For the third Sunday this month, Clinton Raceway will host another great event, and raise money for their local high school.
Sunday September 4th marked the six biennial Legends Day event, people from all over gathered in Clinton to watch Legendary Driver's in the $20,000 Legends Day Trot and raise money for the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation. It was the most successful event to date, the biggest crowd, largest handle and $20,000 was raised for the CPHF. John Campbell was able to pull of the three-peat with a victory on Lexis DJ and with that win it was confirmed, Greg Blanchard will be sporting a pink tutu this Sunday.
This past Sunday, with September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Clinton Raceway teamed up with Childcan, a local organization reaching out to families who are affected by childhood cancer to help raise awareness for this disease that affects thousands of families. It was a day for the families and children to get together, share, support, touch a horse, and even go for a jog! OHHA and their Hands on Horses Program were on site, offering a pat on the back, or a even a lap of the track for those interested. One special guest, who jumped on the chance was Stephanie Simmons, she was celebrating her 17th birthday, and is a three time brain tumour survivor. Her and her sister started the gold ribbon campaign for childhood cancer www.goldribboncampaign.org . Through a twoonie auction, bake sale, race sponsorships and more, the generous fans were able to raise over $2500 for Childcan.
The final Sunday of the 2011 season is just around the corner and will be celebrated with the 31st Annual Charity Driver's Challenge. Once again this year's recipient will be Central Huron Secondary School. Representing Clinton Raceway in the challenge will be the top four dash winning drivers, Bruce Richardson, Trevor Henry, Jason Brewer and Alfie Carroll, joining them on track will be Jody Jamieson, Mark MacDonald, Mario Baillargeon and Sylvain Filion. The contest will take place on races 1-11 and will be based on a points system. All proceeds from the trackside BBQ, silent auction, car wash and bake sale will go to support CHSS's 2011 Challenge Day.
Over the last 30 years the annual event has helped to raise over $235,000 for local charities. A special event on the day's race card will involve announcer Greg Blanchard wearing a pink tutu, and carting the Queen of Clinton, Jessica Carnochan around the track, all thanks to a wager he lost on Legends Day! Post time for the final live race card of the 2011 season, including the $20,000 Ray McLean Memorial Pace is set for 1:30pm this Sunday September 18.