Leading up to this year’s National Driving Championship (NDC), there is no shortage of excitement.
Eight of the nine drivers competing in the NDC earned their spot by being a top-two finisher in their regional event, and those drivers will face off on Friday, July 5 at Hippodrome 3R in Trois-Rivières, Que., for the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Driving Championship in 2025.
In the Atlantic Regional Driving Championship (ARDC), held at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino on Saturday, May 25, Redmond Doucet and David Dowling punched their tickets to the Nationals for a chance to represent Canada next summer.
Doucet, who was elated to finish first in the ARDC, is thrilled for the chance to be Canada’s representative in the World Driving Championship. Most of all, he’s just focused on having fun.
“It felt great [finishing first],” shared Doucet. “I’m hoping to have success in the NDC, but I’m most looking forward to having fun. I’ve also never been to Trois-Rivières, so that’s another track to check off my bucket list.”
When asked about who he feels are the top contenders, Doucet said that the winners of the Ontario Regional Driving Championship will be a big challenge.
"I would probably have to say Borth and MacDonald,” said Redmond. “They're driving the most right now and are the most consistent, I’d say.”
Winning this competition would mean a lot to Doucet in terms of representing Canada on an international level, but getting to visit New Zealand would add to his list of firsts.
“I have never been to New Zealand, so that would be a tremendous opportunity for me,” said Doucet. “Not to mention, wearing the Canadian colours wouldn’t be a terrible thing, either,” he added with a laugh.
While Dowling is mostly excited about the opportunity for a chance to wear the 'red and white,' what he values the most is being able to experience this all with the people he cares about the most.
“With a lot of good drivers participating, it’s going to be very competitive,” said Dowling. “I’m bringing my family with me, including my two little guys, Harrison and Jax.
“With them being there, competing is going to be even more special. It’s the kind of thing that, if they decided to follow in my footsteps, they could be proud knowing that their dad once competed in the NDC.”
When asked about who he considers to be his primary competition, the Springvale, P.E.I. native stressed that nobody should be taken lightly.
“Honestly, I can’t narrow it down,” said Dowling. “They’re all good drivers and I’m going to be keeping an eye on them all.”
As a proud Canadian, the opportunity to represent his country on an international stage is a dream that he hopes he can turn into a reality.
"It would just be awesome…a dream come true,” said Dowling with a smile. “I know it will be tough, but I will give it my absolute best. This is something that you dream of when you're a kid… and now I have a chance."
Rounding out the field of NDC competitors are Phil Giesbrecht (Western), Mike Hennessy (Western), Stephane Brosseau (Quebec/Eastern Ontario), Robert Shepherd (Quebec/Eastern Ontario), Tyler Borth (Ontario), James MacDonald (Ontario) and Doug McNair (World Driving Championship representative).
Watch Redmond Doucet and David Dowling being interviewed live as part of the NDC Driver Showcase on Thursday, July 4, at 8:30 p.m. Further details on that special live stream are coming soon.
(Standardbred Canada)