Steph Simmons, who is a childhood cancer fighter, tries her hand at harness racing.
CLINTON – The reigning Clinton Raceway driving champion will return to the oval to defend his title in Clinton Raceway’s 32nd Annual Charity Drivers’ Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 2.
Jody Jamieson will revisit to drive in the 12-race, point-based challenge after last year’s first place victory with five wins and 311 points.
Jamieson recorded victories in all five of his driving challenges that he entered in 2011, but Clinton ranks high on the list.
“A lot of people may not realize this, or may not even believe me, the most important driving champion ship that I won, was the Clinton
Jody Jamieson
Drivers Championship,” said Jamieson, during his O’Brien awarding winning interview for Driver of the Year in 2011. “I look forward to racing at Clinton’s driver challenge every year. As a driver, I am always excited to go head to head with my fellow reins men and be able to help a great cause like Childcan is just icing on an already scrumptious afternoon.”
Clinton’s top driver as of Sunday, July 29, Trevor Henry, will also compete in this year’s challenge. Henry came in second to Jamieson in 2011 with two wins and 200 points.
“I’m once again looking forward to this event, it’s an honour to compete, and it’s a great opportunity to give back” Henry said.
Over more than 30 years, Clinton Raceway has helped local clubs, groups and organizations to raise over $260,000 through this annual event. Kicking off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this year’s Charity Challenge will benefit Childcan. Childcan is an organization committed to raising funds to provide responsive and compassionate support services to families facing the journey through childhood cancer, from diagnosis through treatment to recovery or bereavement.
Clinton Raceway hosted Childcan’s first on-track fundraiser in 2011 with Horsin’ Around for Childhood Cancer. When looking for a recipient for this year’s Charity Challenge, the match was ideal.
“This disease has unfortunately touched more people in our community than we’d like,” said Jessica Carnochan, who is the track’s marketing manager. “When asked to come together for a common cause, the horse racing industry knows how to get it done and this one has ties that run deep.”
Nicole Wellwood, daughter of the late Buddy Wellwood, whose son Evan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor is once again spearheading the event.
In addition to the donation of all the drivers’ fees of those competing in the challenge there will be a barbecue and corn roast following the races. Tickets, $10, with all proceeds going to Childcan, thanks to generous donors.
Post time on Sunday, Sept. 2 is 1:30 p.m.
To be involved in one of the many aspects of the day, please contact Jessica Carnochan at Clinton Raceway, 519-482-5204, ext. 3.
