Standardbred Canada (SC) concludes its The Road to the Nationals video series with Episode 5, offering fans a preview of the 2026 National Driving Championship (NDC), set for Sunday, July 26 at Clinton Raceway in Clinton, Ont.
The five-part series has provided a preview of each Regional Driving Championship from a handicapping perspective, with the final installment shifting its focus to the National Championship, where the country's top drivers will compete for the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage.
Standardbred Canada's The Road to the Nationals is produced by its Digital Communications team in collaboration with Industry Development. Video production is led by Jeff Porchak, Director of Digital Communications, and the series is hosted by John Rallis, associate editor of TROT Magazine. The series provides in-depth coverage and insight as competitors prepare for the nationals, featuring analysis, interviews and key storylines from across the sport.
In the final episode, Rallis is joined by reigning World Driving Champion James MacDonald, who shares his perspective on this year's National Driving Championship, the significance of Canada's qualification process and the unique opportunity awaiting competitors at Clinton Raceway.
Although MacDonald will not be competing in this year's championship, he will still play an active role as part of the broadcast team covering the event taking place on Clinton's Legends Day card.
"I really enjoy it," MacDonald said. "Obviously my passion is driving horses and racing in every race possible, but it's fun to work with great broadcasters... They kind of get a different input into what might be going through people's heads and what strategy might be out there in racing."
MacDonald also praised Canada's Regional and National Driving Championship format, noting that it provides competitors with valuable experience before advancing to the World Driving Championship.
"It's such a great event and I just love the way Canada selects our representatives in the tournaments," he said. "It's a challenge and you're battle-tested by the time you get around to the Worlds."
With Clinton Raceway also hosting Legends Day, MacDonald said the combination of current stars and some of harness racing's most accomplished drivers makes the event especially meaningful.
"It's always great to see those guys," said MacDonald.
The interview also explored MacDonald's experiences competing around the world, including his recent World Driving Championship victory in New Zealand. Reflecting on racing internationally, he discussed adapting to different driving styles while incorporating lessons learned from competing against some of the sport's top drivers.
"I took a lot from all the different places I've been and tried to incorporate all of them into my drivng," he explained. "There's no one way that's better than the other. It's just different."
MacDonald also reflected on winning his first World Driving Championship on home soil on Prince Edward Island in 2017, calling it one of the defining moments of his career.
"It was kind of an event that springboarded my career," MacDonald said. "Something... I'll cherish my whole life."
The conversation concluded with MacDonald discussing the demanding schedule of top drivers throughout North America, while emphasizing the importance of taking time to appreciate the sport's biggest victories.
"It's never bad to win a big race," he said. "Sometimes you don't get to really soak it in and bask in it until the season's over."
For an in-depth preview of Sunday's National Driving Championship and Legends Day festivities, click the play button on the video below.
Points for the NDC will be awarded in each race according to the official order of finish: 15 points (1st), 10 (2nd), 7 (3rd), 5 (4th), 4 (5th), 3 (6th), 2 (7th), 1 (8th)
Rallis offered his selections for the NDC / Legends Day card of harness racing. Those selections appear below.
To view Sunday's entries, click on one of the following links: Sunday Entries - Clinton Raceway || Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT).
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)