His rise into the upper echelon of Ontario's driving colony has been a steady climb, but 2010 O'Brien Award finalist Scott Zeron has a certain goal in mind
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In an question-and-answer session with Sarah Imrie for Western Fair Raceway, Zeron said, among other things, that he would like to see himself atop the WEG driving colony in 10 years.
Imrie's 'Q&A' sessions are with drivers that will be participating in the upcoming Ontario Regional Driving Championship, which will take place at the track on Wednesday, March 30
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The first of Imrie's interviews, with former World Driving Championship winner, can be accessed here.
Eight of the province’s top drivers will compete in the ORDC to see who will represent Ontario in the upcoming National Driving Championship. The winner of the NDC will represent Canada in the World Driving Championship, which will take place in the United States later this year.
Scott Zeron, 21
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
With over $1 million in purse winnings this year alone, Zeron is following in his father Rick's footsteps, and as the old saying goes, the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Never at loss for words, much like his dad, Scott is a walking, talking poster boy for harness racing.
Q: What made you decide to get into racing?
I was born into the racing game, and have loved it all my life.
Q: What would it mean to you to win the Ontario Championship?
Winning the Ontario Driving Championship would be an amazing accomplishment, that would help propel my career. To be thought of as the best is what all of us will be trying to achieve.
Q: What size track do you prefer to drive on and why?
I prefer a five-eighths mile track, as it has just the right amount of action and isn't all front-end speed.
Q: What has been the greatest moment in your career thus far?
There have been many great moments, thanks to everyone in the industry that has helped me but, the 2010 Gold Cup and Saucer win with Part Shark in track record fashion has to be my favourite moment. To have a crowd that large, with the lights turned off on the track for a spot light post parade, just to get the nerves and excitement ready for a thrill of a lifetime. It was truly an unforgettable moment!
Q: Who did you idolize when you were growing up?
Aside from my father, of course, I always idolized Tim Tetrick and still do!
Q: If you could drive any horse in history which one would it be?
Somebeachsomewhere is the horse I would have loved to have driven. There is no greater feeling than knowing any race he was in could be a world record.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the sport 10 years from now?
Ten years from now I hope to be the top driver on the WEG circuit, also the leading money driver in North America.
Q: Which do you prefer, trotters or pacers?
It doesn't matter to me, I feel privileged just to be given the opportunity to have a horse to sit behind.
Q: How would you describe your driving style? A) Laid back B) Front ender C) Rail hugger D) Aggressive throughout E) Dead closer?
All of the above! All of those characteristics contribute to being a versatile driver, which is what every top driver needs to display.
Q: Is there one race you would like to win in your driving career?
The one race I have always dreamed of winning is the North America Cup. It's a home town race, with the nicest trophy in harness racing, and $1.5 million sounds really good!
Q: If you could meet any famous person in history who would it be?
I would want to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods, but would settle for some driving tips from Tim Tetrick and Jim Morrill, Jr.
Q: Are you married? Single? In a relationship?
I am single and always looking (Do you hear that girls? There might be a chance for a claim here!).
Q: What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten?
In France, I ate liver pate and almost vomited on the spot. It was at a dinner gala with the world's best drivers and horsemen. I actually swallowed it out of respect, but literally wanted to just go out and order a pizza.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you most like to go?
I would like to visit Australia and travel Europe. It's very interesting to see how harness racing is presented and conducted in other countries.
(With files from Western Fair Raceway)