The field for the 2018 Eastern Ontario / Quebec Regional Driving Championship (EOQRDC), scheduled for Saturday, June 30 at Kawartha Downs has been confirmed.
The participating drivers -- representing Kawartha Downs (KD), Hippodrome 3R (3R) and Rideau Carleton Raceway (RCR) -- are:
Nicholas Boyd (KD)
Stephane Brosseau (3R)
Guy Gagnon (RCR)
Reg Gassien (KD)
Stephane Gendron (3R)
Jonathan Lachance (RCR)
Brett MacDonald (RCR)
Richard Simard (RCR)
Invitations were extended to drivers based on several criteria, including their 2017 statistics on their circuit.
Kawartha Downs in Fraserville, Ont., will host the EOQRDC for their first time.
“Kawartha Downs is looking forward to hosting the Eastern Ontario / Quebec Championship for its first time,” said Jim Huck, the track’s Marketing Director and Harness Racing Supervisor. “It will be great to have the different drivers competing at Kawartha, something new for the fans is always good. Our two local guys are excited and will have a good fan base to cheer them on.”
In 2016, Guy Gagnon of Gatineau, QC squeaked out a one-point victory over fellow reinsman Brett MacDonald and won his second straight EOQRDC. Gagnon, 47, also won this event in 2014.
Drivers will receive points based on their finishing position and the top two drivers from the eight-race competition will join six other drivers at the 2018 National Driving Championship (NDC) scheduled for Wednesday, September 26 at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ont.
The drivers had to confirm their availability for the NDC date and the World Driving Championship (WDC) dates in order to take part.
The winner of the 2018 NDC will have the opportunity to represent Canada, and join 2017 World Driving Champion, James MacDonald, in the 2019 WDC in Sweden.
Here are the locations and dates for the four regional events (in chronological order):
► Ontario Regional (Includes drivers from Ontario)
The Raceway at Western Fair District -- Wednesday, May 16
Advancing: Trevor Henry, Louis-Philippe Roy
► Western Regional (Includes drivers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
Century Downs -- Saturday, June 23
► Atlantic Regional (Includes drivers from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island)
Truro Raceway -- Friday, June 29
► Quebec / Eastern Ontario Regional (Includes drivers that compete regularly at Kawartha Downs and Rideau Carleton Raceway in addition to Hippodrome 3R)
Kawartha Downs -- Saturday, June 30
Regional events will feature either eight or nine drivers who will compete in a minimum of eight races. Drivers will receive points based on their finishing position and the top two point earners will advance to the National Driving Championship at Grand River Raceway on September 26.