Winton is set to host one of the biggest international events in its history, as ten of the world’s best harness racing drivers line up for the World Drivers Championship 25 at Central Southland Raceway on Sunday 9 November.

This marks the fifth of six championship rounds and features top drivers from Italy, USA, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, Finland and New Zealand. The local hope is seven-time New Zealand champion Blair Orange, widely seen as the favourite by his rivals.

“Home advantage will definitely help,” Orange’s competitors admitted, though the random draw that pairs drivers with horses in each heat adds a strong element of luck.

Among the standout names is Canada’s James MacDonald, the 2017 champion, who has amassed 4,087 career wins. He’s joined by 2013 winner Pierre Vercruysse of France and Italy’s Giampaolo Minnucci, who has also enjoyed a prolific career.

Dutch driver Jasp Van Rijn enters the championship fresh off 900 career wins – though he faces a steep challenge as this will be his first time racing pacers, having previously only driven trotters. He replaces Rick Ebbinge, who won the last two World Drivers Championships for the Netherlands.

Australia’s Gary Hall Jr, familiar to many Kiwi fans with 4,171 wins to his name, called his involvement in the championship “a career highlight.”

Also in the line-up are Brett Beckwith (USA), Santtu Raitala (Finland), Michael Nimczyk (Germany), and Mats Djuse (Sweden), whose career highlight includes victory in the Copenhagen Cup.

The racing action kicks off at 12 noon and will feature a full racecard, with four World Drivers Championship heats as the main attraction.

Each heat’s starting line-up is determined by a random draw, ensuring fairness. Drivers earn points based on their finishing positions, all contributing towards the overall championship standings.

Adding glamour to the day is the Ladies Fashion In The Field competition. Stylish racegoers are encouraged to dress up, with judges seeking the most fashionable and best-dressed entrants – hats and heels are strongly encouraged.

Hospitality packages and sponsorship options have proven extremely popular and are almost sold out. Trackside marquee packages are still available for groups of any size.

For bookings or further information, contact the Winton Harness Racing Club through Lindsay Beer at 021 351 499 or email [email protected].

More details about the World Driving Championship can be found at wdc.25.nz

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