Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “,….. proudly sponsored by Pete’s Auto Body.
Pete’s Auto Body; because we care about our community….
Details were announced last week outlining a terrific new initiative in harness racing; the O.L.G. Ontario Women’s Driving Championship.
The championship will be conducted over 2 days at 2 tracks, July 17th at Hanover Raceway and the following day at Dresden Raceway.
On both cards, the 8 ladies including Natasha Day & Julie Walker, prominent names from Hanover Raceway, will compete in 5 races with points garnered depending on how they place and obviously whoever accumulates the most points through the 10 races will win the Ontario Womens Championship.
There’s all kinds of positives attached to this concept.
First, the drivers will donate their earnings from the competition to the Canadian Cancer Society (for Cervical Cancer) at Hanover Raceway and to Harness For Hope at Dresden Raceway.
Next, there is a $ 2,000 purse that will be divided among the top 5 finishers in the competition, with the winner getting a grand.
Maybe more significantly, the 2 day championship will showcase some of Ontario’s top women drivers who don’t always get the biggest opportunities in the sport.
To that end, will the Womens Championship not serve as inspiration for younger girls and give them a glimpse at what could be ahead for them ?
And finally, it’s not hard to visualize this somewhat grassroots format at Hanover & Dresden growing and developing on a much larger stage, perhaps a National Championship.
The O.L.G. Women’s Driving Championship, scheduled to commence July 17th at Hanover Raceway.
For Pete’s Auto Body, I’m Fred Wallace.