NZ HARNESS NEWS
Dexter Dunn did his best to stay in contention at the World Drivers Championship in Canada with three seconds on Day 4 (Thursday afternoon NZ time), but is now virtually out of the running to defend his 2015 title.
The drivers made their way to the Hippodrome 3R half-mile circuit in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, for heats and Dunn, who started the day in fifth place, was looking to make a move and get himself right in contention for the final day.
Dunn has now recorded seven seconds across the 17 heats, but it looks like being in vain.
Local driver James MacDonald won another heat, and placed twice for good measure, to further extend his lead with just one day to go.
MacDonald now sits on an imposing 192 points, well clear of Finnish driver Mika Forss (166), American reinsman Marcus Miller (162.5) and Dunn, who is a margin back in fourth in 131.
Dunn would have to win all four races at Charlottetown Driving Park on Saturday afternoon (NZ time), and hope MacDonald runs last or second last in every one, too.
It was business as usual for Mark Purdon, who has spent virtually the entire week driving outsiders, getting no reward for plum drives.
His best finish on Day 4 was seventh and he sits dead last of the 11 drivers.
2017 World Driving Championship Leaderboard (after four of five legs)
Rank – Driver (Country) – Points
1. James MacDonald (Canada) – 192
2. Mika Forss (Finland) – 166
3. Marcus Miller (United States) – 162.5
4. Dexter Dunn (ITA/New Zealand) – 131
5. Noel Baldacchino (Malta) – 120
6. Shane Graham (Australia) – 113
7. Björn Goop (Sweden) – 111
8. Gerhard Mayr (Austria) – 109
9. Eirik Høitomt (Norway) – 108
10. Rik Depuydt (Belgium) – 85
11. Mark Purdon (New Zealand) – 83.5
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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