Australian harness racing legend Gary Hall Jnr is set to take on the world’s best next month as he represents Australia in the prestigious 2025 World Drivers Championship, held across New Zealand from November 2 to 11.
With an impressive career spanning 17 years, Hall Jnr has amassed a staggering 4,208 race wins, including 71 Group 1 victories — a record that places him among the elite in the sport. His selection to represent Australia is a proud moment, and one he’s embracing with characteristic humour and humility.
“It’s a pretty big feather in anyone’s cap to represent their country and I’m really looking forward to it,” Hall Jnr said.
When asked if he was surprised to get the call-up, he joked, “I’m surprised I hadn’t been picked sooner, to be honest. I never thought I’d get into the Hall of Fame before I got to represent my country, put it that way.”
Despite a fear of flying, Hall Jnr is no stranger to New Zealand tracks and believes only local driver Blair Orange will have the true hometown advantage. Of the nine other international competitors, Hall Jnr has previously raced against just two — including Canada’s James MacDonald, who won the 2017 edition of the championship on home soil.
Joining Hall Jnr in the 2025 lineup are:
James MacDonald (Canada) – 2017 champion, making his third appearance.
Giampaolo Minnuci (Italy)
Santtu Raitala (Finland)
Michael Nimczyk (Germany)
Jaap Van Rijn (Netherlands)
Mats Djuse (Sweden)
Blair Orange (New Zealand)
Pierre Vercruysse (France) – 2013 champion, competing for the fourth time.
Brett Beckwith (USA) – The youngest competitor at 22, with 1,690 lifetime wins and 465 this year alone.
The championship kicks off with a three-hour bus ride from Christchurch to Kaikoura on November 1, ahead of the first race meeting on Sunday, November 2. The series will then travel to:
Kaikoura – November 3
Cambridge – November 5
Addington – November 7
Winton – November 9
NZ Cup Day (Addington) – November 11
With national pride on the line and a field stacked with international talent, the 2025 World Drivers Championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. For Gary Hall Jnr, it’s not just another race — it’s a career milestone and a chance to fly the flag for Australia on the world stage.
