Adam White turning back the clock at NZ Amateur Drivers Championships

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

One of harness racing's more colourful characters will return to the scene of his first ever win when the NZ Amateur Drivers Championships get underway this week.

Heats 1 and 2 will be held at Cambridge Raceway on Friday before the final two heats at Addington on Sunday.

Ten drivers will be involved and among those vying for the title will be Canterbury's Adam White.

"I haven't driven at The Bridge (Cambridge) for 22 - 23 years and it will be awesome to get back there," says White,  "I had my first win there with Statistician."

That was back in 1996 for trainer Derek Balle when White was still a junior driver.

Over the 30 years he's been involved in the sport he has had 23 wins as a trainer, 29 as a junior/open driver and 17 as a amateur.

He started out in the amateur ranks more than a decade ago and has been involved on and off ever since.

His most recent success was with Patiro for Brendon "Benny" Hill at Addington in February. He works at the stables  along with his other job as a farrier.

Amateur race day driving is his way of keeping involved.

"It's a cool hobby and the standard is definitely improving," he says, "I love getting out there and competing."

He also loves winning and over the years he is no stranger to some extravagant celebrations with big whip flourishes before and past the finishing post, none more so than his first amateur driving win with Cullen's Finest at Addington in 2012.  

"On that occasion I saluted 200 (metres) out," he laughs.

Given the opportunity again it seems he couldn't resist another.

"I've toned it down a bit but it's still there. I'd love nothing more than to win a heat of a big series like this, that's for sure."

What : The NZ Amateur Drivers Championships
Who : 10 drivers (5 North Island, 5 South Island)
Where : Cambridge and Addington
When : Friday (July 3) and Sunday (July 5) 

North Island: John Kriechbaumer, Frank Phelan, Andrew Sharpe, Kevin Hall, James Brownlee
South Island: Blair Wilmott, Colleen Negus, Adam White, Michael House, Cheree Wigg

A number of previous champions will line up again this week including Michael House (pictured above) who won the championships last year, earning him a place at the World Championships in Malta in September. 

To see the field for the first heat at Cambridge on Friday click here 
To see the field for the second heat at Cambridge on Friday click here