With the 25th edition of the World Driving Championship in the books, some of the top drivers shared their opinions about the competition exclusively with the Post.
US representative Corey Callahan, who finished second in the event to Canada’s Jody Jamieson, was proud to represent his country and of the jobs done by Yonkers Raceway, the final stop of the five-track competition, and winner Jamieson.
“I’d love to do this again. It was a great experience and I was just happy to finish second. Congratulations to Jody, he drove a great tournament,” said Callahan.
“[Yonkers] did a great job. Of all the tracks, they really did it up right here,” he added.
Spain’s Juan Riera-Rossello found himself in a familiar position at the end of the competition.
“In 1995, I made third place. I was 27 and now, 16 years later, still making it to the podium feels incredible,” he said.
Although Riera-Rossello hoped to win, he was pleased to do as well as he did and enjoyed the support from all of those who followed the competition from track to track.
“At first I did expect to win if I’d had stronger horses. But Canada had better luck with horses. I’ve had a great run cause each day I made a first place with the exception of [the final day]. But keeping that pace is difficult and despite it I made the podium. I’m happy,” said Riera-Rossello.
“I’ve enjoyed the fans the most. Everyone’s been spectacular. Very welcoming,” he said.
For New Zealand’s Dexter Dunn, who had led the event after the second and third rounds, the final night was not the best.
“It was one of those nights where nothing went right,” said Dunn.
Although Dunn was the youngest competitor in this year’s field at just 21 years old, he didn’t feel his youth was a disadvantage.
“I’m probably younger and a little less experienced but I still stuck in their alright,” he said.
Defending World Driving Champion Birger Jorgensen of Denmark did not have the easiest time in the competition and finished sixth.
“I didn’t know the pacers because I don’t normally drive them. The trotters [in the US] are more difficult to drive,” said Jorgensen.
Despite where he finished, Jorgensen was still proud to represent his country and celebrate his 54th birthday at Yonkers the final night of the competition in front of at least fifty supporters from his country.
“It’s like being a tourist, I try to represent my country the best that I can,” he said.
The 10 World Driving Championship competitors pose for a group shot. (KILRAK CHUNG)
New Zealand’s Dexter Dunn and Spain’s Juan Riera-Rossello parade down the track in a Mustang convertible at Yonkers Raceway. (kilrak chung)
Canada’s Jody Jamieson is joined in the winner’s circle by many of his supporters. (KILRAK CHUNG)
Jody Jamieson returns to the winner’s circle after a WDC victory at Yonkers Raceway. (Kilrak Chung)
