CANADIAN superstar James MacDonald fended-off Aussie champion Gary Hall Jr to win his second World Drivers' Championship at Addington today (Tuesday).
Hall Jr led the 20-race series early before MacDonald stormed to the front through the middle stages. It was only Hall Jr who could overhaul the Canadian in the last heat of the series.
But any hope Hall Jr had was lost when his trotter broke and took no part in a heat won by Italian driver Giampaolo Minnucci aboard former Australian pacer He Aint Fakin, who has now turned to trotting with master Kiwi trainer Phil Williamson.
"James was so good through the middle stages of the series and really earned it," Hall Jr said.
"It was a thrill just to be on the podium with him and finish second.
"I've been in lots of driving series, but this one felt different. Representing my country was a huge thrill. I'd been counting the weeks and then days to be part of it.
"It didn't let me down. I had a fantastic time with a great group of drivers and people."
MacDonald, who also won the title in his home country in 2017, echoed Hall Jr's sentiments.
"I didn't think I could match the thrill of 2017 in front of a home crowd, but this has been amazing," he said.
It was confirmed Canada would host the next World Drivers’ Championship in 2027.
FINAL STANDINGS:
168 James MacDonald (Canada)
151 Gary Hall Jr (Australia)
141 Jaap Van Rijn (Netherlands)
136 Blair Orange (New Zealand)
132 Mats Djuse (Sweden)
120 Pierre Vercruysse (France)
119 Michael Nimczyk (Germany)
115 Brett Beckwith (USA)
112 Giampaolo Minnucci (Italy)
104 Santu Raitala (Finland)
