Bathurst native and one of New South Wales’ leading harness racing drivers Todd McCarthy is risking his premiership lead for an experience of a life time.

The defending champion currently holds the lead in the Harness Racing NSW metropolitan drivers’ premiership narrowly over his older brother Luke McCarthy and young gun reinsman Chris Geary.

In the overall premiership, he is third behind The Lagoon’s Amanda Turnbull and Geary.

However, on Wednesday McCarthy is leaving the country for a couple of weeks.

“I’m heading to Canada for a fortnight for the World Drivers Championship,” McCarthy said.

“I’m heading over with Shane Graham, who is representing Australia, as his plus one.

“Harness Racing Australia have organised a licence for me so I can drive over there. I have also had help from Darren McCall, who has connections there, to help me get a few drives.

“I’m planning to drive at Mohawk Racetrack.”

Both of McCarthy’s older brothers have experienced driving in North America.

Luke spent a stint driving in the United States and drove superstar trotter Muscle Hill to victory in the World Trotting Derby in 2009 while Andy was amongst the top 50 drivers in the US last season.

McCarthy won all drivers’ premierships last season and is happy with what he has achieved this term so far.

“I’ve spent a bit of time not driving this season after going on a holiday and then breaking my collarbone so have done well,” he said.

Amanda Rando