Grand River Raceway is blushing pink for the OLG Ontario Women’s Driving Championship this Friday!

The Grand River Raceway (GRR) is excited to host the 3^rd leg of the OLG Ontario Driving Championship (OWDC) in support of Harness the Hope Friday, August 12.

The OLG OWDC expanded 3 extra legs this year, including GRR, Leamington Raceway, and The Raceway at Western Fair District. Each racetrack will have five races on a race card as part of the series. The OWDC will also add two additional drivers this season, providing additional driving opportunities for even more female drivers. The championship is sponsored by OLG and Ontario Racing.

The championship also gives a platform to the not-for-profit Harness the Hope to raise awareness and funds for cancer initiatives. They provide direct support to young women faced with a cancer diagnosis and provide much needed awareness, research, earlier detection, and improved treatments for those directly affected by or who may face breast cancer in their lifetime. Their events can be found at various harness racetracks in Ontario and even across Canada throughout each year.

“Giving these top women drivers a stage to showcase their talents is going to bring a huge energy to The River,” says Jamie Martin, Raceway Manager at GRR. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this championship, allowing great women drivers their opportunity to shine while raising awareness and funds for cancer initiatives.”

GRR is planning for a sea of pink on Friday, August 12 with pink treats – such as popcorn and cotton candy, a pink signature cocktail, and of course Harness the Hope will have a best-dressed competition to honour the guest, horse, and groom with the best pink outfit. The event brings an all-women cast for the broadcast team as well with Dawn Lupul, Monique Vag, and Caity Hillier joining the GRR team for one night only!

Races begin at 6.30 pm the first 5 races are dedicated to the OWDC. Meet the drivers after race #6 and you can get a signed keepsake. Then purchase swag from the Harness the Hope booth to show your support for cancer initiatives.

Come dressed to impress in your pink and watch the great women drivers while raising funds for Harness the Hope!

Get all the details here:  https://grandriverraceway.com/event/harness-the-hope/

OWDC leaderboard coming into GRR OWDC leg is as follows.

1. Natasha Day – 29 points (returning 2021 champion)
   2. Marielle Enberg – 27
   3. Julie Walker – 22
   4. Maggie Jones – 18
   T5. Marie-Claude Auger – 16
   T5. Pam Forgie – 16
   T7. Brittany Kennedy – 8
   T7. Debi O’Brien-Moran – 8
   9. Samara Johnson – 7

The OWDC series schedule:

• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, July 16
• Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 17
• Grand River Raceway – Friday, Aug. 12
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 25
• The Raceway at Western Fair District – Friday, Oct. 14

Photo credit: Michelle Hogan