MR - NAADA’S KELLY WALKER TO REPRESENT THE USA IN THE WORLD CUP OF AMATEUR RACING

Last season amateur driver Kelly Walker reined 16 winners in 57 starts and finished with a lofty .402UDR. He consequentially was named the Amateur Driver of the Year by the US Harness Writers Association.

Later this week the Michigan farmer will be winging his way to compete as the USA representative in the prestigious World Cup of Amateur Racing which will be contested  in  at three different racetracks in New Zealand.

Kelly Walker

As a member of  the North American Amateur Drivers Association Walker is looking forward to the competitions. “I’ve driven in New Zealand in Friendship Competitions in the past and I’m familiar with their style of racing,” Walker said. “I’m optimistic about my chances and feel confident that I will make a good showing.  Hey, I’m  not going there  to participate...…I’m going there to win.”

However, Walker will have his work cut out for him as he’ll be driving against the best amateurs drivers from the 11 other countries which will comprise the field of this year’s World Cup.

Besides the USA the countries that will be competing include: the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, The Ukraine; Belgium, France and of course, New Zealand.

The  World Cup events in New Zealand—and there will be some special ones planned -- will begin on Wednesday, January 18  and continue through  Sunday, January 22.

According to Joe Faraldo, the president of NAADA who’ll be accompanying Walker on the trip , there will  be six driving contests during the  five-day period .  The first driving events will be on  Thursday, January 19th with two races slated at Alexandra Park in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand located on the North Island. The next day the drivers travel to Christchurch, on the south Island where two races are scheduled at Addington Race Track where New Zealand harness racing commenced way back  in 1899. Today,  Addington is the home of their greatest harness race , the New Zealand Cup.

The final contests will be raced at picturesque  Motukarara Raceway, a 30-minute jaunt from Christchurch  where the drivers will be competing on a 1800 meter  grass track.

On the off days the Kiwis’ have a series of special events  for the large traveling contingent some of   which includes, harbor cruises,  Jet boating on the Waiau River and special lunches and dinners.

For those interested in following the results of the World Cup of Amateur Racing events go to www.hrnz.co.nz and select race results then select the race meeting desired. The videos are usually posted 30mins after the race has been run. Sorry but there will be no live streaming.