from the USTA Communications Department

East Rutherford, NJ — The United States’ representative to the 2017 World Driving Championship in Canada, Marcus Miller, officially received his driving colors Saturday (Aug. 5) from USTA President Russell Williams.

USTA/Mark Hall photo

USTA President Russell Williams presents Marcus Miller with his 2017 World Driving Championship colors.

The presentation, which was part of the CBS Sports Network Hambletonian broadcast from The Meadowlands, took place in the winner’s circle following the Cane Pace.

“I’m really excited,” said Miller. “It’s a little nerve-wracking because all eyes will be on me. I’m looking forward to it.”

The World Driving Championship begins Aug. 12 at Century Downs in Alberta followed by races on Aug. 14 at Mohawk Racetrack in Ontario, Georgian Downs on Aug. 15 also in Ontario, Aug. 16 at Hippodrome 3R in Quebec before finishing Aug. 18 at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino on Prince Edward Island.

“This guy (Miller) has a good, multi-generational harness racing pedigree,” said Williams after turning over the official driving colors and helmet. “His performance lines are the best and I am expecting good things to happen.”

Miller will be facing off against 10 drivers from nine other countries, representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden.

“There will be big fields and guys from all over,” added Miller. “They race way different in Europe than they do here. I’m planning on expecting the unexpected and just go forward and try to get as many points as I can.”

Miller is coming off a banner year in 2016. In that campaign he won 300 races and earned nearly $5.5 million in purses, won his first Breeders Crown race in his first attempt, ranked in the top 10 drivers at three different tracks (Meadowlands, Harrah’s Philadelphia and The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono) and was the recipient of the USHWA Rising Star Award.