There will be more than just finishing positions up for grabs when they score up for the first at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday.
Race 1 at headquarters will also signal the long-awaited start of Fantasy Harness Racing, a unique first of its kind fan engagement game that will see drivers earning points based on their results over the next 25 weeks.
More than $60,000 in prizes are on offer, including a new car and VIP holiday experiences at the inaugural TAB Eureka slot race later this year.
“This is an exciting concept developed by Harness Racing New South Wales that will put a new lens on the racing product and hopefully introduce our sport to a whole new audience in the process,” HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny said.
“The fantasy sports industry is a great way of enhancing the fan experience no matter what the code is so we’re thrilled to be pioneering a new game that will focus on the wonderful racing and drivers we have right here in New South Wales.”
The game has been built around the performances of more than 200 drivers across the state, with each given a price tag based on their past results.
Registered players are given a virtual salary cap of $14.4 million to buy a squad of 22 drivers. A points system is aligned to their race results at six selected race meetings each week for 25 rounds. The idea is to pick a team that will accrue the most points possible within the constraints of the salary cap.
“It’s certainly challenging, there’s no doubt about it, but there is so much talent to choose from you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your team. The hardest part is working out who to leave out,” Mr Dumesny said.
Fantasy Harness Racing also aligns with the regional boundaries established by HRNSW when it established the highly successful TAB Regional Championships. Drivers have been assigned to their local regions and players must select a certain number for each area.
To register, head to fantasyharnessracing.com and build your team prior to the lockout and first points being accumulated on Tuesday, 10 January.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
