‘It would mean the world’

Rogers hoping to win signature race in his hometown

Norris Rogers hopes to add one more piece to an already impressive driving resumé.

Rogers will drive Allstar Seelster from Post 3 in the $22,000 Governor’s Plate tonight at Red Shores at Summerside Raceway.

“It would mean the world (to win),” said Rogers, who has three career third-place finishes in the Governor’s Plate. “It’s my hometown.”

Summerside native Walter Cheverie, who will drive Hot Deuce from Post 7, knows how it feels to win a Governor’s Plate after finishing first with Barney Baron in 2000.

But like all Summerside horsemen, the Governor’s Plate means a lot to Cheverie.

“I can remember coming and climbing up on top of Andy Perry’s barn to watch the Governor’s Plate,” recalled Cheverie. “It was quite a thrill.”

Gary Chappell, the winningest driver in the history of Summerside Raceway, will steer Crombie A from Post 8.

“It’s nice to get the opportunity,” said Chappell. “I didn’t expect it.”

Governor’s Plate is a special night for driver Marc Campbell. Campbell drove Ys Lotus to victory in the 2016 Governor’s Plate, and recalled attending the race as a youngster with his grandfather.

“I like it up here,” said Campbell. “I like the people on the backstretch. They have the barbecues out on the truck, they are hanging out over the fence, it’s just a cool night.”