Clinton Raceway will wrap up its 2018 race season with a bang when it hosts the 38th Annual Charity Driver’s Challenge this Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The yearly event has raised more than $ 310,000 to date for local charities with proceeds this year going towards the Tanner Steffler Foundation. The organization was established in August, 2017 by John and Heather Steffler who lost their 19-year-old son Tanner to mental health and substance use disorder.
The focus of the foundation is to enhance and improve the mental health and addiction resources and support networks that are in place for youth between the ages of 12 and 24 within Huron County.
The line-up for this year’s Driver’s Challenge is an impressive one featuring five of Woodbine Mohawk Park’s top drivers – James MacDonald, Doug McNair, Jody Jamieson, Bob McClure and Jonathan Drury – taking on the three top drivers from Clinton which includes Ryan Holliday, Scott Wray and Nat Day who will be the first female to take part in the competition.
The eight competing drivers have combined for more than 17,500 wins and over $240 million in purse winnings, along with multiple world driving championship titles.
“We are fortunate to be able to showcase many of Canada’s top drivers and this is always a great way to end the season,” said Clinton’s General Manager Ian Fleming. “They are all gracious enough to take time out to come up for the day and donate their driving fees to charity and we really appreciate that.”
Closing Day will also feature the Ontario Sires Stakes for two-year-old filly pacers as well as for the first time in Clinton, Wiener Dog Races. One race, featuring nine dachshunds will run a distance of 20 meters during the matinee program. Race fans will have the chance to win cold hard cash, as part of the Driver's Challenge. Each driver will be paired up with one randomly chosen fan (must be in attendance with ballot entered by 1:15pm) for the eight race challenge. When their driver earns points, they will earn cash. First, second and third place will pay out.
A Pineridge chicken barbecue along with live entertainment from local artist, Graham Bedard will follow the card. Proceeds from each ticket sold will go to charity and only a few tickets remain available. The cost is $20 and they can be purchased by contacting the Clinton Raceway race office.
For full details of the days events, visit www.clintonraceway.com.
(Clinton Raceway)