Harness: Yannick Gingras to represent USA in 2019 World Driving Championship

Yannick Gingras, the leading driver in earnings in North America for the past four years, will represent the United States in the 2019 World Driving Championship in Sweden from May 24-31 next year. Conducted since 1970, the World Driving Championship brings together the world’s best harness drivers for an exciting, international competition.

“First of all, it’s a great honor to be asked,” said Gingras who will be making his first WDC appearance. “Only one person can represent the United States and I’m very humble and proud.

“I’m looking forward to going to Sweden because I have made good relationships there over the years and have some great friends,” added Gingras. “I’ll get to spend a couple of weeks there during a beautiful time of the year. The timing and location make the whole package perfect.”

Gingras is currently the second-leading driver in purses earned this year with more than $7.6 million. For his career, he’s on the verge of reaching 40,000 starts, 7,000 wins and $165 million in earnings.

“Yannick has been an elite, big race driver for the past several years as demonstrated by his being the top money-winner for the last four years in a row,” said USTA President Russell Williams in making the announcement of his selection of Gingras. “He is a fan favorite, is always very good with the media and he will be an excellent representative both on and off the track.”

Gingras, who turned 39 on Aug. 4, has a long list of career highlights. He was named the Driver of the Year last year and in 2014, when he had a career high $17.3 million in earnings. In 2003, he received the Rising Star Award from the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

He has been among the Top 10 drivers in earnings for the past 12 years and has been in the top five in each of the past eight seasons. His $164.9 million in career earnings rank eighth all-time and fifth among active drivers.

Gingras is the regular driver of 2017 Horse of the Year Award winner Hannelore Hanover. In 2017, Gingras’ top wins included the Maple Leaf Trot with Hannelore Hanover, four Breeders Crown finals (with Hannelore Hanover, Ariana G, Manchego, and Youaremycandygirl) and the Little Brown Jug with Filibuster Hanover. Gingras has won 20 Breeders Crown trophies in his career.

Also among his many accomplishments, Gingras is known for his association with pacer Foiled Again, the richest horse in harness racing history with $7.59 million in lifetime earnings. With Gingras in the sulky, Foiled Again got career win No. 100 on July 8 at Harrah’s Philadelphia and joined Hall of Famer Rambling Willie as the only pacers with at least 100 wins and more than $2 million in purses in the past 40 years.

-release (USTA communications)