Although the drivers who are qualified for Newport have known for a while, I thought people would be interested to know who the 16 drivers are the Canadian fleet will be sending to Newport in September, and how they qualified. See below. Also, heads up to the qualified drivers that you will be required to confirm your intent to go by mid May, as there are other boats who would be interested in attending in your place and we want to give them enough time to properly prepare for the event should your program not get it together. Drivers will be contacted individually in this regard.
1. Rossi Milev – 1st Canadians Spot
2. Ted Bartlewski – 1st Ontario District
3. Thomas Barbeau – 1st Quebec District
4. Greg Blunden – 1st Atlantic District
5. John Whynacht – 2nd Canadians Spot (2nd highest placing Canadians result not already qualified)
6. Philip Williamson – 2nd Ontario District
7. Nick Jako – 3rd Ontario District
8. Nicholas Mabboux – 2nd Quebec District
9. Blair Dinsdale – 4th Ontario District
10. Thomas Taylor – 3rd Canadians Spot (3rd highest placing Canadians result not already qualified)
11. Ted Murphy – 2nd Atlantic District
12. Matt Kenny – 5th Ontario District
13. Taylor Grant – 3rd Quebec District
14. Ian Dawson – 3rd Atlantic District**
15. Michael Howarth – 4th Canadians Spot (4th highest placing Canadians result not already qualified)**
16. Stephan Blais – 5th Canadians Spot (5th highest placing Canadians result not already qualified)
1st alternate: Ed Rees 6th Canadians Spot (6th highest placing Canadians result not already qualified)
2nd alternate: Vince Somoza 7th Canadians Spot (7th highest placing Canadians result not already qualified).