For the first time in the history of the World Driving Championship, Canada will be represented by a driver from western Canada.
Brandon Campbell, 33, was presented with the official Canadian driving colours and helmet in the winner’s circle at Fraser Downs on Friday (April 21), before the first race of the evening.
Campbell is a familiar name at Fraser Downs. In 2015, he was the leading dash driver.
Since his career began in 2003, Campbell has driven over 1,300 winners, earning more than $8 million for them.
Industry dignitaries presented Campbell with his colours and helmet at the Fraser Downs ceremony. Racing fans across Canada voted for one of four designs, and on Friday night, Campbell donned them for the first time.
Cloverdale-Langley City MP John Aldag and Brandon Campbell at the presentation of colours on Friday, April 21. Sam Anderson
Campbell won the 2016 National Driving Championship in October, qualifying him for the 2017 World Driving Championship that will be hosted by Standardbred Canada at racetracks across the country from August 12 to 18.
It was Campbell’s third time competing in nationals, and his first victory. “It’s just a dream come true to do this,” said Campbell. “I’m just very excited.”
Over six days this summer, drivers from around the world will participate in 22 races at five different racetracks in four provinces. The first leg will start at Century Downs in Alberta on August 12, after which the drivers will head to Mohawk Racetrack and then Georgian Downs in Ontario. The day after, it’s off to Troi-Rivieres, Quebec, until finally the championship moves to Prince Edward Island’s Red Shores Racetrack for the fifth and final leg of the race.
As a catch driver, Campbell has raced on all of the tracks except for the Hippodrome 3R in Quebec. But, as he said on Friday night, even that track is built the same as Charlottetown Driving Park.
“I’ve had a lot of people ask me, ‘aren’t you upset?’ You know, you win it and usually people are going to Sweden and Australia and stuff like that,” said Campbell.
“And to tell you the truth, right now I just want to win it,” he said. “I think I have a huge advantage, I’ve driven all the tracks . . . our racing style is different, our rules are different, everything’s a little different.”
“It’s going to be a little bit to adjust to the way these guys drive, but like I said, I think I really do have a big advantage, and I’m going to take the red and the white all the way,” he said.
This year is an auspicious one for the World Driving Championship, as it coincides with several anniversaries. It will be held alongside the 25th anniversary of the World Trotting Conference, which has been held every two years since 1967, Canada 150 celebrations and the 250th anniversary of horse racing in Canada.
From left: Dan Gall, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada, Brandon Campbell, Canada’s representative for the 2017 World Driving Championships, Calra Robin, Executive Director of Harness Racing BC. Sam Anderson
