From the Callers Box – Ocotber 2024

The inaugural Ultimate Drivers Championship has officially been unveiled.

It will take place next February, right here at Albion Park, and the time between now and then will pass quickly.

It’s a super exciting concept, and one of our very own in Trent Dawson was the person who hatched the idea to Racing Queensland and APHRC leaders, and following some tweaking, here we are!

It promises to bring the best of the best, new eyeballs to the sport and hopefully, new fans will embrace the product and stay for decades to come.

But here’s a thought.

Given the ascension of ‘slot’ styled events are sweeping across the three racing codes, are these events more about the slot holders themselves or about the stars (horses & greyhounds) of the sport?

In this case, the drivers.

Or a combination of both?

Are punters and fans expecting to see the best of the best from around the globe competing across two nights for the ultimate glory?

In short, the answer is categorically yes.

But what can we expect?

When submissions were put forward to Racing Queensland earlier this year, potential slot holders had to indicate their preferred choice of driver.

So, with only nine spots up for grabs given that the event sponsor was guaranteed a ‘driver’ of their choice, suddenly, it becomes somewhat challenging.

Here’s a list of drivers with Hall of Fame credentialled reinspeople while some others are simply brilliant at their chosen craft.

Tim Tetrick, David Miller, Yannick Gingras, Scott Zeron, Dexter Dunn, McCarthy brothers (Luke, Andy & Todd), James MacDonald, Jody Jamieson, Aaron Merriman, Matt Kakaley, Jason Bartlett, Tony Herlihy, Ricky May, Blair Orange, Mark Purdon, Natalie Rasmussen, Bjorn Goop, Kerryn Manning, Chris Alford, Greg Sugars, Anthony Butt, Nathan Jack, Kate Gath, Blake Fitzpatrick, Cam Hart, Gary Hall Jnr plus the local lads Grant Dixon, Shane Graham, Pete McMullen and Nathan Dawson.

And what about the up-and-coming stars of the sport like James Herbertson, Will Rixon, Jack Callaghan, Zac Butcher, Sarah O’Reilly, Carter Dalgety, Jett Turnbull, Ryan Sanderson and Angus Garrard.

How do you whittle down your choice?

Remember, these drivers, if chosen, must promote the event as much as the slot holders.

And as far as promotion is concerned, what can we expect? How far and how hard will they go?

Interesting times ahead in so many ways.

But extremely exciting.

Until next time.