthday.
"It's been a heck of a run and I'm just soaking it all in and just trying to enjoy every minute of it," said MacDonald. "But hopefully I don't have to go back to 'The Fry Guy' anytime soon."
MacDonald became the first Canadian-based driver since Jody Jamieson in 2011 to drive the winners of $10 million in a single season after nearly reaching the mark in 2022, finishing at $9.9 million.
"It was something I never really thought of before because in the [mid 2010s] it was unheard of for a driver to get anywhere near close to it... I never really thought much about it and then last year I remember I was pushing hard for 10 [million]. I got to 9.9 [million]. I don't generally think about accolades or stats, but I remember in October or November I started saying, 'Well, this is maybe doable.' But I came up just short. I remember saying to Paige [Austin] that would have been really cool because I know I'll never have a chance to do that again.
"And then this year, I got so hot late in the year and I said, 'I think I'm going to do it this year.' If I can just stay healthy and stay in the bike then I got a good shot. So it's something I've been thinking about for a while and kind of pushing hard for. I'm just really proud of that giant number... It's something really special to me and I'll never forget."
MacDonald discussed his big weekend that included leading his team to victory in Western Fair's Holiday Drivers' Challenge for Toys For Tots. He also spoke about learning the ropes as a horseman and his rise to the top of the drivers colony in recent years, in addition to discussing his driving colours, season highlights and being associated with standout mares Adare Castle and So Much More. Watch the full interview below.