Half Mile of Hell / WPCA News Feed

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Chuckwagon Legend Orville Strandquist

News — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:26:15 GMT

Orville Strandquist
February 20, 1920 - January 5, 2012

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of chuckwagon legend Orville Strandquist on Thursday, January 5th, 2012, at the age of 91.

Orville will be remembered as one of the greatest all around chuckwagon competitors of all time. From his start in the late 1930's to his retirement in the early 1990's, his career lasted well over fifty years and seven decades - the longest documented career in history. He drove at the Calgary Stampede for the first time in 1940 and his final time in 1991. Orville won dozens of show championships throughout his career as a chuckwagon driver, with his biggest wins coming at the Edmonton Exhibition in 1953, the Cloverdale Stampede in 1965 and the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1975 - a few of the biggest shows of the day. He was a Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Outrider a record twelve times.

Orville was honored with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association's Special Tribute Award, the Calgary Stampede's Pioneers Of Rodeo Award, is a member the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame, and is a lifetime member of the Cowboy's Protective Association (CPA) - a predecessor to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA). He became the first chuckwagon driver to be honored with the Calgary Stampede's prestigious Guy Weadick Award in 1985, and in 1992 the Calgary Stampede created the "Orville Strandquist Award," given annually to the Top Rookie Driver at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. He was the first Canadian chuckwagon driver to be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2007.

He had one of the most recognizable chuckwagon designs with the playing card symbols (hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades) painted on his wagon box, a design that was retired by the Calgary Stampede in 1992. He was one of the few men with the ability to drive two wagons, outride every heat he wasn't driving in, and keep a consistently strong record. Orville was one of the most sought after outriders, and helped the likes of fellow legends Ronnie Glass, Hank Willard, Hally Walgenbach, Garry Dorchester and Tom Dorchester win World and Calgary Stampede Championships. He was the first driver to wear a protective helmet, which was introduced to wagon racing by Orville's longtime sponsor Donald Cross. At a time when chuckwagon competitors were required to enter at least one other rodeo event, Orville participated in bull riding, steer decorating, standing roman races, wild horse race, and wild cow milking. Orville was a two time Canadian and Calgary Stampede Wild Horse Race Champion, the 1958 Canadian and Calgary Stampede Wild Cow Milking Champion, and a record three time Cheyenne Frontier Days Wild Horse Race Champion.

Orville was predeceased by his wife Doris. He is survived by seven children - Faye (Chuck) Blakely, Judi Melville, Ron (Sue) Strandquist, Wanda (Randy Armstrong) Strandquist, Cindy (John) Parks, Rocky Strandquist and Vicki (Darren) Anderson - thirteen grandchilren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 2:00pm at the Stettler Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 4707 70 St, in Stettler, Alberta.

Orville will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Strandquist family.

WPCA Chuckwagons at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship

News — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:26:45 GMT

WPCA Driver Barry Hodgson At The IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship
Photo By Candice Malvin

(December 26, 2011 For Immediate Release…) The WPCA drivers are taking part in a Canadian favourite this week, by racing mini chucks at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Tournament in Calgary. Starting today two drivers will be racing for bragging rights during the intermission at both games, taking place at the Saddledome.

Instead of horses some local minor hockey players will be serving as power to guide the mini chucks around the course. First team home gets bragging rights and glory in front of the sold out crowd. Today the first heat will see outriding veteran, Eddie Melville pitted against Barry Hodgson, while the second heat features Hodgson and WPCA newcomer and Calgary Stampede veteran, Gary Gorst.

“The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is thrilled to participate in a piece of Canadian culture over the next five days,” said Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor. “Chuckwagon racing is always a fan favourite at the Calgary Stampede and throughout our tour each summer, and with this opportunity we hope to gain some new fans for our sport.”

The mini chucks will continue at the World Juniors until Saturday at the Saddledome. The WPCA Tour will begin again in May, with the first stop in Grande Prairie. The WPCA looks forward to our 2012 season.

For more information please visit, www.halfmileofhell.com, or call WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at 403-236-2466.

Shop WPCA Today!

News — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 07:56:25 GMT

Christmas Shopping WPCA Style

Check out the latest official WPCA merchandise for all of the chuckwagon fans on your holiday shopping list. New items are coming in regularly and they are sure to fit your needs. With hoodies, hats, t-shirts and more, check out the goods under the Featured Tab or click here at halfmileofhell.com.

2011 WPCA Award Winners Honored

News — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:13:41 GMT

A night of celebration took take place at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on Saturday October 22, 2011. The annual World Professional Chuckwagon Association Awards banquet honored those who achieved greatness this past season, as well as those who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the most exciting professional sport in the world today.

Kelly Sutherland was the top honoree this year as he captured the World Chuckwagon Championship for a record 12th time and added the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship as well. 2011 was memorable season for “The King” as he won his 8th Ponoka Stampede Title, which tied him with his mentor - the great Ralph Vigen for the most ever. He also claimed 12th Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship.

Chad Cosgrave will once again be honored as this year’s World Champion Outrider. 2011 saw Chad post show wins with Jerry Bremner at the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River, Grant Profit at the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship, and Hugh Sinclair at the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House. Over the first half of the 2011 season it appeared that it was going to be a real dogfight for the world championship as the lead in the outrider standings changed hands four times between Chad, Chance Flad and five-time and defending World Champion Outrider Chanse Vigen. Chad assumed a slight lead in the outrider standings after the Martin Deerline Capital Ex Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton and never looked back. He added to his lead with every show and won his second career World Outriding Championship by a whopping 690 points over Chance Flad – the largest margin of victory in WPCA history.

The WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year is the WPCA’s highest honor given to the individual who has made outstanding and significant contributions to advancing and improving the overall status and integrity of the WPCA and the sport of Chuckwagon Racing. This year’s recipient was Mark Sutherland.

The George Normand Lifetime Builders Award is given to individuals who have dedicated a minimum of 5 years of service to the sport of Chuckwagon racing as a competitor, sponsor, race official, or somehow affiliated with chuckwagon racing and the WPCA. It is a very special award in the fact that it is not always presented annually, and the recipients become part of a very special and exclusive group. This year’s recipient was Buddy Bensmiller.

Troy Dorchester received the WPCA Clean Drive Award, Mitch Sutherland was named the WPCA's Top Rookie Driver, Cole Flad was named the WPCA's Top Rookie Outrider Award, Chad Fike received the Rod Glass Memorial Award for most improved outrider, and John Walters received the Hermand Flad Memorial Award for Most Improved Driver Award. The WPCA Special Tribute was given to the legendary Tom Glass.

The horses also shared in the awards through the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence. Jerry Bremner's "Whisper" was named the champion Right Leader, Kelly Sutherland's "Deb" was named the champion Left Leader, Grant Profit's "King" was named the champion Right Wheeler and Mark Sutherland's "Tex" was named the champion Left Wheeler. The champion Outriding Horses were Chance Bensmiller's "Kodan" and Rick Fraser's "Max."

Other award winners included Jason Lemieux, the Wild Roses and Pidherney's who each received an Active Supporter Award, the Ponoka Stampede Association received the Top Race Committee Award for a record eigth time, Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine received the Media Award, Olana Vigen received the Judging Award, and Melissa Haroldson received the Ty Tournier Memorial Award.

The WPCA also gave Special Recognition to the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation for their work in promoting chuckwagon racing in the peace country.

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Longtime Chuckwagon Supporter Tom Bensmiller

News — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:41:55 GMT

Tom Bensmiller
June 29, 1936 - October 16, 2011

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of longtime chuckwagon supporter Tom Bensmiller on Sunday, October 16th 2011, at the age of 75.

As part of the famous Bensmiller family, chuckwagon racing was a big part of Tom's life. Although not a competitor, for numerous years Tom and his wife Marg helped numerous drivers, outriders and members of the support crew get down the road. It didn’t matter whether it was a to house a horse, a stop over location between shows, a place for someone to house a travel trailer, a training location, no matter what it was, Tom and Marg Bensmiller opened up their home and never refused an accommodation. When they are not looking after everyone, they also take in as many races as they are able. They are big fans who have given back an awful lot to the sport and the participants they love so dearly.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife Marg Bensmiller, daughters Sherry, Shelly, Candie and Twylla Bensmiller; step-daughter Sherry (Pat) Hummel; five grandchildren; Nevada (Curtis) Wright, Myron Petitclerc, Tyler Hummel, Megan Hummel and Rossi Bensmiller; one great-grandchild Lane Wright and three sisters; Madeline Bensmiller, Audrey Delorme and Myrna (Gary) MacLean. He will be sadly missed by many family and friends. Tommy's passion in life was his horses and visiting with family and friends; therefore a celebration of life will be held in his honour at the Ogden Legion at 2625 - 78 Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 1 o'clock p.m.

Tommy will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Bensmiller family.

Annual WPCA Banquet & Awards Presentation On October 22, 2011

News — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:26:05 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Annual Banquet & Awards Presentation will be held on October 22, 2011 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta.

Tickets for the Annual Banquet & Awards Presentation are on sale now.

The Annual Banquet & Awards Presentation is an important component to the sport of chuckwagon racing and has allowed the WPCA to honour excellence in the sport of chuckwagon racing as well as advocate for volunteerism, community involvement, safety, equine knowledge, western heritage and sportsmanship for over 30 years.

Every year the WPCA presents several awards such as the Media Award, Race Committee Award, Chuckwagon Person of the Year Award, Ty Tournier Memorial Award, etc. which are awarded based on the nominations received from the public including members and non-members of the WPCA.

2011 World Champion Driver:
Kelly Sutherland

2011 World Champion Outrider:
Chad Cosgrave

2011 Dodge Pro Tour Champion:
Kelly Sutherland

Past Member Recognition:
Tom Glass

For More Information:
Email: meghan.mcivor@wpca.com
Ph: 403-236-2466
Fax: 403-279-2247
Mail: WPCA, #3A, 2828 – 18th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1.

2011 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Final Standings

News — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:04:59 GMT

2011 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Final Standings
Rank	Team Name	Points
1	High River Autoplex & RV #1	6236
2	Lafarge Canada Inc. #1	6219
3	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	6176.5
4	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	6173.5
5	J & L Supply Co. Ltd. #2	6095.5
6	Quinn Contracting #1	6088
7	CSI Canada Safety #2	6081.5
8	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd. #1	6044.5
9	Lafarge Canada Inc. #2	6008.5
10	Spartan Controls #2	5937.5
11	Quinn Contracting #2	5932
12	H & E Oilfield Services #4	5903
13	H & E Oilfield Services #3	5895.5
14	H & E Oilfield Services #1	5880.5
15	J & L Supply Co. Ltd. #3	5833
16	CSI Canada Safety #1	5832
17	Image Distributors #1	5775
18	Image Distributors #2	5774
19	High River Autoplex & RV #2	5768
20	CSI Canada Safety #3	5750
21	Specialized Tech Inc. #2	5739.5
22	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd. #4	5725
23	Basnett Truck Service #2	5647
24	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #1	5609.5
25	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd. #2	5582
26	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd. #3	5560
27	Spartan Controls #1	5505.5
28	Quinn Contracting #3	5458
29	J & L Supply Co. Ltd. #1	5439
30	Basnett Truck Service #3	5320.5
31	Specialized Tech Inc. #1	5249.5
32	Basnett Truck Service #1	5222.5
33	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	5125
34	H & E Oilfield Services #2	5116.5
35	CSI Canada Safety #4	5111

Jason Johnstone Posts Fast Time Of The Night To Grab Last Spot On 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour

News — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:34:09 GMT

Jason Johnstone - A Much Needed First Place Run On Day 4 In Strathmore
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off Point Final Standings
Rank	Driver	Total Points
1	Gary Gorst	32.5
2	Logan Gorst	30.5
3/4	Roger Moore	28
3/4	Dave Galloway	28
5	Jason Johnstone	24
6	Brian Mayan	22
7	Ross Knight	20
8	Chad Fike	16
9	Chance Bensmiller	15
10	Elton Magee	4

The final day of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off ran Sunday afternoon in Strathmore where 10 chuckwagon drivers were each looking to grab one of 5 available spots on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. For the fourth consecutive day the weather was perfect - 25°C under a few clouds and a slight breeze, and the fans were treated to some wonderful racing as well. The results of this year’s run-off will see some new faces on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour next season.

The top three drivers at this year’s run-off were in the top five of the 2011 Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) standings. Gary Gorst – the 2010 CPCA Champion and the CPCA’s High Point driver three of the past four years including 2011 lead the field with 32.5 points. He will be joined by his son Logan Gorst – a two time winner on the 2011 CPCA circuit and runner-up to the 2011 CPCA championship, and Roger Moore – also a two time winner on the 2011 CPCA circuit. Combined, these three drivers won six of the eight shows that made up the CPCA circuit in 2011.

Dave Galloway - a rookie on the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, regained his spot for 2012 by finishing tied for third place with Roger Moore in the Run-Off Point Standings, and Jason Johnstone – the 2005 WPCA Most Improved Driver, took the top time of the night and grabbed the last exempt spot on the 2012 Dodge Pro Tour by finishing fifth in the Run-Off Point Standings.

Brian Mayan – the 2008 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby’s $50,000.00 winner placed sixth in the point standings and just missed the top five by two points, but is first on the reserve list for 2012. Ross Knight – a three time career show winner on the CPCA circuit, was seventh, followed by Chad Fike, Chance Bensmiller and Elton Magee. Should any of the 36 drivers now scheduled to race on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour not be able to compete, then the drivers from the reserve list in their order of finish will be given the opportunity to take the spots that had been vacated.

As far as the day results go, as mentioned previously, Jason Johnstone, driving the Strathmore Station and Travelodge Outfit, posted the fastest time of the afternoon with a 1:15.01. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 2, Johnstone was the top time of the day by just 11 one-hundreds of a second over Brian Mayan who was second. Dave Galloway and Gary Gorst split third and fourth, with Roger Moore rounding out the top five on the day.

The 2011 WPCA Awards Banquet and Presentation will be held on October 22, 2011 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary. Contact the WPCA office at 403-236-2466 for more information.

Billy Melville

Roger Moore Tops All On Night Three Of The 2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off

News — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:25:00 GMT

Roger Moore - Fast Run On Day 3 In Strathmore
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Total Points
1	Logan Gorst	25
2	Gary Gorst	25.5
3	Roger Moore	22
4	Dave Galloway	20.5
5	Ross Knight	18
6	Jason Johnstone	14
7/8	Brian Mayan	13
7/8	Chad Fike	13
9	Chance Bensmiller	11
10	Elton Magee	3

Under clear skies and the temperature at 26°C, some good racing was enjoyed by the chuckwagon fans that came out to enjoy the third performance of the annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off on Saturday evening in Strathmore, Alberta. Five spots are available on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour and ten chuckwagon drivers are running to earn the privilege to compete on the 2012 Dodge Pro Tour. Night three saw Roger Moore, driving the Dene-COR Construction Ltd. outfit post the fast time of the night with a 1:14.80.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 3, Moore was the top time of the performance by just 3 one-hundreds of a second over Gary Gorst who placed 2nd for the night. Dave Galloway and Logan Gorst split third and fourth, with Jason Johnstone rounding out the top five on the day.

In the points race to determine which drivers will earn a spot on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, Logan Gorst continues to lead the overall point standings with 25.5 points, followed by Gary Gorst in second with 25.5 points, third place belongs to day 3 winner Roger Moore, while Dave Galloway and Ross Knight sit fourth and fifth respectively after three runs. The top five in the point standings after Sunday will automatically qualify for the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

The 2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off from Strathmore will wrap up Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm. Admission for the Qualification Run-Off is free.

Billy Melville

Ross Knight Takes Top Time On Day 2 Of The Qualification Run Off In Strathmore

News — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:24:02 GMT

Ross Knight - Bests All On Day 2 In Strathmore
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Total Points
1	Logan Gorst	18
2/3	Gary Gorst	16
2/3	Ross Knight	16
4	Dave Galloway	13
5	Roger Moore	12
6	Chad Fike	10
7/8	Brian Mayan	8
7/8	Jason Johnstone	8
9	Chance Bensmiller	7
10	Elton Magee	2

Day 2 of the annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off kicked ran on a hot Friday afternoon in Strathmore, Alberta. Temperature was 28°C and some great racing was enjoyed by a host of Strathmore school kids who came out to enjoy the action. 10 wagons are competing for 5 spots on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, and day 2 saw Ross Knight, driving The Kidz Wagon outfit have the best time of the afternoon with a 1:14.43.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 3, Knight posted the fast time of the afternoon by 47 one-hundreds of a second over Roger Moore who placed 2nd for the night, followed by day 1 winner Logan Gorst, with Gary Gorst and Brian Mayan rounding out the top five on the day.

Logan Gorst continues to lead the overall point standings with 18 points, Ross Knight and Gary Gorst are splitting 2nd and 3rd overall, with Dave Galloway and Roger Moore making out the top five after two nights. The top five in the point standings after Sunday will automatically qualify for the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

The 2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off from Strathmore will run at 6:00pm on Saturday with Sunday’s races scheduled for 2:00pm.

Billy Melville

Logan Gorst Leads Day 1 Of The WPCA Qualification Run-Off In Strathmore

News — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:35:42 GMT

Logan Gorst - Fast Time Of Night 1 Of The Qualification Run Off
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

The annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off kicked off Thursday night in Strathmore, Alberta. Temperature was 27°C under clear skies, track conditions were outstanding, and Logan Gorst opened up the event with the top time of the day with a run of 1:14.37.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 5, Logan Gorst, driving the Blackjack Livestock Co. outfit, was the best on the night by just 7 one-hundreds of a second over his father Gary Gorst who placed second from barrel 2 in the same heat. Dave Galloway, Chad Fike and Ross Knight made out the top five on opening night.

The top 30 wagons from the 2011 World Standings automatically qualify for the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. All other wagons who would like to earn the privilege to compete on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour must do so through the qualification run-off. This year's Qualification Run-Off will feature ten wagons competing for five spots on the 2012 Dodge Pro Tour.

Day 2 of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off from Strathmore will go Friday afternoon at 2:00pm.

Billy Melville

Friday's WPCA Qualification Run Off Races Moved to 2:00pm

News — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:17:26 GMT

In order to accommodate our young fans, Friday's WPCA Qualification Run-Off chuckwagon races that were originally scheduled for 6:00pm have now been moved to a matinee performance at 2:00pm.

The Strathmore Ag Society requested the change so that school children from the Strathmore area would be able to schedule a field trip and come out and watch the chuckwagon races. The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was more than happy to honor this request.

The 2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off will be held from September 8-11, 2011 in Strathmore, Alberta. Races will be run on Thursday and Saturday starting at 6:00pm, with the Friday and Sunday races to go at 2:00pm. For more information please call the WPCA office at 403-236-2466 or e-mail WPCA Marketing Manager Meghan Chevrette-McIvor at meghan.mcivor@wpca.com.

WPCA Qualification Run-Off To Be Held In Strathmore September 8-11, 2011

News — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:25:18 GMT

After the rescheduling of the Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller last weekend, this year's WPCA Qualification Run-Off has been moved and will take place from September 8-11, 2011 in Strathmore, Alberta as opposed to the original location in Bashaw, Alberta.

The top 30 wagons from the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour automatically qualify for the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. All other wagons who would like to earn the privilege to compete on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour must do so through the qualification run-off. With the retirement of veteran driver Buddy Bensmiller, Evan Salmond - who finished 31st in the 2011 World Standings – moves up the list and will not have to go through the qualification run-off process. Chanse Vigen, who had qualified for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour through the qualification run-off but was unable to compete due to special circumstances, was given exempt status for 2012. This year's Qualification Run-Off will feature ten wagons competing for five spots on the 2012 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Returning WPCA drivers Jason Johnstone, Chance Bensmiller, Brian Mayan and Dave Galloway will be looking to regain their spots on the 2012 Dodge Pro Tour. Joining the returning WPCA drivers will be champion outrider Chad Fike who is making his second attempt at making it through the qualification run-off as a chuckwagon driver.

Gary Gorst - the 2010 CPCA Champion and CPCA High Point Driver three of the past four years - leads a strong field of CPCA drivers looking to make the move to the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. He will be joined by his son Logan Gorst - who won twice on the 2011 CPCA circuit and was runner-up for the 2011 CPCA Championship, Roger Moore - who also won twice on the 2011 CPCA circuit, Ross Knight – who has won three CPCA show championships in his career as a driver, and veteran driver Elton Magee.

The 2011 WPCA Qualification Run-Off from Strathmore will run at 6:00pm Thursday to Saturday, with Sunday’s races scheduled for 2:00pm.

Kelly Sutherland, Chad Cosgrave Win World Titles, Mitch Sutrherland Get's First Career Win

News — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:31:44 GMT

2011 Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champions
Red Deer Motors Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Drumheller Exhibition's Mike Hansen Presenting, Outrider Reo King,
Driver Mitch Sutherland, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

It was 27°C and sunny in Drumheller as the 2011 professional chuckwagon racing came to an end with the final race of 2011 being an exciting finish to an outstanding season. When the day wrapped up Kelly Sutherland won his record twelfth career World Chuckwagon Championship, Chad Cosgrave won his second career World Outriding Championship, and rookie driver Mitch Sutherland won his first major show by capturing the season ending Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby championship show over retiring driver Buddy Bensmiller.

It a very closely contested world championship run, Kelly Sutherland won the title by a narrow 27.5 point margin over Troy Dorchester and just 29.5 points over Grant Profit. Codey McCurrach and John Walters have each qualified for their first career Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby in 2012, and Chad Cosgrave, who had all but clinched the outriding title prior to the start of the final race meet, made it official by winning the championship over Chance Flad and Chad Fike.

Mitch Sutherland, driving the Red Deer Motors Outfit, and along with outriders Chanse Vigen and Reo King, took the top time of the day for the second consecutive day and won the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby by just 1 one-hundred of a second over Buddy Bensmiller who ran his last race on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Bensmiller, who ended up in the final qualifying spot for the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede, will have to decide if he will fully retire or make the last run of his career at the Rangeland Derby next July.

Congratulations to the 2011 World Champions, driver Kelly Sutherland and outrider Chad Cosgrave, and many thanks to all the corporate partners, support staff and chuckwagon fans all along the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Enjoy a safe and prosperous off-season, and we will see you all in 2012.

Billy Melville

Mitch Sutherland Posts Top Time Of The Week In Drumheller

News — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:21:54 GMT

Mitch Sutherland - First Career WPCA Day Money On Night 2 Of Drumheller
Photo By Vern Likness

Day 2 of the Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller was run under partly cloudy skies, a comfortable 25°C and heated race for the World Chuckwagon Championship. Kelly Sutherland continues to lead the tight race in the World Standings by just 13.5 points over Troy Dorchester, 18.5 points over Grant Profit, and 24 points over Jerry Bremner with just one run to go in the 2011 professional chuckwagon season. The driver with the most points over the course of the season will be declared the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver after tomorrow’s run.

On the day, Mitch Sutherland, driving the Red Deer Motors outfit, posted the fast time of the week with a 1:06.87. Coming off barrel 1 in heat 2, Sutherland won his first career WPCA day money after by had the fast time of the night by 16 one-hundreds of a second over Day 1 winner Jerry Bremner. Buddy Bensmiller was third, followed by Grant profit and Hugh Sinclair filled out the top five on the day.

In the overall aggregate standings, Jerry Bremner, driving the Chariot Express outfit, leads the Drumheller championship by 57 one-hundreds of a second over Buddy Bensmiller who is competing in the last show of his illustrious career. Chance Bensmiller, Kelly Sutherland and Mitch Sutherland make out the top five after two runs. The driver with the best aggregate time after three runs will be declared the 2011 Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion.

The final day of the season ending Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby from Drumheller, Alberta can be heard starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Jerry Bremner Takes Day Money While Kelly Sutherland Leads The World On Night One In Drumheller

News — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:27:04 GMT

Jerry Bremner - Fast Time Of Night 1 In Drumheller
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a perfect evening at the final stop of 2011 at the Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller. Under clear skies it was 27°C, and Kelly Sutherland, in search of his twelfth career World Chuckwagon Championship came into the event of the year with a very slim lead over Grant Profit and Troy Dorchester. When the night wrapped up, Sutherland continues to lead the World Standings with 1,197.5 points, just 9 points better than Troy Dorchester, 21 points better than Grant Profit each in search of their first career World Championship, with 3-time World Champion Jerry Bremner back in the mix, just 29.5 points out of first place. The World Champion will be declared on Sunday afternoon.

On the day, Jerry Bremner, driving the Chariot Express outfit, posted the fast time of the night with a 1:08.87. Coming off barrel 1 in heat 11, Bremner had the fast time of the night by 18 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester. Jordie Fike placed third, Chance Bensmiller was fourth, while Jason Glass and Kelly Sutherland split fifth and sixth on the day. The driver with the best aggregate time after three runs will be declared the 2011 Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion.

Night 2 of the season ending Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby from Drumheller, Alberta can be heard starting at 5:45pm on Saturday, with Sunday’s coverage starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

WPCA Now Accepting Award Nominations For 2011 Race Season

News — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:04:44 GMT

The 31st Annual WPCA Banquet & Awards Presentation will be taking place on October 22, 2011 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. The WPCA is now accepting award nominations for the 2011 race season.

The Year End Awards Banquet is an important component to the sport of chuckwagon racing and has allowed the WPCA to honor excellence in the sport of chuckwagon racing as well as advocate for community involvement, equine safety and knowledge, western heritage and sportsmanship for over 30 years.

Award winners will be announced and recognized at the WPCA Banquet to be held at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino in Calgary, AB on October 22, 2011.

Every year the WPCA presents several awards such as the Race Committee of the Year Award, Chuckwagon Person of the Year Award and Ty Tournier Memorial Award, etc. which are awarded based on the nominations received from the public including members and non-members of the WPCA. This year nominations must be submitted by Midnight August 26, 2011 (After 1st Night of Drumheller).

For more information on each award and a nomination form please click here. Nominations can be submitted, prior to Midnight August 26, 2011 (After 1st Night of Drumheller):

Email: jacki@wpca.com or meghan.mcivor@wpca.com
Fax: 403-279-2247
Hand deliver them to: Race Secretary Trailer at the Drumheller stop.
The WPCA still has some awards available for sponsorship. Please contact Meghan Chevrette-McIvor (ph: 403-236-2466 or meghan.mcivor@wpca.com) if you'd like more information.

Hugh Sinclair Comes Back To Win 2011 Battle Of The Rockies Championship

News — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:48:59 GMT

2011 Battle of the Rockies Champions
Specialized Tech Inc./Friends of Sinclair Racing Outfit
Back Row (L-R): RMCA President Brad Smith, Specialized Tech CEO Chris Hemstock,
Driver Hugh Sinclair, Chandi Sinclair, RMCA Vice President Rod Tomyn
Front Row: Outrider Chad Cosgrave Missing Outrider Reo King
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

After four perfect days of racetrack and weather conditions, the 2011 Battle of the Rockies Championship wrapped up on a beautiful partly cloudy and 28°C Sunday afternoon in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Hugh Sinclair, driving the Specialized Tech Inc./Friends of Sinclair Racing outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Reo King, captured the championship after posting the best four day aggregate time of 5:01.17.

Sinclair, who was injured in Dawson Creek last week and was doubtful as to whether or not he was going to be able to drive in Rocky Mountain House, overcame all obstacles, set a track record on the final day and won the championship by 85 one-hundreds of a second over Mike Vigen who had to settle for second place overall. Cody Ridsdale had a career best finish third place overall, with day three leader Troy Flad ending up in fourth and Jerry Bremner placing fifth overall.

As far as the day results go, as mentioned previously, for the third time in four days the Rocky Mountain House track record fell, this time to Hugh Sinclair whose 1:13.77 bettered the mark set by Troy Dorchester last night by 81 one-hundreds of a second. From barrel number 3 in heat 3, Sinclair broke the track record and won the day money by 5 one-hundreds of a second over Cliff Cunningham who placed second on the day. Buddy Bensmiller, Mike Vigen and Chance Bensmiller filled out the top five on the final day.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Drumheller, Alberta for the season ending Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby starting Friday, August 26 and running through to Sunday, August 28. Grant Profit is the defending champion, and goes into this year’s event in a tight fight with Kelly Sutherland and Troy Dorchester for the World Chuckwagon Championship. Live radio coverage of the Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby from Drumheller, Alberta can be heard starting at 5:45pm Friday and Saturday, with Sunday’s coverage starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Troy Dorchester Sets Another Track Record At The Battle Of The Rockies

News — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:59:45 GMT

Troy Dorchester- Track Record Run On Night 3 In Rocky Mountain House
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a sunny and warm 23°C in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta for night 3 at the Battle of the Rockies. For the third consecutive day there were super racetrack and weather conditions, and the fans were treated to some spectacular races once again. When the night finished up it was Troy Dorchester who won top money with after establishing a track record time of 1:15.32. It’s the second time in three days that the Rocky Mountain House track record has been broken.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Dorchester, driving the Eldorado Pressure Outfit, won the day money by just 5 one-hundreds of a second over Mitch Sutherland, with Hugh Sinclair, Jason Glass and Rae Croteau Jr. rounding out the top five for the night. Dorchester’s time beat Kirk Sutherland’s track record run set opening night by a very slight 3 one-hundreds of a second.

After two runs, Troy Flad, in search of his first career victory, continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a three-day total time of 3:46.26. This puts him 1.07 seconds faster than Chad Harden, with Hugh Sinclair, Cody Ridsdale and Mike Vigen rounding out the top five overall. The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the 2011 Battle of the Rockies Champion.

The final day of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta can be heard Sunday afternoon starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Troy Flad Takes Day Money And Tops The Leaderboard On Night Two Of The Battle Of The Rockies

News — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:01:54 GMT

Troy Flad- Leads All After Night 2 In Rocky Mountain House
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a fantastic night 2 at the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Track and weather conditions were ideal, and some great races were seem by a capacity crowd. Troy Flad took the top time of the night with a run of 1:15.32.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 4, Flad, driving the Ironwood Building Systems Outfit, won the day money by a slight 3 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Johnstone, with Tim Haroldson, Colt Cosgrave and Doug Irvine rounding out the top five for the night.

After two runs, Flad also leads the overall aggregate standings with a two run total of 2:30.64. This puts him 61 one-hundreds of a second in front of Chad Harden, with Jerry Bremner and defending Battle of the Rockies champion Rick Fraser splitting third and fourth, with Jordie Fike rounding out the top five overall. Kirk Sutherland, who set a track record on night one, ran into penalty problems and sits well back of the leaders. The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2011 Battle of the Rockies Champion.

Live radio coverage of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta can be heard starting at 6:45pm on Saturday, with Sunday starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kirk Sutherland Establishes New Track Record At The Battle Of The Rockies

News — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:15:34 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - Track Record Run In Rocky Mountain House
Photo By Paul Easton

A few raindrops and a little hail fell, but it was a great night of racing nonetheless on opening night of the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Kirk Sutherland won the day money and established a new track record with a run of 1:14.61.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation Outfit, won the day money by 71 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Flad who despite a one second late outrider penalty still managed a second place run on the night. Jerry Bremner, defending champion Rick Fraser and Chad Harden rounded out the top five for the night. Sutherlands track record run bettered Rick Fraser’s 2010 mark by a huge 3.26 seconds.

The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2011 Battle of the Rockies Champion. Live radio coverage of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta can be heard starting at 6:45pm Friday and Saturday, with Sunday starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

2011 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Battle Of The North

News — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:38:45 GMT

**2011 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence**
Leaders After The Battle of the North
Sponsored By Import Tool Corp. Ltd.
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Sky	Mark Sutherland	Nickle	Rick Fraser
Ace	Rick Fraser	Dash	Mark Sutherland
Delta	Rae Croteau Jr.	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Prince	Grant Profit	Grandy	Grant Profit
Whisper	Jerry Bremner	Ace	Troy Dorchester
Cougar	Kirk Sutherland	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bookit	Troy Dorchester	Chief	Kirk Sutherland
Nine-O	Troy Flad	Czar	Kurt Bensmiller
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Jova	Kelly Sutherland


LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Tex	Mark Sutherland	King	Grant Profit
Zorba	Rick Fraser	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Dillon	Troy Dorchester	Shady	Mark Sutherland
Pounder	Grant Profit	Both Sides	Troy Dorchester
Sugar	Kirk Sutherland	Ace	Troy Flad
Kevin	Troy Flad	Hurricane	Obrey Motowylo
Sevens	Kurt Bensmiller	Barney	Chad Harden
Gangster	Jerry Bremner	Big Red	Rae Croteau Jr.
Sneakers	Rick Fraser	Joe	Jerry Bremner
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Pappy	Kurt Bensmiller
Paddy	Rae Croteau Jr.

	OUTRIDING HORSES
	Horse Name	Owner
	Max	Rick Fraser
	Logan	Kirk Sutherland
	Ono	Kelly Sutherland
	Dennis	Troy Dorchester
	Tee	Grant Profit
	Kodan	Chance Bensmiller
	Freckles	Kelly Sutherland
	Spike	Kelly Sutherland
	Dee	Troy Dorchester
	Clifford	Troy Flad

Injured Cowboys Doing Well

News — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:44:25 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is pleased to announce that the two competitors that were injured in Sunday’s winner take all championship final heat at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, British Columbia are doing fine. Both cowboys are expected to compete at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour stop this week in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.

Driver Hugh Sinclair and outrider Doug Thomson collided during Sunday’s final and both were taken to the Dawson Creek Hospital. Sinclair was ejected from his wagon and sustained some soft tissue damage and deep bruising, but no broken bones or any serious complications. Thomson was knocked down before he was able to mount his horse and was released almost immediately after being treated for minor bumps and bruises. No horses required any veterinary care.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Rocky Mountain House for the Battle of the Rockies Championship starting Thursday, August 18 and running through to Sunday, August 21. Live radio coverage of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta can be heard starting at 6:45pm Thursday through Saturday and Sunday starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Rick Fraser Captures Second Show Of The Year In The Peace Country

News — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 22:26:10 GMT

2011 Battle of the North Champions
Hellfires Suppression Services Outfit
(L-R): Driver Rick Fraser, Sue Fraser, Outriders Logan James, Chanse Vigen
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

The 2011 Battle of the North Championship wrapped up on a beautiful Sunday evening in Dawson Creek, B.C., and Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfires Supression Services outfit, and along with outriders Logan James and Chanse Vigen, captured the championship, a new Dodge truck, and the Cascade Services $10,000.00 first place prize. It was the first time that Rick Fraser won the Dawson Creek title and his second victory of the season after capturing the Grande Prairie Stompede to start the year.

Fraser won the sudden death final with a penalty free run of 1:17.11 from barrel position number 2, 38 one-hundreds of a second faster than Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd from barrel position number 1. Chad Harden placed 3rd from barrel position number 3, with Hugh Sinclair finishing 4th after not being able to complete the race. Sinclair was tossed from his wagon at the start of the race and was transported to hospital with undetermined injuries. Outrider Doug Thomson was also involved in the mishap but escaped with just minor injuries. No horses were hurt in the mishap. Earlier in the night Evan Salmond received the Kenn Borek Memorial Award for Most Sportsmanlike Driver.

As far as the day results go, Rick Fraser’s 1:17.11 was also good for day money, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland, Mark Sutherland and Luke Tournier rounding out the top five on the final night.

Billy Melville

Final Four Set For 2011 Battle Of The North Final, Colt Cosgrave Post Fast Time Of The Week

News — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:21:28 GMT

Colt Cosgrave – Fastest Time Of The Week On Night 4 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

It was the fourth perfect night in Dawson Creek, British Columbia for 2011 Battle of the North Championship, and the final four have been set for Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the 2011 Battle of the North Championship, a $10,000.00 bonus cheque and a 2011 Dodge Truck.

Five-time Battle of the North champion Kelly Sutherland was tops in aggregate with a four-day combined time of 5:06.07, and will be joined by Rick Fraser, Hugh Sinclair and Chad Harden in Sunday’s winner take all final. Colt Cosgrave finished in 5th place overall and just missed the sudden death final by 55 one-hundreds of a second. Sophomore driver Evan Salmond, looking to qualify for his first career sudden death final, took a 2-second penalty and was knocked out of the top four.

As far as the day results go, it was Colt Cosgrave who took top money with the best time of the week with a 1:14.96. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 7, Cosgrave, driving the Ron May Consulting outfit had the fast time of the week and placed first on the day by just 8 one-hundreds of a second over Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd on the night. Doug Irvine, Kirk Sutherland and Grant Profit filled out the top 5 for the night.

Racing from the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek can be heard live every night starting at 7:00pm (MST) on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Posts Fastest Time Of The Week On Night 3 Of The Battle Of The North

News — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:48:02 GMT

Hugh Sinclair – Fast Time Of The Week On Night 3 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Carol Easton

It was another great night of racing on Night 3 of the Battle of the North Championship in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. On a fast racetrack under partly cloudy skies and 20°C, five-time Battle of the North champion Hugh Sinclair posted the fast time of the race meet so far with a run of 1:15.06.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 3, Sinclair, driving the Specialized Tech Inc. outfit won the day money by 76 one-hundreds of a second over Kirk Sutherland who also broke the 1:16.00 barrier for 2nd place on the night, followed by Mike Vigen, Codey McCurrach and Rick Fraser to make out the top 5 for the night.

After three days, Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfires Suppression Services Outfit leads the overall standings with a 3-run total day combined time of 3:50.08. He leads by just 3 one-hundreds of a second over 2-day leader Evan Salmond, with Hugh Sinclair and Kelly Sutherland making out the top four after 3 nights. Obrey Motowylo dropped out of the top four and sits in 5th place overall just 19 one-hundreds of a second outside the ever important top four.

The Battle of the North is part of the Ram Cup Series where the top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday’s run will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the sudden death final will take home a 2011 Dodge truck, a $10,000.00 bonus cheque, and the 2011 Battle of the North Championship.

Billy Melville

"The Bashaw Flash" Reg Johnstone Wins The Day Money On Night 2 Of The Battle Of The North

News — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:16:31 GMT

Reg Johnstone – Best Of The Bunch On Night 2 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 2 of the Battle of the North Championship in Dawson Creek, British Columbia was a beautiful 23°C under partly cloudy skies and excellent racetrack conditions. When the night wrapped up, 2004 Battle of the North champion Reg Johnstone posted the fast time of the night with a run of 1:16.36.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 5, Johnstone, driving the Happy Trails RV outfit won the day money by 18 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester ended up in 2nd place on the night. Rick Fraser, Evan Salmond and Colt Cosgrave rounded out the top 5 for the night.

After two runs, sophomore driver Evan Salmond, driving the Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd. Outfit leads the overall standings with a 2-day combined time of 2:33.56. He leads by just 10 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser, with Mark Sutherland and Obrey Motowylo making out the top four after 2 nights. Day 1 winner Chad Harden dropped to 5th place overall just 11 one-hundreds of a second outside the ever important top four.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Places First On Opening Night At The Battle Of The North

News — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:53:15 GMT

Chad Harden – Tops All On Night 1 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Carol Easton

It was 22°C under a few clouds, but track and weather conditions were ideal to start the 2011 version of the Battle of the North Championship in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Former Battle of the North finalist Chad Harden opened up this year’s championship with the top time on opening night.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 6, Harden, driving the Streeper and Sons Trucking Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:16.02 and placed first overall for the day by 87 one-hundreds of a second over Evan Salmond who settled for 2nd place on the night. Mark Sutherland, Rick Fraser and Cody Ridsdale rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The Battle of the North is part of the Ram Cup Series. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday’s run will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home a 2011 Dodge truck, a $10,000.00 bonus cheque, and the 2011 Battle of the North Championship.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins 2011 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 11:16:35 GMT

Grant Profit - 2011 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Champion
Photo By Carol Easton

Heavy overnight rains in Bonnyville have cancelled the last 2 days of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship, so Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Chad Fike, have been declared the 2011 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship champions after posting the best 2-day aggregate time of 2:32.65. Profit wins the rain-shortened event by just 16 one-hundreds of a second over runner-up Luke Tournier, with Kelly Sutherland, Mike Vigen and Jason Glass rounding out the top five overall. It’s the second win on the season for Profit who captured the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede back in June.

The first two days in Bonnyville saw perfect weather and racetrack conditions, and saw the track record fall twice – first to Rick Fraser on opening night and then to Mike Vigen on night number two. Vigen’s track record now stands at 1:15.21 set from barrel number 4.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves into Dawson Creek, British Columbia for the Battle of the North starting on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 and running through to Sunday, August 14, 2011. Racing from the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek can be heard live every night starting at 7:15pm (MST) on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Day 3 Of The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Cancelled

News — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:20:54 GMT

Heavy afternoon rains in Bonnyville have made for unsafe racetrack conditions resulting in day 3 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship not being run as scheduled on Saturday night. Officials from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee and the World Professional Chuckwagon will be meeting Sunday morning to discuss whether the show will be shortened or postponed. Keep checking www.halfmileofhell.com for further details. Chuckwagon radio will still have a radio program live on Saturday, August 6 starting at 7:00pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Guest will include many of the drivers, outriders and committee members who will give further detail on the status of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship.

Grant Profit sits first overall with a 2-day combined time of 2:32.65. He is 16 one-hundreds of a second faster than Luke Tournier, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Mike Vigen and Jason Glass. The driver posting the best aggregate time at the conclusion of the show will be declared the champion of the 2011 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship.

Racing from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on Sunday, August 7 starting at 2:00pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Day 2 Sees Bonnyville Track Record Falls Again This Time To Mike Vigen

News — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:24:54 GMT

Mike Vigen – Breaks Track Record On Night 2 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a beautiful 20°C and partly cloudy skies in Bonnyville for night 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. The races were fantastic once again in front of a capacity crowd, and Mike Vigen emerged as the top wagon on the night after a track record run.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 4, Vigen, driving the Hamel’s meat Market outfit posted a record time of 1:15.21 and placed first overall for the day by 32 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who placed second on the night. Kelly Sutherland, Luke Tournier and Mark Sutherland rounded out the top five on the night. Vigen’s 1:15.21 beat Rick Fraser’s track record run on opening night by 90 one-hundreds of a second.

After two runs, Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit, sits first overall with a 2-day combined time of 2:32.65. He sits 16 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Luke Tournier, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Mike Vigen and Jason Glass. The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2011 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship.

Day 3 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship from Bonnyville can be heard live on Saturday, August 6 starting at 7:00pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Sets Track Record On Opening Night In Bonnyville

News — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:55:19 GMT

Rick Fraser - Track Record Run On Night One In Bonnyville
Photo By Carol Easton

The dust was flying under mainly sunny skies with some light rain falling on some of the later heats, but overall it was a beautiful 19°C in Bonnyville for opening night of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. For the first time since the professional chuckwagon races were resurrected in 2008, the Bonnyville races are featuring four wagons to a heat as opposed to three, and the championship will be decided through aggregate time instead of a winner take all championship final heat. When night one wrapped up, it was 2004 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Rick Fraser who won top money and established a new track record on a new track as well.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Fraser, driving the Silver Concrete Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:16.11 and placed first overall for the day by a mere 3 one-hundreds of a second over Kirk Sutherland who placed second on the night. Jason Glass, Luke Tournier and Evan Salmond rounded out the top five on the night. As the track has been altered, the day money run by Fraser is now the official track record, but still bettered Obrey Motowylo’s record of 1:16.15 set just last year.

The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2011 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. Day 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship from Bonnyville can be heard live on Friday, August 5 starting at 7:00pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

2011 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede

News — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:24:31 GMT

**2011 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence**
Leaders After The Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede
Sponsored By Import Tool Corp. Ltd.
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Sky	Mark Sutherland	Dash	Mark Sutherland
Delta	Rae Croteau Jr.	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Prince	Grant Profit	Grandy	Grant Profit
Whisper	Jerry Bremner	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Nine-O	Troy Flad	Czar	Kurt Bensmiller
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Ace	Troy Dorchester
Port	Luke Tournier	Nickle	Rick Fraser
Ace	Rick Fraser	Chief	Kirk Sutherland
Cougar	Kirk Sutherland	Fling	Luke Tournier
Ace	Kurt Bensmiller

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Tex	Mark Sutherland	King	Grant Profit
Pounder	Grant Profit	Shady	Mark Sutherland
Kevin	Troy Flad	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Sevens	Kurty Bensmiller	Ace	Troy Flad
Gangster	Jerry Bremner	Hurricane	Obrey Motowylo
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Both Sides	Troy Dorchester
Paddy	Rae Croteau Jr.	Big Red	Rae Croteau Jr.
Dillon	Troy Dorchester	Joe	Jerry Bremner
Zorba	Rick Fraser	Pappy	Kurt Bensmiller
Sugar	Kirk Sutherland	Seth	Rick Fraser
		Vancouver	Rick Fraser

	OUTRIDING HORSES
	Horse Name	Owner
	Max	Rick Fraser
	Clifford	Troy Flad
	Freckles	Kelly Sutherland
	Jet	Kurt Bensmiller
	Ben	Obrey Motowylo
	Spike	Kelly Sutherland
	Que	Mark Sutherland
	Hitter	Rae Croteau Jr.
	Cat	Rick Fraser
	Storm	Jerry Bremner
	Logan	Kirk Sutherland

Kelly Sutherland Wins Record Setting 3rd WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:08:42 GMT

2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Champions
Strathmore Station & Travel Lodge Outfit
(L-R): Martin Sobie od DODGE, Presents A New Dodge Truck To Driver Kelly Sutherland
and Outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen,
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

After four days of running, Kelly Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland, Grant Profit and Troy Dorchester survived the playoff round and would participate in the sudden death championship final heat to declare the winner of the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Track conditions were fast, weather conditions were a perfect 22°C and it was another spectacular night of racing at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede.

Once again it was an exciting final heat witnessed by a capacity crowd, and when it was over the Strathmore Station & Travel Lodge outfit, driven by Kelly Sutherland along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen, took home the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and the brand new Dodge Truck.

In a penalty free sudden death championship final heat, and from the number 1 barrel position, Kelly Sutherland beat out his brother Kirk Sutherland who placed 2nd in the heat from barrel number 2, followed by Troy Dorchester who placed 3rd from barrel number 4 and finally Grant Profit placed 4th from barrel number 3, to capture the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Monday's sudden death final. It’s a record third time Kelly Sutherland has won the Dodge Pro Tour Championship breaking the record he shared with former drivers Norm Cuthbertson and Neal Walgenbach.

Top time for the day for the second consecutive day went to Troy Flad driving the Ironwood Building Systems Outfit. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 5, Flad again posted the fast time of the week with a 1:13.30, and won the day money by 40 one-hundreds of a second over Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd overall for the night. Kirk Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Jason Glass made out the top 5 for the night.
Kelly Sutherland, driving the Strathmore Station & Travel Lodge outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen, also captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title last night after posting the best 4-day aggregate time of 4:58.30.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now embark on Bonnyville for the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship starting Thursday, August 4, 2011 and running through to Sunday, August 7, 2011. Racing from Bonnyville can be heard live starting at 7:00pm Thursday through Saturday, with Sundays coverage starting at 2:00pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Wins Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede And Leads The Final Four Into Monday's Tour Championship Run

News — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:50:38 GMT

2011 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champions
Strathmore Station & Travel Lodge Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King , Driver Kelly Sutherland, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Kelly Sutherland	21
2	Grant Profit	19
3	Kirk Sutherland	16
4	Troy Dorchester	15
5	Mark Sutherland	11
6	Jason Glass	10
7	Doug Irvine	9
8	Layne MacGillivray	7

Perfect track and weather conditions have been the order of the week in Strathmore as night 4 was a hot 28°C and it was another spectacular night of racing at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede.

After 4 nights of racing, the playoff pool among the elite 8 has finished and the final four that will compete for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has now been set. Kelly Sutherland was tops in the playoff pool with 35 points and will be joined by Kirk Sutherland in second with 31 points, Grant Profit in third place with 26 points, with Troy Dorchester holding on to the fourth and final spot in Monday’s sudden death final with 23 points. Defending Tour Champion Mark Sutherland just missed the sudden death final by a single point, placing fifth in the playoff standings with 22 points. Doug Irvine was sixth place overall with 16 points with Jason Glass placing seventh with 15 points and Layne MacGillivray rounding out the playoff pool in eighth place overall with 12 points. The top four will now go into the sudden death final heat on Monday where the winner will drive off in a new Dodge Truck and the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

In the race for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, it was Kelly Sutherland, driving the Strathmore Station & Travel Lodge Outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen who won the title after posting the best 4 day aggregate out of all 36 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Drivers. Sutherland’s 4 day combined time of 4:58.30 was 62 one-hundreds of a second better than runner-up Kirk Sutherland, with Jerry Bremner, Rae Croteau Jr. and Grant Profit rounding out the top five overall.
As far as the day results go, Troy Flad, driving the Ironwood Building Systems outfit, who won the day money with the fast time of the week with a run of 1:13.39. Coming off barrel 4 in heat 4, Flad won the day money by just 11 one-hundreds of a second faster than Cliff Cunningham who placed second for night, followed by Jerry Bremner, Kirk Sutherland and Mark Sutherland who rounded out the top five on the night.

The 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede will wrap up on Monday at 6:00pm. Racing from Strathmore can be heard live on Monday starting at 5:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Late Protest Gives Kirk Sutherland First Place On Night 3, Kelly Sutherland Leading Overall Playoff Points In Strathmore

News — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:42:11 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - Fast Run Of The Week On Night 3 In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Kelly Sutherland	21
2	Grant Profit	19
3	Kirk Sutherland	16
4	Troy Dorchester	15
5	Mark Sutherland	11
6	Jason Glass	10
7	Doug Irvine	9
8	Layne MacGillivray	7

It was a hot 26°C in Strathmore and it was another very exciting night 3 of racing at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede. Track conditions were perfect and some of the best racing of the season was witnessed by the capacity crowd. Late protests resulted in penalties being assessed and significant changes on the nightly results.

After 3 nights in the playoff pool for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has really tightened up and Kelly Sutherland continues to lead the playoff pool with 21 points. Grant Profit sits alone in second place with 19 points followed closely by Kirk Sutherland and Troy Dorchester each with 16 and 15 points respectively. Defending WPCA Dodge Pro Tour champion Mark Sutherland is in fifth place in the standings just 4 points out of the fourth and final qualifying spot. The top four in the playoff standings after Sunday’s run will go into the sudden death final heat on Monday where the winner will drive off in a new Dodge Truck and the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

On the night among all 36 WPCA drivers, it was thought that Luke Tournier had posted the top time on the week, but a late penalty added gave the day money to Kirk Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation outfit, with the fast time of the night with a 1:14.06. Coming off barrel 1 in heat 8, Sutherland was top time of the night by just 7 one-hundreds of a second in front of Jerry Bremner who placed second for the night, followed by Troy Dorchester, Obrey Motowylo and injured driver Kurt Bensmiller’s outfit which was driven by Buddy Bensmiller for the third consecutive day.

In the race for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate standings after 4 days, Kelly Sutherland sits atop of the leaderboard with a 3 day combined time of 3:43.64. Sutherland leads by 81 one –hundreds of a second over defending Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede champion Grant Profit, with Kirk Sutherland, Tim Haroldson and Troy Dorchester filling out the top 5 overall after 3 runs.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing from Strathmore can be heard live starting at 7:15pm on Sunday and 5:45pm on Monday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads All After Night 2 In Strathmore

News — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:00:26 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Number 1 Everywhere After 2 Night In Strathmore
Photo By Carol Easton

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Kelly Sutherland	16
2	Grant Profit	13
3	Mark Sutherland	9
4/5/6	Kirk Sutherland	8
4/5/6	Doug Irvine	8
4/5/6	Troy Dorchester	8
7	Jason Glass	7
8	Layne MacGillivray	3

Night 2 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede ran under outstanding conditions and once again some spectacular chuckwagon races were witnessed by the Strathmore fans.

After 2 nights in the playoff pool for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, 2 first place runs among the elite 8 has 2-time WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship winner Kelly Sutherland on top of the playoff standings with 16 points. Current world points leader Grant Profit sits alone in second place overall followed by defending WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion Mark Sutherland. Then there is a three way tie for fourth overall between 1999 Tour Champion Troy Dorchester, former finalist Doug Irvine and Kirk Sutherland.

Kelly Sutherland’s also had the top run of the night among all 36 WPCA drivers, from barrel 3 in heat 9 posting a penalty free run of 1:13.91. That was 23 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who placed second for the night, followed by Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Troy Dorchester who rounded out the top 5 for the night. For the second consecutive night, Buddy Bensmiller drove for injured driver Kurt Bensmiller.

In the race for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 runs, Kelly Sutherland sits atop the leader board with a 2 day combined time of 2:28.92. He sits 85 one-hundreds of a second in front of defending Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champion Grant Profit, with Tim Haroldson, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland filling out the top 5 after 2 runs.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing from Strathmore can be heard live starting at 7:15pm Saturday through Sunday and 5:45pm on Monday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads The Playoff Pool After Night 1 In Starthmore

News — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:53:10 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Tops In The Playoff Points After 1 Night In Strathmore
Photo By Carol Easton

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Kelly Sutherland	8
2	Mark Sutherland	7
3	Grant Profit	6
4	Kirk Sutherland	5
5	Doug Irvine	4
6	Troy Dorchester	3
7	Layne MacGillivray	2
8	Jason Glass	1

Night 1 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore featured the elite 8 drivers on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour at this point of the season. These eight drivers go into a playoff system among themselves that sees the first place wagon of the elite 8 receiving eight points on each night plus the aggregate, and the eighth place wagon receiving one point. After four nights of competition, the top four in the playoff points system compete in a winner take all, sudden death championship final heat to determine the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion. Top chuckwagon in the aggregate amongst all 36 competing wagons after 4 days wins the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship.

Kelly Sutherland leads the playoff point pool by taking the top time among the 8 playoff contestants. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 9, Sutherland, driving the Strathmore Station & Travel Lodge outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:15.01. He was closely followed by Mark Sutherland in second place, with Grant Profit, Kirk Sutherland and Doug Irvine rounding out the top five in the playoff pool after night one.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, Luke Tournier, driving the Friends of Heritage Park outfit took the top time of the night from barrel number 2 in heat 6 posting a penalty free run of 1:14.29, 72 one-hundreds of a second over Kelly Sutherland who placed second for the night. Codey McCurrach, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland rounded out the top 5 overall for the night. Kurt Bensmiller, fresh off a big win at the Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton, injured his elbow earlier in the day and was unable to drive. His father Buddy Bensmiller acted as his replacement driver.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing from Strathmore can be heard live starting at 7:15pm Friday through Sunday and 5:45pm on Monday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kurt Bensmiller Captures 2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby

News — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 21:27:18 GMT

2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby Champions
Stahl Peterbilt Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Shawn Calf Robe, Driver Kurt Bensmiller, Outrider Wayne Wright
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

The 2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby is in the books, and the final race of the final night was an exciting finish to a truly outstanding event. Kurt Bensmiller, driving the Stahl Peterbilt Outfit, and along with outriders Shawn Calf Robe and Wayne Wright, made it a wire to wire victory by taking the sudden death championship final to capture the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby. It’s the second career victory for Bensmiller who last won in 2007 at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

Overnight and afternoon rains made for a muddy racetrack, but the races were run under 20°C and mainly sunny skies, and the final heat was a penalty free thriller. Coming off barrel position number 1 in the sudden death championship final heat number 9, Bensmiller won the 2011 Edmonton Championship with a run of 1:26.64, and won the heat by 89 one-hundreds of a second over Tim Haroldson. Haroldson, who was making his first appearance in a sudden death final at a major chuckwagon event, ended up as the runner-up from barrel position number 3. Troy Dorchester, who was making his fourth appearance in the Edmonton final, placed third from barrel position number 2, leaving Chad Harden, the 2009 Edmonton champion, in 4th place from barrel number 4.

Top time of the night went to Rae Croteau Jr., driving the TOMCO Group of Companies outfit with a run of 1:25.41 from barrel position number 4 in heat 8. Kurt Bensmiller had the 2nd best time on the night, 1.23 seconds behind the day winner Rae Croteau Jr., with Jerry Bremner, Luke Tournier and Grant rounding out the top 5.

The WPCA now moves on to Strathmore for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede starting on Thursday, July 28, 2011, and can be heard live starting at 7:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Tim Haroldson Earns Day Money And A Spot In Edmonton's Sudden Death Final

News — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:40:23 GMT

Tim Haroldson - Day Money Run And A Birth In The Sudden Death Final
Photo By Paul Easton

It was 27°C under clear skies, so weather and racetrack conditions were ideal for the third consecutive day in Edmonton, and the sudden death championship final heat for the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby has now been set. Former Edmonton finalist Kurt Bensmiller will be joined by Troy Dorchester who will be making his fourth appearance in the Edmonton final, Tim Haroldson who will be making his first appearance in a sudden death final at a major chuckwagon event and 2009 Edmonton champion Chad Harden in Tuesday’s sudden death championship final heat.

Bensmiller, who had been leading since opening day qualified for the final in first place overall after posting the best three day aggregate time of 3:59.49. Troy Dorchester qualified in second place overall, 1.48 seconds behind Bensmiller, with Haroldson qualifying in third place overall followed by Harden who hung on to the last qualifying spot. Luke Tournier found himself in fifth place overall, and missed the sudden death final by just 22 one-hundreds of a second. Rick Fraser, who was in fourth place overall at the start of the night, slipped to sixth place overall, while Kelly Sutherland, who after posting wins at the Ponoka Stampede and the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, was looking to complete the unofficial “triple crown” of chuckwagon racing finished eighth overall and missed qualifying for Tuesday’s final by 1.41 seconds.

As far as nightly results go, night 3 of the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby saw Tim Haroldson, driving the Desjardins Financial Security outfit, post the top time of the race meet with a time of 1:17.33.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Haroldson, who started the day in fifth place overall and needed a great run to get into Tuesday’s final, did so by taking top money on the night by a mere 8 one-hundreds of a second over Doug Irvine. Luke Tournier, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland rounded out the top 5 times on the night. The winner of tomorrow’s sudden death championship final heat will be declared the 2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby champion.

The final day of the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton can be heard live on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Second Consecutive Day Money Run For Kurt Bensmiller In Edmonton

News — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:16:51 GMT

Kurt Bensmiller - Flying High After 2 Days In Edmonton
Photo By Carol Easton

It was an ideal night for chuckwagon racing in Alberta’s provincial capital city, as night 2 of the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton was run under clear skies and a warm 24°C. For the second consecutive night, Kurt Bensmiller, driving the Stahl Peterbilt outfit, posted the top time of the race meet so far with a run of 1:18.13.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Bensmiller bettered three-time Edmonton finalist Troy Dorchester by 20 one-hundreds of a second. Defending Edmonton champion Grant Profit was third on the night followed by Luke Tournier and Hugh Sinclair.

After two consecutive fist place runs, Kurt Bensmiller’s two day combined time of 2:41.01 is a big lead in the overall standings – 1.92 seconds better than 2009 Edmonton champion Chad Harden. Troy Dorchester and two-time Edmonton champion Rick Fraser make out the top four right now, with Tim Haroldson in fifth place overall just 60 one-hundreds of a second out of fourth place overall.

The top 4 wagons after Monday’s run will compete in the Sudden Death Final on Tuesday, where the winner will be declared the 2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby champion. The Edmonton races feature three wagons per heat for the first three days allowing all drivers to have an equal turn around the barrels, and then on night four the races revert back to its traditional four wagons per heat.

Day 3 from the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton can be heard live on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV and SHAW Direct Channel 299 starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kurt Bensmiller Opens Up Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby With A First Place Run

News — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:09:06 GMT

Kurt Bensmiller - Number One On Night One In Edmonton
Photo By Paul Easton

After a 10 day break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship and the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour resumed with the running of the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton. There is a new twist this year as for the first time there will be three wagons per heat for the first three days allowing all drivers to have an equal turn around the barrels, and then on night four the races revert back to its traditional four wagons per heat with a four wagon sudden death final to determine the 2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby champion. The races were run under variably cloudy skies, a few raindrops and 11°C on what was a very pleasant Saturday evening. 2011 Calgary Stampede finalist Kurt Bensmiller, driving the Stahl Peterbilt outfit, kept his successful streak going by taking the day money with a run of 1:22.88.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 4, Bensmiller bettered 2009 Edmonton champion Chad Harden by 25 one-hundreds of a second on the day. Rick Fraser, Obrey Motowylo and Reg Johnstone filled out the top five for the night.

The top 4 wagons after Monday’s run will compete in the Sudden Death Final on Tuesday, where the winner will be declared the 2011 Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby champion. Day 2 from the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton can be heard live on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV and SHAW Direct Channel 299 starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Wins History Making 12th Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:25:29 GMT

2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champions
YaYa Calgary.com/Coyote Ug Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Kelly Sutherland, Outrider Chanse Vigen

The 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship is in the books, and history has been made once again as Kelly Sutherland, driving the YaYaCalgary.com Chuckwagon outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen emerged from the sudden death championship final heat as the champions and $100,000.00 richer. It is a history making 12th Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship for Sutherland, who set the record for the most Calgary Stampede championships last year in 2010.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Sutherland won the penalty free sudden death final by 1.14 seconds over aggregate winner Reg Johnstone who placed 2nd from barrel number 2, followed by first time qualifier Kurt Bensmiller who placed 3rd from barrel number 3 and Jerry Bremner who was 4th from barrel position number 4.

As far as day results are concerned, Wayne Knight posted the top time of the night with a very rapid 1:16.03, with rookie driver Layne Bremner placing second, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Brian Laboucane and Mark Sutherland filling out the top five for the night.

Reg Johnstone received the Calgary Stampede’s Safe Drive Award for the first time in his career for being the least penalized driver over the first 9 nights of the Rangeland Derby. Layne Bremner received the Orville Strandquist Award for Top Rookie Driver. Bremner won the award for placing 25th overall with earnings of $22,950.00 bettering Jamie Laboucane who placed 29th overall with earnings of $20,650.00, followed by Cliff Cunningham who placed 31st overall with earnings of $20,450.00, Jordie Fike in 34th place with earnings of $19,800.00 and Lincoln Douglas in 35th overall with earnings of $19,450.00.

Kelly Sutherland ended up in first place overall with total earnings of $140,850.00 followed by Reg Johnstone who finished 2nd with earnings of $53,400.00 plus a 2011 GMC Truck that he won for being the 2011 aggregate champion, followed by Kurt Bensmiller in 3rd place overall with earnings of $44,700.00, Rick Fraser was 4th with total earnings of $44,550.00, with Jerry Bremner rounding out the top five with total earnings of $39,400.00. WPCA drivers placed 16 wagons inside the top 20 overall.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now resumes at the Capital Ex Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton running from Saturday, July 23, 2011 through to Tuesday, July 26, 2011 and can be heard live on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

All WPCA Final Gunning For The 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:15:43 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Qualifys for Sunday's Final In First Place
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a hot 24°C and an exciting day 9 at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. The sudden death championship final heat for the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship has now been set and for the 13th time in the past 15 years, it will be an all WPCA final. Defending Champion Kelly Sutherland will be joined by 2011 Aggregate Winner Reg Johnstone, Kurt Bensmiller who will be making his first trip the Calgary final, and 1993 Calgary Stampede Champion Jerry Bremner. Vern Nolin was the odd man out in 5th place in the semi-final round, followed by Chad Harden, Obrey Motowylo and finally Rick Fraser.

Day 9 also saw Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, record the fast time of the night with a 1:15.66. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 5, Profit won top money by just 3 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester who placed 2nd for the night, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Rae Croteau Jr. and Luke Tournier who filled out the top five for the night.

The final day from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live Sunday, July 17, 2011 on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville and 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Layne MacGillivray Captures 2011 Colonial Days Fair

News — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 03:25:47 GMT

2011 Colonial Days Fair Champions
Wellmax Oilfield Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Doug Irvine & Curtis Meyers, Trey MacGillivray,
Driver Layne MacGillivray, Taygan MacGillivray
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

The finals of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster wrapped up on Friday night featuring Dallas Dyck, Layne MacGillivray and Barry Hodgson in the sudden death championship final heat. When the dust cleared, it was Layne MacGillivray, driving the Wellmax Oilfield Ltd. Outfit, and along with outriders Doug Irvine and Curtis Meyers who emerged as the 2011 Colonial Days Fair champions.

In a penalty free heat number 8, MacGillivray posted a time of 1:18.65 from off barrel 1 and beat Barry Hodgson’s second wagon from barrel number 2 by 96 one-hundreds of a second. Dallas Dyck placed third from barrel 3, 1.41 seconds behind the champion MacGillivray. It’s the first victory for Layne MacGillivray since joining the WPCA.

As far as day results are concerned, It was Doug Irvine’s number one wagon who bested the field, followed my Layne MacGillivray, John Walters number two wagon in third, with Barry Hodgson’s second wagon and B.J Carey’s number one wagon making out the top five on the day.

MacGillivray was also tops in the aggregate standings after compiling the best 3-day aggregate time of 3:56.43. Dallas Dyck was second overall followed by Barry Hodgson’s second wagon, B.J Carey’s number one wagon and Barry Hodgson’s number one wagon making out the top five overall.

The 2011 Colonial Days Fair was composed of 24 wagons from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, and no points are earned towards either association's standings.

Billy Melville

Reg Johnstone Wins First Career Calgary Stampede Aggregate Title

News — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:16:21 GMT

2011 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award Winners
Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champions
ATB Financial Outfit
(L-R): Ourtrider Chance Flad, Driver Reg Johnstone, Outrider Doug Thomson
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

It was a fantastic day 8 at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby with just a few clouds, 21°C, and excellent racetrack conditions. The Calgary Stampede aggregate was on the line, and it was the last night for the drivers to try and get into the top eight for “Semi Final Saturday.” When the night wrapped up, Reg Johnstone, driving the ATB Financial outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Doug Thomson, who took home the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Trophy - symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Championship after posting the best 8 day aggregate time of 10:27.69. It’s the first time Johnstone has won the Calgary Aggregate title.

In addition to Johnstone, Kelly Sutherland, Rick Fraser, Obrey Motowylo, Kurt Bensmiller, Chad Harden, Vern Nolin and Jerry Bremner will be the other semi finalists gunning to get into Sunday’s winner take all championship final heat. Four-time Calgary Stampede champion Hugh Sinclair ended up in 9th place overall and just missed qualifying for the semi final round by 24 one-hundreds of a second. Seven of the eight drivers are from the World Professional Chuckwagon Association with Vern Nolin being the lone driver from the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association. All eight semi-finalists receive an automatic invitation to the 2012 Calgary Stampede – the 100th anniversary of the first Calgary Stampede.

As far as the day results are concerned, top time went to Kirk Sutherland followed by Chad Harden, Wayne Knight, Vern Nolin and Roger Moore.

The top 4 times from heats 7 and 9 after Saturday’s run on July 16 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day 9 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live Saturday, July 16, 2011 on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville and 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Longtime Chuckwagon Supporter Harold Teeter

News — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:01:49 GMT

Harold Teeter
June 6th 1915 - July 12th 2011

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of longtime chuckwagon supporter Harold Teeter on Tuesday, July 12th 2011, at the age of 96.

In the 1960's Harold sponsored drivers Bill and Hugh Greenwood under the canvas of Teeter & Sons and Harold Teeter respectively. In 1967, the Teeter & Sons outfit, driven by Bill Greenwood, won first place on night 4 at the Calgary Stampede and finished the show in fourth place overall. Harold gained the reputation of someone who would help out all chuckwagon drivers with whatever he could, and was a well respected member of the chuckwagon family. Harold was honored by the World Professional Chuckwagon Association with it's Special Tribute Award in 1993.

He is survived by his loving family; his wife of 71 years, Doris; two sons, Wayne (Val), Dennis (Barbara) all of Wainwright; two grandsons, Luke (Rhoda) Teeter, Adam Teeter; one sister, Mary Guthrie; one brother-in-law, Cecil (Elsie) Fletcher. A service will be held on Friday July 15, 2011 at 1:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Worthington Branch #29, 1030-2nd Avenue, Wainwright, Alberta.

Harold will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Teeter Family.

Harold Teeter Outfit, driver Hugh Greenwood
Calgary Stampede 1968
(Billy Melville Collection)

Dallas Dyck, Layne MacGillivray and Barry Hodgson To Compete For 2011 Colonial Days Fair Title

News — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:57:39 GMT

Dallas Dyck - First Place Every Way On Day 2 In Lloydminster
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

Day 2 of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster saw 24 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA not participating at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby try to get into Friday’s sudden death final. When the night wrapped up, it will be Dallas Dyck, Layne MacGillivray and Barry Hodgson that will compose Friday’s sudden death final. It will be the first career sudden death final for Dallas Dyck.

Dyck qualified in first place overall after posting the best 2 day aggregate time of 2:37.60, and will be joined by Layne MacGillivray and 2008 Colonial Days Fair champion Barry Hodgson in Friday’s sudden death championship final heat for the 2011 Colonial Days Fair Championship. John Walters ended up in 4th place overall and just missed the sudden death final by 32 one-hundreds of a second, with Ross Fisher rounding out the top 5 overall after 2 days.

Dallas Dyck was also the top wagon on the day with the fast time of the meet so far with a 1:17.99. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 4, Dyck took the top time of the night by 41 one-hundreds of a second over day 1 winner Layne MacGillivray, with Barry Hodgson’s second outfit placing third, Kelly Morin placing fourth, and Barry Hodgson’s first outfit rounding out the top five for the night.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, and no points are earned towards either association's standings.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Takes Third Day Money Of The Week, Reg Johnstone Leads Calgary After 7 Runs

News — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:18:27 GMT

Reg Johnstone - Leads Overall After 7 Runs In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

The weatherman co-operated on day 7of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It was run under a few clouds and a very warm 24°C. Winning his third day money in 7 days was 2004 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Rick Fraser with a run of 1:16.37.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Fraser, driving the Heninger Toyota-Scion/ Chickwagon! Foundation outfit was fastest on the night by 28 one-hundreds of a second over eleven-time Calgary champion Kelly Sutherland. Vern Nolin grabbed third place on the night, followed by Jason Glass and Buddy Bensmiller.

With just one run remaining for the drivers to be among the top eight trying to qualify for “Semi Final Saturday,” Reg Johnstone still leads the overall aggregate standings with a 7 day combined time of 9:10.20. That puts him just 48 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Rick Fraser who moved back up into second place with Kelly Sutherland and Obrey Motowylo holding down third and fourth place respectively. Kurt Bensmiller, Hugh Sinclair, Jerry Bremner and Colt Cosgrave make up the top eight right now, with 1999 Calgary champion Chad Harden in ninth place just 27 one-hundreds of a second out of a birth in the semi final round. Gary Gorst and Ray Mitsuing, who had been in the top eight to start the night both hit barrels and fell well back.

The aggregate winner will be declared tomorrow night, and the top 8 in the aggregate on will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from heats 7 and 9 after Saturday’s run on July 16 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day 8 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live Friday, July 15, 2011 on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville and 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Layne MacGillivray Takes First Place On Night One Of The Colonial Days Fair

News — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:33:15 GMT

Layne MacGillivray - First Place On First Night In Lloydminster|
Photo By Carol Easton

24 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA not participating at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby embarked on Lloydminster for the Colonial Days Fair. Opening night saw Layne MacGillivray driving the Wellmax Oilfield Ltd., take the day money with a run of 1:19.38.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 5, MacGillivray took the top time of the night by just 23 one-hundreds of a second over Dallas Dyck who placed second on the night. Doug Irvine, John Walters and Grant Preece rounded out the top five for the night.

The Top 3 wagons in the aggregate standings after Thursday will qualify for Friday's sudden death championship final heat for the Colonial Days Fair Championship. As mentioned previously, the Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, and no points are earned towards either association's standings.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier Grabs First On The Night, Reg Johnstone Leads Overall On Day 6 In Calgary

News — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:07:30 GMT

Luke Tournier - Best On Night 6 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

After rains dampened the racetrack all morning and afternoon, conditions cleared just in time for the chuckwagon races and day 6 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby was run under partly cloudy skies and 23°C. On a good racetrack, 2-time Calgary Stampede champion Luke Tournier., driving the The Roadhouse proud supporter of The Friends of Heritage Park outfit, won the day money with a run of 1:18.79.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 4, Tournier was fastest on the night by 45 one-hundreds of a second over three-time Calgary finalist Kirk Sutherland. Kelly Sutherland grabbed third place on the night, with Vern Nolin and Reg Johnstone making out the top five on the night.

With just two runs remaining for the drivers to be among the top eight trying to qualify for “Semi Final Saturday,” Reg Johnstone now leads the overall aggregate standings with a 6 day combined time of 7:51.87. That puts him just 38 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Obrey Motowylo who continues to hold down second place, with Kelly Sutherland moving up six spots into third and Rick Fraser slipping a little into fourth place overall after knocking a barrel. Ray Mitsuing, Jerry Bremner, Colt Cosgrave and Gary Gorst make up the top eight right now, with 4-time Calgary champion Hugh Sinclair in ninth place just 14 one-hundreds of a second out of a birth in the semi final round. Mark Sutherland who started the night in third place overall incurred some big penalties and has now dropped out of contention.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 15, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from heats 7 and 9 on semi final Saturday on July 16 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day 7 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live on Thursday, July 12 at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville and 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Horse euthanized after breaking leg during chuckwagon races

News — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:02:29 GMT

Colorado State University animal science professor Temple Grandin
speaks to reporters about the death of a chuckwagon horse.
Photograph by: Grant Black, Calgary Herald

Renowned American animal welfare advocate Temple Grandin says the death of a horse at the chuckwagon races Friday evening is related to genetic problems stemming from breeding, and not the workings of the Stampede.

“The thoroughbred industry needs to address the issue of the legs being too weak,” Grandin told reporters just outside the Stampede grounds Saturday afternoon.

Too much selective breeding, she said, has made the racing animals more lean and muscular, but more susceptible to breaks.

“The Stampede has done everything they could do to prepare the track, to change the rules so the wagons are not smashing into each another.”

The Calgary Humane Society said it is saddened by horse’s death.

“Any time an animal is injured, that’s a concern to us,” said Patricia Cameron, executive director of the CHS. “We would like to see events that are safe for animals where they are not subjected to undue stress, injury, pain or death and we’re excited about some of the evidence-based research that has been done in ways to either cease events that cannot be made safe or improve events that can be safe.”

The Vancouver Humane Society, however, released its own response to the horse death. The VHS is calling for the suspension of the Calgary Stampede chuckwagon races.

“The Stampede’s claims to have made the race safer have been proven false,” said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker. “It should be suspended immediately.”

The VHS is not connected to the Calgary Humane Society.

Grandin, an animal science professor at Colorado State University, has spent her life working to improve the lives of animals at ranches, feedlots and slaughterhouses. Her mantra is that using animals for food is ethical, but animals should have a decent life. Fast food giants McDonald’s and Wendy’s have hired her for their animal welfare auditing programs.

Grandin, who has autism and has become an advocate for those with the disorder, was also the subject of a 2010 HBO biopic starring Claire Danes.

The first night of chuckwagon racing at the Calgary Stampede was marred when a horse broke its leg in the fifth race and had to be euthanized. The horse was one of four driven by Cliff Cunningham, a rookie this year in the GMC Rangeland Derby.

The death comes during a year when the Stampede has made a number of changes to the chuckwagon races and increased veterinary inspections to make the competition safer.

Grandin is visiting Calgary at the invitation of the University of Calgary and animal welfare professor Ed Pajor — who advises the Stampede through its Animal Care Advisory Panel. The university picked up the tab for her travel costs but she’s not being paid by the Stampede.

She said while the Stampede is not directly responsible for the actions of the horse racing industry, it could “put pressure on the thoroughbred industry to do something about this.” No one from the horse racing breeding industry was immediately available for comment on Saturday.

She said she was generally pleased with the condition of both the bulls and horses she’s inspected while in Calgary.

“What amazed me is most of these bulls did not have the whites of the eyes showing, and they also weren’t pooping. Animals that poop and the whole butt gets covered with poop, that’s an animal that’s stressed out.”

She added she’s happy the Stampede has changed its rules regarding calf-roping, so the young animals are not as tightly jerked by riders.

Stampede spokesman Doug Fraser said the leg break suffered by the horse is considered a catastrophic injury, and the animal had to be put down.

“We’re deeply saddened,” said Fraser. “It was a misstep on behalf of the horse. No other horses were involved.”

He said no one is under suspicion, but the Stampede will conduct drug tests on horse’s blood. Toxicology results will be available in the weeks ahead.

Fraser added that the Stampede would review what Grandin had to say. “Because she is an independent thinker, we want her input into how we can improve animal care.”

On Saturday afternoon, protests continued to be staged opposite the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT Station by animal rights groups.

Lisa Shaw, identifying herself as a concerned citizen, isn’t surprised to hear of a horse being injured.

“You can implement the token gestures and window dressing all you want and you can have the humane society and vets there. It’s not going to stop this stuff from happening,” said Shaw.

With a visit to Calgary by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, this year brought another round of campaigning by some groups critical of the Stampede.

A handful Canadian and international organizations had hoped to steer Prince William and his wife Kate away from watching rodeo and chuckwagon events, arguing any involvement would be seen as an endorsement.

In the end, those entreaties were ignored and the royals spent Thursday evening watching rodeo and chuckwagon demonstrations. Prince William even took the reins of a team of horses.

This year, the Stampede introduced greater precautions for horses in the chuckwagon races. They include microchipping all the animals to keep close track of how much they are competing.

The horses are also inspected more often by veterinarians, both when they arrive at the grounds and before they head out on the track to race.

The Stampede further reduced the number of outriders per team from four to two.

kcryderman@calgaryherald.com

With files from Richard Cuthbertson and Deborah Tetley, Calgary Herald.

Rae Croteau Jr. Breaks Through With A Day Money Run On Night 5 In Calgary

News — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:58:50 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Top Time On Night 5 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

After the chuckwagons drivers endured muddy racetrack conditions on day 4 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, day 5 saw the racetrack more back to normal, and the races run under partly cloudy skies and 20°C. Rae Croteau Jr., driving the Ranchman's/Tomco/Nabors outfit, won the day money with a run of 1:16.98, and was the only driver on the night to break the 1:17.00 barrier.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 3, Croteau was fastest on the night by 57 one-hundreds of a second over two-time Calgary Aggregate winner Jason Glass. Mark Sutherland grabbed third place on the night, with Grant Profit and Gary Gorst making out the top five on the night.

With three runs remaining for the drivers to qualify in the top eight for “Semi Final Saturday,” Rick Fraser continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a 5 day combined time of 6:30.17. That puts him 1.59 seconds ahead of Obrey Motowylo who sits alone in second, with Mark Sutherland moving up into third and Reg Johnstone slipping a little into fourth place overall. Jerry Bremner, Gary Gorst, Colt Cosgrave, and Hugh Sinclair make up the top eight right now, with defending champion Kelly Sutherland in ninth place just 38 one-hundreds of a second out of a birth in the semi final round.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 15, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from heats 7 and 9 on semi final Saturday on July 16 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day 6 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live on Wednesday, July 12 at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville and 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Garry Dorchester Honored With The Calgary Stampede's Pioneers Of Rodeo Award

News — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:06:09 GMT

2011 Calgary Stampede Pioneers of Rodeo Award Recipients
(L-R): Garry Dorchester,Wayne Vold, Ivan Daines
Photo By Billy Melville

The Calgary Stampede handed out it's prestigious Pioneer's of Rodeo Awards July 11, 2011 at the Rotary House on Stampede Park. The class of 2011 included champion rodeo cowboys Ivan Daines and Wayne Vold, as well as chuckwagon legend Garry Dorchester.

Garry Dorchester was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta on April 24, 1941. As the son of chuckwagon legend Tom Dorchester, Garry was born into the sport, but didn’t really take too much interest in driving. That changed in 1964 while on one of Cliff Claggett’s famous barnstorming tours. His father Tom was hurt while racing during a stop in Ontario, so Garry filled in the following night and caught the bug for driving. He started driving his own outfit in 1966 at Cloverdale, and competed at the Calgary Stampede for the first time later that same year.

Although he was not among the top sixteen overall to qualify for the final day, Garry did have a respectable rookie year at the Calgary Stampede hitting the pay window twice in five runs. The following year would be a different story. The Calgary Stampede increased the Rangeland Derby by three days, and in his sophomore appearance, Garry had an impressive performance, cashing cheques on all nine days including a first place cheque on the final night en route to a runner-up overall finish to eventual champion Bob Cosgrave.

1968 was a special year for the Dorchester family as Garry joined his father Tom, and brothers Dennis and Dallas at the Rangeland Derby. It was the first time that four Dorchester’s would compete at the Rangeland Derby in the same year. Although Garry was the last of the four Dorchesters to make their first start at the Rangeland Derby, 1968 would see him become the first Dorchester to win the coveted championship as he swept the 1968 Rangeland Derby by more than three seconds over four-time champion Ronnie Glass. Later that year Garry would add the World Chuckwagon Championship to his resume as well.

Following his victory in 1968, Garry made ten more appearances at the Rangeland Derby, placing in the top ten overall five times plus winning the consolation races when they were resurrected in 1974. He placed 4th overall in what would be his final year as a competitor in 1978 – his best overall placing since winning it all ten years prior, and retired from the sport at the end of the 1978 season.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate the Garry Dorchester, as well as Ivan Daines and Wayne Vold for receiving this very prestigious honor.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Adds To Big Lead After 4 Four Runs In Calgary

News — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:56:40 GMT

Rick Fraser - First In All Categories On Day 4 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 4 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby was run on a muddy racetrack, but temperature wise it was a very comfortable 21°C. For the second time in four nights, Rick Fraser, driving the Heninger Toyota-Scion/ Chickwagon! Foundation outfit, posted the fast time on the night with a 1:19.09.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 5, Fraser won top money for the night by 80 one-hundreds of a second over three-time Calgary finalist Reg Johnstone. Defending champion Kelly Sutherland placed third, followed by Jerry Bremner and Wayne Knight.

Rick Fraser continues to increase his lead the overall aggregate standings with a 4 day combined time of 5:09.79. That puts him 2.89 seconds ahead of Obrey Motowylo and Reg Johnstone who are currently splitting second and third, followed by Jerry Bremner and Mark Sutherland..

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 15, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from heats 7 and 9 on semi final Saturday on July 16 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day 5 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live on Saturday, July 12 at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.6 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Drivers Give Back

News — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:31:22 GMT

Chuckwagon Drivers Gain Extra Inspiration

(July 11, 2011 For Immediate Release…) Chuckwagon racing and western heritage go hand in hand. One of the key junctions at which these two meet is in giving back to your community and helping your neighbors. On Friday, July 1, 2011 the Wagon Wives hosted a fashion show, luncheon, and silent auction in Ponoka to raise money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The outcome was very successful and saw over $18,000 raised as well as a chuckwagon full of teddy bears.
Each year the Wagon Wives put on this event in order to raise money for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association Driver’s Benevolent Fund and a local charity. This year the Alberta Children’s Hospital was chosen, and is a worthy recipient of their efforts and something that is important to every community member, including the chuckwagon community.
On Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Kelly & Mark Sutherland, Buddy Bensmiller, and Rick Fraser will be presenting the Alberta Children’s Hospital with a cheque as well as visiting with some of the children in the afternoon. They will also be handing out teddy bears to the well deserving children.
These four drivers are currently racing every day at the Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede. They all know the importance of taking time out of their busy schedule to give back to the community. “It always amazes me how we can take two hours out of our day and show up at an organization, charity or hospital and make such a big difference,” explained WPCA driver Mark Sutherland. “The fact that we can show up and help someone through a hard time is the best part of being a chuckwagon driver.”

The drivers will be at the Alberta Children’s Hospital tomorrow, July 12, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm to present a donation and hand out teddy bears to the kids. They will be racing every evening until July 17 at the Calgary Stampede’s Rangeland Derby. For a complete schedule of events please visit www.halfmileofhell.com or www.calgarystampede.com.
For more information please visit, www.halfmileofhell.com, or call WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at 403-837-3112.

Rick Fraser Opens Up A Big Lead After 3 Runs At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:05:43 GMT

Rick Fraser - Still Number One After 3 Days In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 3 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby started out under partly cloudy skies and 23°C but turned to thunderstorms for the last 2 heats. Ray Mitsuing, driving the Sandlewood Developments outfit, took first place on the night with a run of 1:16.54.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 6, Mitsuing posted the fast time of the night won top money by 59 one-hundreds of a second over day 2 winner Colt Cosgrave. Reg Johnstone placed third, while Luke Tournier and Obrey Motowylo split fourth and fifth for the night.

After 3 runs Rick Fraser continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 3 day combined time of 3:50.70. That puts him 1.52 seconds ahead of Obrey Motowylo in second place, followed by Colt Cosgrave, with Roger Moore and Reg Johnstone splitting fourth and fifth overall after three runs.

Day 4 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live on Saturday, July 11 at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.6 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Colt Cosgrave Wins First Career Calgary Stampede Day Money On Night 2

News — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:03:46 GMT

Colt Cosgrave - First Place On Night 2 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby was run under partly cloudy skies and 16°C and again with very good racetrack conditions. When the night wrapped up, Colt Cosgrave, driving the Edge School for Athletes outfit, won his first career Calgary Stampede day money with a run of 1:17.01.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Cosgrave posted the fast time of the night won top money by 12 one-hundreds of a second over day 1 winner Rick Fraser. For the second consecutive night Mark Sutherland placed third, Vern Nolin was fourth and Jerry Bremner rounded out the top 5 for the night.

After 2 runs Rick Fraser leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day combined time of 2:32.07. That puts him 97 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Mark Sutherland in second place overall with Wayne Knight and Vern Nolin making out the top 4 after 2 days, with Roger Moore in fifth place overall.

Day 3 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live on Saturday, July 10 at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.6 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Opens Up The 2011 Rangeland Derby With A Day Money Run

News — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:02:31 GMT

Rick Fraser - First On First Night Of Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicked off on Friday night in Calgary with the running of the 89th running of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It was a cool night for racing at 14°C under partly cloudy skies with good racetrack conditions, and the day saw 3-time Calgary Stampede finalist Rick Fraser, driving the Chickwagon! Foundation/ Heninger Toyota-Scion outfit, open the 2011 Rangeland Derby with the top time of 1:14.94.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 5, Fraser won top money by 66 one-hundreds of a second over former finalist Wayne Knight. Mark Sutherland was third, Roger Moore placed fourth and Obrey Motowylo rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Day 2 from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be heard live on Saturday, July 9 at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.6 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Wins Record Tying 8th Career Ponoka Stampede Championship

News — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:43:46 GMT

2011 Ponoka Stampede Champions
Knelsen Rock Products Ltd. Outfit
L-R: Outrider Reo King, Driver Kelly Sutherland,
Cascade Energy Services L.P.'s Ken Wagner Presenting, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Billy Melville

It was a historic lineup for the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship final heat at the Ponoka Stampede. For the first time in history, 3 members from the same family would compete in a winner take all final. 7-time Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland was joined by his son Mark Sutherland, his brother Kirk Sutherland, and 1999 Ponoka Stampede Champion Grant Profit in the big money final. In one of the most exciting sudden death finals of all time, Kelly Sutherland - driving the Knelsen Rock Products Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen emerged as the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Champions. It was the 8th time Kelly Sutherland has won the Ponoka Stampede tying the great Ralph Vigen for the most ever.

Coming off of barrel position number 1 in the sudden death final, Sutherland captured his record tying 8th Ponoka crown with a penalty free run of 1:13.89. Mark Sutherland placed second in the heat from barrel position number 2 just one one-hundred of a second behind his father, followed by Kirk Sutherland and Grant Profit from barrel positions 3 and 4 respectively.

As far as day results go, Kelly Sutherland’s 1:13.89 held up as the fast run of the day followed by Mark Sutherland, Colt Cosgrave, Doug Irvine with Jason Glass and Mitch Sutherland splitting fifth and sixth respectively. Driver Brian Mayan, injured in an earlier heat, was taken to hospital and released.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now take a break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby from July 8-17, 2011. Kelly Sutherland is the defending champion, and races will run each night at 8:00pm.

Billy Melville

Mark Sutherland Secures Spot In Sunday's Final With A Day Money Run In Ponoka

News — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:22:24 GMT

Mark Sutherland - Day Money Clinches A Spot In The Sudden Death Final
Photo By Paul Easton

It was the final night for qualifying for Sunday’s $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Memorial Sudden Death Championship final heat. Track conditions were perfect and weather conditions were the best of the week at 22°C under sunny skies. And when the dust settled, it will be a Sutherland show as Kelly Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland and Mark Sutherland along with Grant Profit all qualified for big race.

Kelly Sutherland qualified in first place overall after recording the 5-day combined time of 4:57.96. Mark Sutherland qualified in second place overall, followed by Kirk Sutherland and Grant Profit making out the top four that will compete for the 2011 Ponoka Stampede title. Troy Dorchester finished in fifth place overall, and missed the sudden death final by 1.60 seconds. The winner of Sunday’s $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Memorial Sudden Death Championship final heat will be declared the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

As far as the day results are concerned, it was Mark Sutherland, driving the Pomeroy Inn & Suites Outfit, grabbed first place by 84 one-hundreds over his father Kelly who had to settle for second place on the night. Troy Dorchester placed third, while Layne MacGillivray and Troy Flad split fourth and fifth on the night.

The finals from the 75th Ponoka Stampede Championship can be heard live on Sunday, July 3 at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV and SHAW Direct Channel 299 starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Posts Second Consecutive Day Money At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:19:28 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - First Place Overall After 4 Runs In Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 4 of the Ponoka Stampede was run under absolutely perfect weather and racetrack conditions. It was comfortable 18°C under clear skies, and for the second consecutive night Kelly Sutherland posted the fast time of the night with a run of 1:13.42.

From barrel 1 in heat 8, Sutherland, driving the Knelsen Rock Products Ltd. Outfit, grabbed first place by 38 one-hundreds over Colt Cosgrave who had to settle for second place. Obrey Motowylo, Troy Dorchester and Kirk Sutherland rounded out the top five for the night.

Kelly Sutherland now leads the overall aggregate with a 4-day combined time of 4:57.96. Kirk Sutherland drops down one spot into second place overall, followed by Mark Sutherland and Grant Profit making out the top four overall. Rick Fraser now sits in fifth place overall, just 1 one-hundred of a second outside the top 4 with just one night of qualifying for Sunday’s $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Memorial Sudden Death Championship final heat where the winner will be declared the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

Day 5 from the 75th Ponoka Stampede Championship can be heard live on Saturday, July 2 at 7:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV and SHAW Direct Channel 299 starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Makes the Fast Run On Night 3 Of The Ponoka Stampede

News — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:31:51 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Tops Them All On Night 3 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a slightly cooler 12°C under cloudy skies on night 3 of the Ponoka Stampede Championship in Ponoka, Alberta. But the races were once again spectacular and Kelly Sutherland posted the fast time of the night with a run of 1:13.49.

From barrel 4 in heat 8, Sutherland, driving the Knelsen Rock Products Ltd. Outfit, grabbed first place by 33 one-hundreds over 3-time Ponoka Stampede champion Reg Johnstone. Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Troy Flad rounded out the top five for the night.

Kirk Sutherland now leads the overall aggregate with a 3-day combined time of 3:44.18. Mark Sutherland slid down one spot into second place overall, with Kelly Sutherland and Grant Profit making out the top four overall. Jason Glass now sits in fifth place overall, just 50 one-hundreds of a second outside the top 4. The top 4 wagons after Saturday night’s run will go in to the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Memorial Sudden Death Championship final heat where the winner will be declared the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

Day 4 from the 75th Ponoka Stampede Championship can be heard live on Thursday, June 30 at 7:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV and SHAW Direct Channel 299 starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Mark Sutherland Moves Into First Place After A Day Money Run On Night 2 In Ponoka

News — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:23:13 GMT

Mark Sutherland - First In All Categopries On Night 2 In Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 2 of the Ponoka Stampede Championship in Ponoka, Alberta ran under variably cloudy skies, a few raindrops and 17°C on Wednesday evening. Mark Sutherland had the hot run of the night and took the day money with a run of 1:13.91.

From barrel 2 in heat 7, Sutherland, driving the Swamp Donkey Oilfield Services Outfit, grabbed first place by 22 one-hundreds over 1997 Ponoka champion Mike Vigen. Kirk Sutherland placed third, 3-time Ponoka champion Reg Johnstone was fourth, with 1999 Ponoka champion Grant Profit rounding out the top five for the night.

The day money run also moved Mark Sutherland into first place overall with a 2-day combined time of 2:27.74. Kirk Sutherland moved up into second place overall, with Grant Profit and day 1 winner Luke Tournier making out the top four overall. Rae Croteau Jr. sits in fifth place overall, just 40 one-hundreds of a second outside the top 4. The top 4 wagons after Saturday night’s run will go in to the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Memorial Sudden Death Championship final heat where the winner will be declared the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

Day 3 from the 75th Ponoka Stampede Championship can be heard live on Thursday, June 30 at 7:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV and SHAW Direct Channel 299 starting at 10:00pm.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier Opens Up The 2011 Ponoka Stampede With A Day Money Run

News — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:23:12 GMT

Luke Tournier - First Place On First Night In Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

Opening night of the Ponoka Stampede Championship in Ponoka ran under variably cloudy skies and 20°C on a beautiful Tuesday evening. 5-time Ponoka finalist Luke Tournier opened up the prestigious event with the top time of 1:13.39.

From barrel 1 in heat 5, Tournier, driving the J & L Supply Co. Ltd. Outfit, grabbed the day money 44 one-hundreds of a second faster than 2009 Ponoka finalist Mark Sutherland. Former Ponoka Champions Grant Profit and Rick Fraser placed third and fourth respectively, with Rae Croteau Jr., who would have had the track record had it not been for a two-second outriding penalty, rounding out the top five for the night.

The top 4 wagons after Saturday night’s run will go in to the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Memorial Sudden Death Championship final heat where the winner will be declared the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

Day 2 from the 75th Ponoka Stampede Championship can be heard live on Wednesday, June 29 at 7:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Television coverage can be seen on SHAW TV starting at 9:30.

Billy Melville

WPCA To Go With Two Outriders At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:40:36 GMT

The Ponoka Stampede and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) have enjoyed many successful years of partnership bringing fans a world class experience. Historically the Ponoka Stampede has hosted four outrider chuckwagon races and planned on doing so again in 2011 to celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

The WPCA could not support a four outrider show in 2011, due to the lack of eligible and qualified outriders. The Ponoka Stampede is very disappointed in this decision but understands that the WPCA feels there is no safe alternative.

“In order to continue and grow our sport we need to race safely with qualified outriders,” explained WPCA President, Pat Powell. “We hate to disappoint our race fans in Ponoka, they are a knowledgeable, passionate group. We know that this decision will be immediately disappointing, but we are offering the best our sport has to offer with two outriders, we could not say the same if we were providing four.”

Safety and fans are always at the forefront of the discussion when any changes are suggested for the WPCA. With the best horses, drivers, and outriders in the sport being showcased at the world class Ponoka Stampede, the WPCA hopes to put on the best show yet!

For more information please visit, www.halfmileofhell.com, or call WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at 403-236-2466.

Jerry Bremner Captures 3rd Career North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 19:32:40 GMT

2011 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champions
Cascade Energy Services L.P Chuckwagon Outfit
High River Ag Society's Ralph Nelson, Outrider Chad Cosgrave,
High River Ag Society's Bill Long Presenting, Driver Jerry Bremner
Cascade Energy Services L.P's Butch Wolfe, Outrider Chad Fike
Cascade Energy Services L.P's Ken Wagner, Jaycee Bremner
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

The finals of the North American Chuckwagon Championship at Guy Weadick Days in High River ran Sunday afternoon under partly cloudy skies and a comfortable 16°C. The crowd was huge, the track was good, and Jerry Bremner, driving the Cascade Energy Services L.P outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Chad Fike, came from fifth place overall at the start of the day to claim his 3rd career North American Chuckwagon Championship.

On the strength of a second place run on the day, Bremner vaulted into first place overall in the aggregate standings with a 4-day combined time of 5:09.97, and captured the championship by just 10 one-hundreds of a second ahead of day 3 leader Doug Irvine who fell into second place overall. Colt Cosgrave ended up in third place overall with Troy Dorchester and sophomore driver John Walters rounding out the top five overall.

As far as day results are concerned, for the second consecutive night Kelly Sutherland, driving the Knelsen Rock Products Ltd. outfit was the fast wagon on the day after posting a time of 1:16.02 from barrel 2 in the fifth heat. 2011 North American Champion Jerry Bremner was second on the day, 51 one-hundreds of a second behind Sutherland, with Colt Cosgrave, Chad Harden and Troy Dorchester making out the top five on the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Ponoka for the 75th Ponoka Stampede Championship starting on Tuesday, June 28th and running through to Sunday, July 3, 2011. Coverage of the Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting on Tuesday, June 28 at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Wins Top Money On Day 3 Of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 21:54:17 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Tops All On Night 3 In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 3 of the North American Chuckwagon Championship at Guy Weadick Days in High River ran Saturday night under mainly sunny skies and a comfortable 15°C. The crowd was huge, the track was good, and 4-time North American Champion Kelly Sutherland won top money for the day after recording a run of 1:15.79.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 6, Sutherland, driving the Knelsen Rock Products Ltd. outfit was the fast wagon on the day by just 12 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed second. Obrey Motowylo was third, Mark Sutherland, despite a false start penalty was fourth, while rookie driver Mitch Sutherland completed the top five on the night.

With just one run to go, Doug Irvine takes over the lead in the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day combined time of 3:51.80. That puts him 35 one-hundreds of a second ahead of day 1 and 2 leader Kirk Sutherland who now sits in second place overall, followed by rookie driver Mitch Sutherland, Colt Cosgrave and 2-time North American Champion Jerry Bremner. The driver with the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will win the 2011 North American Chuckwagon Championship.

The final day of the North American Chuckwagon Championship from High River can be heard live on Sunday, June 26 at 7:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Troy Flad Sweeps The Day Money On Night 2 Of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:51:37 GMT

Troy Flad - Gets It Done On Night 2 In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

It was 14°C under variably cloudy skies on Night 2 of the North American Chuckwagon Championship at Guy Weadick Days in High River. For the second consecutive night the dust was flying on a very good racetrack, and Troy Flad posted the top time in two days with a very rapid 1:15.70.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 3, Flad, driving the Ironwood Building Systems outfit won top money for the day by 70 one-hundreds of a second over Doug Irvine, followed by Rae Croteau Jr., Rick Fraser and Mark Sutherland who made up the top five on the night.

Day 1 winner Kirk Sutherland leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2-day combined time of 2:34.51. That puts him 51 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Doug Irvine who sits in second place overall, followed by Troy Dorchester, Jordie Fike, and day 2 winner Troy Flad.

The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2011 North American Chuckwagon Championship. Day 3 of the North American Chuckwagon Championship from High River can be heard live on Saturday, June 25 at 7:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Former Competitor Butch David

News — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:27:02 GMT

Fred "Butch" David (R)
August 31, 1942 - June 22, 2011
Pictured here with Kelly Sutherland (L) After Winning the Calgary Stampede in 1975.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of one of the great outriders - Fred "Butch" David on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at the age of 68 after complications following surgery.

Butch outrode starting in the 1960's and continued into the early 1980's. He won the Calgary Stampede four times as an outrider for Ralph Vigen's first two Calgary triumph's in 1972 and 1976, and Kelly Sutherland's first two Calgary victories in 1974 and 1975. He received the Rod Glass Memorial Award when it was given to the top outrider at the Calgary Stampede as voted by his colleagues in 1976. He was one of the famous David family which included his father Wilbur, brothers Les, Ron and Roy, and most recently great-nephews Jordie and Chad Fike who all went on to be successful chuckwagon competitors.

Butch is survived by sons, Darren & Riley, daughter Tina and grand-daughter Amber. A Memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at David's Arena in Indus.

Butch will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the David Family.

Kirk Sutherland Posts Fast Time On Night One Of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:55:07 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - Number One On Opening Night In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

When the postponement of the Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller gave the professional chuckwagon drivers an unscheduled weekend off, the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour resumed at Guy Weadick Days in High River for the running of the North American Chuckwagon Championship. The dust was flying under sunny skies and a beautiful 19°C, and when the night wrapped up, 1981 North American Chuckwagon Champion Kirk Sutherland opened up the show with the fast time of the night.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 5, Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation outfit posted a time of 1:16.95 and placed first overall for the day by a mere 2 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester who placed second on the night. Colt Cosgrave, Chad Harden and Layne MacGillivray rounded out the top five on the night.

The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2011 North American Chuckwagon Championship. Day 2 of the North American Chuckwagon Championship from High River can be heard live on Friday , June 23 at 7:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby In Drumheller Postponed

News — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:14:54 GMT

Drumheller Update

(June 15, 2011 For Immediate Release…) The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and the Drumheller Stampede & Ag Society have made the difficult decision to postpone the Badlands Dinosaur Derby until further notice. With heavy rain it was deemed by WPCA track officials, Kelly Sutherland and Layne MacGillivray that the conditions were unsafe for competition.

This decision is not made lightly by either group, but as with everything the WPCA and the Drumheller Stampede & Ag Society put the safety of the horses, drivers, and outrider first. A favourite stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, the drivers and WPCA personnel hope to return later in the season.

“We have to look at all of the factors, as much as we hate to postpone a race we cannot in good conscience race in unsafe conditions,” explains WPCA President, Pat Powell. “We hope to return to Drumheller later in the season, they are a great supporter of us and we want to put on a world class show for their fans and sponsors.”
A make-up date has yet to be determined by the WPCA and Drumheller Stampede & Ag Society.

Both groups hope to have a firm plan soon. We will update the media once that date has been determined.

WPCA Merchandise Now Available Online

News — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:19:27 GMT

Want to shop WPCA?

With great new clothing, souvenirs and much more this is a great way to show your support to your favourite drivers on the Dodge Pro Tour. With proceeds going to the WPCA Benevolent Fund you are also helping Wagon Drivers of the past, present and future. Click here!

Grant Profit Captures 2011 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:21:08 GMT

2011 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champions
Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Doug Thomson, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede's
LeRay Pahl presenting, Driver Grant Profit, Shelly Profit, Outrider Chance Flad
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

The finals of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede wrapped up on a beautiful Sunday afternoon on a fantastic racetrack and under sunny skies at 24°C. It was a classic sudden death final that featured Grant Profit, Kirk Sutherland and Troy Dorchester. When the dust settled on what was an extremely exciting final, it was Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Doug Thomson who captured the 2011 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship.

Coming off barrel number 1 in the feature heat number 12, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit placed first overall edged Troy Dorchester by a very slight 2 one-hundreds of a second, followed by Kirk Sutherland who placed third from barrel number 2 just 38 one-hundreds of a second behind the champion Grant Profit. It’s the first time Grant Profit has won the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede championship, and for outrider Doug Thomson, it was an extra special moment as he captured his first career show championship with the driver who introduced him to chuckwagon racing a decade ago.

For the third time in the past two days the Medicine Hat Track record fell again as Kurt Bensmiller posted a very rapid 1:00.17 and broke the track record set by Rae Croteau Jr. one day earlier by 17 one-hundreds of a second. Coming off barrel 3 in heat 7, Bensmiller,m driving the Internation Eco Fuel Saver outfit, posted the top time of the day by 38 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Glass who placed second on the day. Jerry Bremner, Kelly Sutherland and Grant Profit rounded out the top five runs of the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves to Drumheller for the Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby starting on Friday, June 17 and continuing through to Sunday June 19. Coverage from Drumheller can be heard live starting on Friday, June 17 at 5:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Rae Croteau Jr. Breaks 12 Year Old Track Record On Night 3 In Medicine Hat

News — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:32:40 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Track Record On Day 3 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Carol Easton

Saturday night at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede was the last night for drivers to try and qualify for Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat. Track conditions were spectacular once again and the races saw the track record fall twice under cloudy skies and a comfortable 21°C. When the night started a dozen drivers were within a second and a half of making it into the top three, but when the night ended it will be Grant Profit, Kirk Sutherland and Troy Dorchester that will make up Sunday’s winner take all final.

In the overall aggregate standings, Grant Profit qualified for Sunday’s final in first place after recording a -day combined time of 3:03.02. Qualifying in second place overall was Kirk Sutherland followed by Troy Dorchester who jumped from sixth place overall to grab the third and final qualifying spot for Sunday’s sudden death final. Chad Harden, who started the day in eighth place just missed qualifying for Sunday’s final by 82 one-hundreds of a second. Day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, who was in second place overall to start the night, knocked a barrel and was taken out of contention. The winner of the sudden death final will be declared the 2011 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion.

As far as the day results are concerned, Rae Croteau Jr. established a new track record after posting a time of 1:00.34. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Croteau, driving the TOMCO Group of companies outfit placed first overall for the day by a mere 15 one-hundreds of a second over Luke Tournier who had originally broke the track record earlier in the night. Jason Glass placed third by matching the time that he set the track record with back in 1999 with a 1:00.56, with Doug Irvine and Troy Dorchester rounding out the top five on the night.

The finals of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard live on Sunday afternoon, June 12 at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Tim Haroldson Takes The Top Time On Night Two In Medicine Hat

News — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:15:40 GMT

Tim Haroldson - Top Money On Night 2 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

Night 2 of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta saw perfect track conditions, sunny skies, and a very warm 22°C. Tim Haroldson took top the top time of the night with a 1:00.75.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 2, Haroldson, driving the Davis Buick GMC outfit placed first overall for the day by a mere 4 one-hundreds of a second over day 1 winner Grant Profit. Kirk Sutherland was third for the night, while Troy Dorchester and Layne MacGillivray split fourth and fifth on the night.

In the overall aggregate standings, Grant Profit leads the way with a two-day combined time of 2:01.89. He sits 91 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Tim Haroldson, with Colt Cosgrave and Kirk Sutherland are tied for third and final qualifying spot for Sunday’s sudden death final. Mark Sutherland sits just in fifth place overall, but is just 2 one-hundreds of a second out of third place overall. The top 3 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat. Winner of the sudden death final wins the 2011 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship.

Night 3 of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard live on Saturday, June 11 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins Day Money On Opening Night Of The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:31:47 GMT

Grant Profit - First Place On Firts Day Of Medicine Hat
Photo By Carol Easton

After one weekend off, the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour resumed on Thursday night with the running of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Track conditions were perfect and the races were run under sunny skies and a very warm 22°C. Jason Glass came into this year’s event as the defending Medicine Hat champion, but it was Grant Profit who opened up the show with the top time of 1:00.75.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 11, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit placed first overall for the day by 24 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd overall for the night. Mark Sutherland, Rick Fraser and Obrey Motowylo rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top 3 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat. Winner of the sudden death final wins the 2011 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship.

Night 2 of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard live on Friday, June 10 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins Day Money On Opening Night Of The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:09:47 GMT

Grant Profit - First Place On Firts Day Of Medicine Hat
Photo By Carol Easton

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Captures 2011 Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races

News — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 19:22:10 GMT

2011 Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races Champions
H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. #1
(L-R): Outrider Dallas Dyck, Driver Obrey Motowylo, Outrider Wayne Wright
Photo By Meghan Chevrette-McIvor

The finals of the Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races were run on very good track conditions and a much warmer temperature of 17°C. When the day wrapped up, it was Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. #1 outfit, and along with outriders Dallas Dyck and Wayne Wright, who captured the Dewberry championship after posting the best 3 day aggregate time of 3.27.83.

Motowylo finished a whopping 2.02 seconds ahead of runner-up Doug Irvine’s number one outfit, with Motowylo driving his second wagon into third place overall. Jerry Bremner’s second wagon was fourth overall, with last week’s Grande Prairie Stompede Champion Rick Fraser placing fifth overall. Local hero Buddy Bensmiller was sixth overall and took home the clean drive award for least penalized driver.

As far as the day results go, Jerry Bremner’s number one wagon – the TrailBlazer Rv Centre outfit, and despite a one-second late outrider penalty, recorded the best time of the day. Coming off barrel number one in the eighth heat, Bremner posted a time of 1:08.79 and won the day money by 18 and one hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo’s number one wagon who placed second on the day and also received a one-second late outrider penalty. Had either driver had a clean run, they would have bettered Kirk Sutherland’s track record set the previous night. Rick Fraser placed third, while Doug Irvine’s number one wagon placed fourth with John Walter’s second wagon rounding out the top five on the day.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now resume in Medicine Hat, Alberta from June 9-12 for the running of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard starting on Thursday, June 9 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kirk Sutherland Establishes New Track Record In Dewberry

News — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:13:11 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - Track Record On Night Two In Dewberry
Photo By Paul Easton

Once again track conditions were good and temperatures were a cool 9°C for day 2 of the Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races, and the track record, set by Grant Profit in 2010, fell to veteran driver Kirk Sutherland on Saturday night.

Coming off barrel number two in the first heat, Sutherland’s second wagon, the EMCO Corporation #2 outfit posted a record time of 1:08.36 and beat Profit’s track record by 60 one hundreds of a second. Evan Salmon placed second overall for the night by just 20 one-hundreds of a second behind Sutherland’s track record run. Chance Bensmiller’s number one outfit placed third, while Mitch Sutherland and Kurt Obrey Motowylo’s number one outfit split fourth and fifth for the night.

As far as the overall standings are concerned, Obrey Motowylo’s number one out leads the way with a two day total time of 2:18.66. He sits 40 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Chance Bensmiller’s number one outfit, followed by Kirk Sutherland’s number two wagon, with Tim Haroldson and Jerry Bremner’s number two wagon making out the top five after two runs. The top wagon in the aggregate after Sunday's run will be declared the 2011 Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races champion.

The Dewberry championship is a WPCA sanctioned show, but no points are earned towards the world standings. Racing will conclude on Sunday afternoon starting at 2:00pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Pilots Second Outfit To A First Place Run In Dewberry

News — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 22:19:18 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Place On First Night In Dewberry
Photo By Carol Easton

Track conditions were good for day 1 of the Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races which ran Friday night under a cool 8°C. 16 drivers from the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) brought 24 wagons to compete for the 3 day aggregate championship. The Dewberry championship is a WPCA sanctioned show, but no points are earned towards the world standings.

Obrey Motowylo’s second wagon, the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. #2 outfit posted a time of 1:09.38 and placed first overall for the day by just 9 one-hundreds of a second seconds over Doug Irvine’s number one outfit who placed 2nd overall for the night. Buddy Bensmiller, Obrey Motowylo’s number one outfit, and Kurt Bensmiller’s number one outfit rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate after Sunday's run will be declared the 2011 Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races champion. Racing will go Saturday night at 7:00pm with the conclusion on Sunday at 2:00pm.

Billy Melville

WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The 2011 Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:09:28 GMT

**2011 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence**
Leaders After The Grande Prairie Stompede
Sponsored By Import Tool Corp. Ltd.
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Speedy	Rick Fraser	Grandy	Grant Profit
Prince	Grant Profit	Roy	Rick Fraser
Ace	Rick Fraser	Nickle	Rick Fraser
Delta	Rae Croteau Jr.	Fry	Reg Johnstone
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Prince	Grant Profit	Big Shot	Jerry Bremner
Whisper	Jerry Bremner	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Ben	Jerry Bremner	Fred	Chad Harden
Nobledane	Chad Harden	Alphie	Jerry Bremner
		Dash	Mark Sutherland
		Kap	Jordie Fike

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Doc	Reg Johnstone	Big Red	Rae Croteau Jr.
Pounder	Grant Profit	King	Grant Profit
Sneakers	Rick Fraser	Vancouver	Rick Fraser
Zorba	Rick Fraser	Seth	Rick Fraser
Flip	Rae Croteau Jr.	Bubba	Jerry Bremner
Pino	Jerry Bremner	Cloud	Reg Johnstone
Code Red	Chad Harden	Hurricane	Obrey Motowylo
Hector	Jerry Bremner	Barney	Chad Harden
Bozo	Jordie Fike	Deputy	Jerry Bremner
Tex	Mark Sutherland	Shady	Mark Sutherland
Turnative	Obrey Motowylo	Star	Jordie Fike

	OUTRIDING HORSES
	Horse Name	Owner
	Cat	Jerry Bremner
	Ben	Obrey Motowylo
	Cat	Rick Fraser
	Max	Rick Fraser
	MK	Grant Profit
	Boo	Reg Johnstone
	Dune	Grant Profit
	Junction	Rick Fraser
	Lesbo	Reg Johnstone
	Money	Rick Fraser
	Storm	Jerry Bremner
	Smoke	Obrey Motowylo

Rick Fraser Wins Third Career Grande Prairie Stompede Championship

News — Sun, 29 May 2011 22:26:43 GMT

2011 Grande Prairie Stompede Champions
Hellfires Suppression Services Outfit
(L-R): Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation's Justin Tidd Presenting,
Outrider Quaid Tournier, Driver Rick Fraser - Driver, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Billy Melville

Track conditions were fantastic and the finals of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship was run under variably cloudy skies and a very warm 21°C. The sudden death final featured four of chuckwagon racing’s all-time greats in Rick Fraser, Jerry Bremner, Grant Profit and Reg Johnstone. When the dust settled, it was Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfires Suppression Services outfit, and along with outriders Chanse Vigen & Quaid Tournier that drove off in a 2011 Dodge Truck, a $15,000.00 winners cheque and the 2011 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

In the first leg of the newly created Ram Cup Series and coming off barrel number 1, Fraser won his third career Grande Prairie Championship with a penalty free run of 1:14.09, 86 one-hundreds of a second faster than Jerry Bremner who placed second in the heat from barrel number two. Reg Johnstone ended up in third place overall with a penalty free run from barrel 4, while Grant Profit, who crossed the finish line in third spot, ended up in fourth place in the heat after receiving a one-second false start penalty.

As far as the day results are concerned, the top two drivers in Sunday’s final were also the top two on the night as Rick Fraser was number one on the day followed by Jerry Bremner who had the second fastest time of the night. Chance Bensmiller, Reg Johnstone and Troy Dorchester filled out the top five runs of the night. All nine heats on Sunday were dash for cash situations.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now take a break for 1 weekend. Some of the WPCA drivers will embark on Dewberry, Alberta for the non-point Dewberry Chuckwagon Championship June 3-5 and will resume in Medicine Hat, Alberta from June 9-12 for the running of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard starting on Thursday, June 9 at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Final Four Is Set At The 2011 Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Sat, 28 May 2011 21:44:48 GMT

Grant Profit - Jumped From 7th To 3rd With A First Place Run
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 4 of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta was again run under absolutely perfect racetrack conditions, partly cloudy skies and 19°C. It was the last day for qualifying for Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat, and when the night wrapped up, Rick Fraser, Jerry Bremner, Grant Profit and Reg Johnstone will run for the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Sunday’s final.

Rick Fraser is the overall aggregate winner with a 4-day combined time of 4:56.56 and will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award. Jerry Bremner qualified in second place overall followed by Grant Profit who, thanks to a day money run, jumped from seventh place overall into third, with 1985 Grande Prairie Champion Reg Johnstone holding on to the fourth and final qualifying spot. A one second late outrider penalty cost Obrey Motowylo a spot in Sunday’s final. He finished in fifth place overall, missing the championship final by just 31 one-hundreds of a second.

As far as the day results are concerned, Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. Outfit almost reclaimed the track record that he set on opening night and took the top time of the night with a very rapid 1:13.64. Rick Fraser was just 18 one-hundreds of a second back in second place, followed by Jerry Bremner, Mike Vigen and Troy Flad. Coming off barrel number two in heat nine, Profit just missed Rick Fraser’s track record time by a mere 6 one-hundreds of a second.

Live coverage of the finals of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard starting at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Smokes Them All Again On Night 3 In Grande Prairie

News — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:33:25 GMT

Rick Fraser - Number 1 Again On Night 3 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

Night 3 of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta was run under absolutely perfect racetrack conditions, mainly sunny skies and 19°C. For the second consecutive night former Grande Prairie resident Rick Fraser won top money.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 8, Fraser, driving the Hellfires Suppression Services outfit posted a time of 1:13.80 and placed first overall for the day by 62 one-hundreds of a second over former Grande Prairie champion Reg Johnstone who placed 2nd overall for the night. Mike Vigen was third, Layne MacGillivray was fourth for the second consecutive night and 3-time Grande Prairie champion Jerry Bremner rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Fraser continues to lead the overall aggregate standings after posting a three day combined time of 3:42.74. Jerry Bremner sits in second place overall with Obrey Motowylo and Reg Johnstone rounding out the top four. Layne MacGillivray sits in fifth place overall, just 40 one-hundreds of a second out of the last qualifying spot in Sunday’s final. Colt Cosgrave, who was sitting in 5th place overall fell out of contention after a penalty filled run.

There will be $80,000.00 and a new Dodge Truck added to the final day at the Grande Prairie Stompede. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will drive off in a 2011 Dodge Ram Truck and take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Live coverage of Day 4 of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard starting at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Track Record Falls To Rick Fraser On Day 2 Of The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:52:04 GMT

Rick Fraser - Track Record On Night 2 Of Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

After the longest standing WPCA track record fell on a cool and cloudy night 1 at the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta, night 2 was run under partly cloudy skies and a very comfortable 20°C, and for the second consecutive night the Grande Prairie track record fell, this time at the hands of 2-time Grande Prairie Champion Rick Fraser.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 7, Fraser, driving the Hellfires Suppression Services outfit posted a time of 1:13.58 and placed first overall for the day by 53 one-hundreds of a second over Jerry Bremner who placed 2nd overall for the night. Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass, and Layne MacGillivray rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Fraser leads the overall aggregate standings after posting a two day time of 2:28.29. Obrey Motowylo sits in second place overall with Jerry Bremner and Kelly Sutherland rounding out the top four. Colt Cosgrave sits in fifth place overall, just 85 one-hundreds of a second out of the last qualifying spot in Sunday’s final. Day 1 winner Grant Profit ran into outrider penalties and now sits 9th overall.

Live coverage of Day 3 of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard starting at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Kicks Off The 2011 Season With A Track Record Run In Grande Prairie

News — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:50:41 GMT

Grant Profit - New Track Record On Night 1 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

The professional chuckwagon season kicked off on Wednesday night with the 34th running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Rae Croteau Jr. came into this year’s event as the defending Grande Prairie champion, while local hero Kelly Sutherland starts defending the World Chuckwagon Championship that he won for the 11th time in 2010.

Weather conditions were a little cool and cloudy and a little rain fell, but track conditions were ideal, and some spectacular races were seen by the Grande Prairie chuckwagon fans on opening night of the professional chuckwagon season. After a timing malfunction was discovered, Grant Profit officially opened up the 2011 season with a track record run of 1:14.03.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 9, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit placed first overall for the day by 52 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed 2nd overall for the night. Colt Cosgrave, Troy Dorchester and Kelly Sutherland rounded out the top 5 for the night. The previous track record of 1:14.83 was set by Edgar Baptiste way back in 1993.

Billy Melville

High River Update Regarding Equine Health Advisory

News — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:04:32 GMT

WPCA Update

(May 18, 2011 For Immediate Release…) With the recent case of the Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus - 1 (nEHV-1) in Southern Alberta the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and its Race Committees are taking the health and care of the horses very seriously. This means understanding nEHV-1, its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatments as the WPCA prepares for the 2011 Dodge Pro Tour Season.

It is with this knowledge that the WPCA will travel to Grande Prairie for the first stop of the tour on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. At this moment nEHV-1 is being properly contained in Southern Alberta thanks to early detection and preventative care being taken.

The virus takes 21 days of quarantine to clear out, and thanks to quick work of the High River Ag Society everything will be gone by the beginning of “Guy Weadick Days” in High River. With proper precautions being taken the WPCA is confident this Equine Virus will have no effect on its horses or race season.

Please direct any questions regarding the status of the WPCA or nEHV-1 to the High River Ag Society, 403-652-3336 or the WPCA Office.

For more information please visit, www.halfmileofhell.com, or call WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at 403-236-2466.

$80,000.00 Sunday At The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:20:29 GMT

The 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Gets Rolling in Grande Prairie

A highlight on the 2011 World Professional Chuckwagon (WPCA) Association Dodge Pro Tour will be the Dodge Ram Cup Series. Adding incentive for drivers and excitement for fans, a Dodge Truck will be given to the show champion at the Grande Prairie Stompede, Ponoka Stampede, the Martin Deerline Capital EX Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton, and the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek.

This is being made possible by great supporters of Chuckwagon Racing, the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation, Grey Diamond Construction, Visa Trucks, and of course the Tour committees. The first stop for the inaugural Dodge Ram Cup Series will be in Grande Prairie starting on May 25, 2011.

The Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation is also the Final Day Dash Sponsor, with $80,000 in Dash Prizes being given out on Sunday, May 29, 2011. This will be a fantastic week of Chuckwagon Racing for fans, athletes, media, committees, and supporters of the WPCA and Grande Prairie Stompede Association.

New Member To The Chuckwagon Radio Team

News — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:32:04 GMT

Jack MacDonald - New Host Of Chuckwagon Radio For 2011
Photo Courtesy of the Calgary Stampede

Classic Country AM 1060, the official radio broadcaster of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, proudly welcomes a new member to the Chuckwagon Radio Team.

With the departure of longtime host Dan Butler, Jack MacDonald joins colour man Billy Melville on the road all season long as the new host of Classic Country AM 1060’s live broadcasts of chuckwagon racing’s premiere racing circuit – the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Well known throughout Alberta & the Chuckwagon world. Jack will join Chuckwagon Radio on the Dodge Pro Tour this season along with his duties at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby as colour host with track announcer Les McIntyre. Dan Butler will return to host Chuckwagon Radio’s coverage of the 2011 Rangeland Derby.

For over 30 years, Jack has been very active in news and sports media including managing, reporting, play by play, color commentary, talk show host, features, documentaries etc. He was host and co-produced the CFAC (Global) Stampede rodeo/chuckwagon television coverage for 18 years during which time it enjoyed top ratings.

In addition he was Calgary's first TSN reporter and has done freelance work for ESPN, CTV, CBS, Eurosport and more. Jack has taken on the capacity of media relations/media chief and announcing roles at major events like the Calgary Stampede, 1988 Winter Olympics, World Cup alpine skiing and World Cup and World Championship luge events.

Most recently fans know “Jack Mac” as the “color guy "/stage manager first with Joe Carbury and now with Les McIntyre in the eye in the sky nightly during the ten days of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. He will be celebrating his 12th year in this role coming up this July.

According to longtime Chuckwagon Radio Colourman Billy Melville, “It’s bittersweet - I spent a lot of great years with Dan (Butler) and I’m sad to see him go, but I’m excited to have Jack Mac on board. He brings an abundance of both broadcasting and chuckwagon experience with him which will be invaluable to our program.”

The professional chuckwagon season kicks off on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 in Grande Prairie, Alberta with the running of the Grande Prairie Stompede.

36 Is A Magic Number For The Ponoka Stampede And It's 2011 Canvas Auction

News — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:22:49 GMT

Obrey Motowylo
2009 Ponoka Champion Tops All At the 2011 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction
Photo By Paul Easton

The final chuckwagon canvas auction for 2011 took place for one of chuckwagon racing's premier events - the Ponoka Stampede - on Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede grounds in Ponoka, Alberta. Prime advertising space on the wagons of the best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world today on chuckwagon racing predominant racing circuit sold for a whopping $412,500.00.

The 36 drivers that will compete at the 2011 Ponoka Stampede got an overall raise of $38,000.00 over the 2010 total of $374,500.00. For the second consecutive year the Ponoka Stampede sale was the highest of all of the shows that will comprise the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Also for the second consecutive year, 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion Obrey Motowylo was the high bid at $24,000.00, up $4,000.00 over 2010’s top bid of $20,000.00. The average bid was $11,458.33 up $1,055.55 from $10,402.78 in 2010, with the median bid at $9,000.00 being up $500.00 from $8,500.00 in 2010.

The Ponoka Stampede is celebrating it's 75th Anniversary in 2011 and has been running consecutively since 1936 missing only one year in 1943 because of World War II. Ironically, before one adjustment, the original total of this year's auction appeared to be $36,000.00 over last year which tied in nicely to the Ponoka Stampede's beginning in 1936. Fans coming to this year's Ponoka Stampede, particularly those who will be in attendance to see the Wild West Show on the opening Monday, are encouraged to dress in 1936 western attire.

The first stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will go in Grande Prairie, Alberta from May 25 – 29, 2011 with the running of the Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

2011 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$20,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial	$8,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	$6,000.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co.	$9,000.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd./Cinch Jeans & Shirts	$18,000.00
Rick Fraser	Bubba Shoe Rental	$18,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$18,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Standard Resources Inc.	$19,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$11,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$13,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$18,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$18,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$7,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Micarna Oilfield	$9,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$24,000.00
Reg Johnstone	ATB Financial	$9,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$18,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$12,000.00
Mike Vigen	Highwood Distillers	$7,000.00
Jordie Fike	Eagle Builders LP	$7,500.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$18,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Old West Jama Corporation	$4,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$8,000.00
Darcy Flad	Juice Junkeez	$5,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Ron May Consulting	$8,000.00
Layne MacGillivray	W. Pidherney Welding Ltd.	$9,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$12,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting/CE Franklin	$18,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Rentals Ltd.	$12,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Calnash Trucking	$5,000.00
Brian Mayan	G & T Custom Farming	$3,000.00
Dave Galloway	Xplornet Internet Services	$8,000.00
John Walters	D.W. Green Enterprises Ltd.	$6,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technology	$8,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Mustang Controls Ltd.	$11,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Double W Ranch	$6,500.00

	TOTAL AMOUNT BID	$412,500.00

	AVERAGE BID	$11,458.00

	MEDIAN BID	$9,000.00

	HIGH BID	$24,000.00

	LOW BID	$3,000.00

Final Canvas Auction Of 2011 For The 75th Annual Ponoka Stampede On Friday May 6th

News — Sun, 01 May 2011 20:25:37 GMT

The final auction of the year will be for the biggest event on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour - the Ponoka Stampede!

Prime advertising space on the wagons of the best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world today on chuckwagon racing predominant racing circuit will go up for sale on Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. There will be a reception at 5:00pm with the auction to go at 6:30pm. Last years Ponoka Stampede auction brought in a total of $374,500.00.

This years Ponoka Stampede will be held from June 27 - July 3, with the pro chuckwagons running starting on June 28. This year's event will truly be a historic event as the Ponoka Stampede is celebrating it's Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary and marking the occasion with a Wild West Show and Gord Bamford concert on Monday June 27 with Dwight Yoakam as the headliner on Thursday June 30 for one show only.

The Chuckwagon finals will be held on July 3rd will again feature the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Dash for Cash. Defending Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland will be looking for his 8th Ponoka Title in 2011 which would tie him with one of his mentors - the great Ralph Vigen - for the most ever.

Don't miss out on your chance to participate in this history making event. For more information on the 75th Anniversary Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction, call Meghan Chevrette-McIvor at the WPCA office at 403-236-2466 or email meghan.mcivor@wpca.com, or call Rick Wierzba of the Ponoka Stampede Association at 403-785-6088.

If you are unable to make the auction in person, or you can now bid ONLINE on your favorite driver for the 2011 Ponoka Stampede. Bring your smart phone to the auction, bid from home, or anywhere in the world for your chance at being part of the action in 2011. There will be no phone in bids at this years auction as there were in previous years.

To BID ONLINE, you must first pre register which you can do right now. If you had already registered for any of the other WPCA Canvas Auctions for 2011 you are all set. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. This will also pre register you if you choose to bid in person, or you can register at the hosting location.

Once registered, you must login from this page to bid.

To Login to the Auction, please click this link:

http://apps.ams2.auctionsolutions.com/auctions/attend_links.php?name=vjv5#

We look forward to having you join us for what will be an exciting night!

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Longtime Chuckwagon Supporter Suzanne Linklater

News — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:43:45 GMT

Suzanne Linklater
February 17th, 1953 - April 18, 2011

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of longtime WPCA Active Supporter and former member of the WPCA judging staff on Monday, April 18,2011 at the age of 58 after a valiant struggle with cancer.

Suzanne started out as a Calgary Stampede volunteer and then part of the Chickwagon group who started sponsoring chuckwagons. She founded Cowboy Care, which later became the Rodeo Athlete Foundation that promoted the organization as a canvas sponsor starting in 2002. Suzanne founded the annual WPCA Ladies Fashion Show in 2006, and was part of the WPCA Judging staff as a camera operator in the late 2000's. She received the WPCA's Special Recognition Award in 2003.

Suzanne is survived by her son Ritch Linklater, grandchildren Jordan and Ethan Linklater and a cousin Kyla Irawan. At Suzanne's request there will be no formal funeral service, but a reception will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Homein High River, Alberta from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Wednesday April 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, Alberta - PO Box 274, Okotoks AB, T1S 1A5.

Suzanne will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Linklater Family.

2011 WPCA Tour Canvas Auction Sale Details

News — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:04:46 GMT

Results from the 3rd canvas auction of the year - the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour’s chuckwagon canvas auction took place on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, with remote locations in Medicine Hat, Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie, Drumheller and Bonnyville. Prime advertising space on the tarps carried by the best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world were auctioned off for the bulk of the 2011 professional chuckwagon season.

The overall total came in at $1,607,000.00 - up $330,750.00 over the 2010 total of $1,276,250.00 for the same shows. All of the eight shows were up over 2010 totals. Three of the shows were up over $50,000.00 with Rocky Mountain House leading the way up $65,750.00 Dawson Creek up $63,000.00, followed by and finally Grande Prairie which was up $52,500.00.

**Grande Prairie Stompede Canvas Auction Results**
Grande Prairie, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$13,500.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$12,500.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$12,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$11,500.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$10,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$10,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$9,500.00
Mike Vigen	Northern Truck Service	$9,500.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfires Suppression Services	$9,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$7,500.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$7,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Amigo Trucking Inc.	$6,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Decarson Rentals	$6,500.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Barry Hodgson	GD Cornish Trucking Ltd.	$6,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$6,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$6,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	Pipestone Carriers Inc.	$6,000.00
Tim Haroldson	All Peace Petroleum	$6,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Luke Tournier	Energetic Services Inc.	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$5,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	Keddies Tack & Western Wear	$5,000.00
Dave Galloway	Xplornet Internet Services	$5,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$5,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	First Choice Pipehandlers Ltd.	$4,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Triple K Oilfield Services	$4,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Happy Trails RV	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Brian Mayan	H & M Meats	$3,000.00
Darcy Flad	Bonnett's Energy Services	$3,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Tiggo Transport	$3,000.00
John Walters	Grande Prairie Airport	$2,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$239,500.00

	Average Bid	$6,652.78

	Median Bid	$6,000.00

	High Bid	$13,500.00

	Low Bid	$2,500.00

**Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Medicine Hat, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$15,500.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$7,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Jason Glass	Porter MacLean Livestock	$6,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$5,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Gunther's Masonry Construction Ltd.	$5,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Sand and Gravel	$5,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,000.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfires Suppression Services	$5,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$4,500.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$4,500.00
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls	$4,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$4,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$4,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,000.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$4,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Weir Construction Ltd.	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,500.00
Mike Vigen	Dynamic Industrial Solutions	$3,500.00
Tim Haroldson	Davis Buick GMC	$3,500.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technology	$3,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$3,000.00
Brian Mayan	Provident Energy Trust	$2,500.00
Darcy Flad	Medicine Hat New Holland	$2,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Jacar Energy Services	$2,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Essential Coil Tubing Services	$2,000.00
Barry Hodgson	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Evan Salmond	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Jason Johnstone	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
John Walters	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$150,000.00

	Average Bid	$4,180.56

	Median Bid	$4,000.00

	High Bid	$15,500.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

**Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Canvas Auction Results**
Drumheller, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$12,000.00
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls	$8,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$6,000.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$5,500.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Ranching	$5,500.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$5,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$5,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,000.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfires Suppression Services	$5,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$4,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$4,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,000.00
Jordie Fike	Wild Roses	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	The Banditos	$3,500.00
Darcy Flad	H & H Huxsted Enterprises	$3,500.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Chariot Express	$3,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$3,000.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$3,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Clay Mountain Environmental Products	$2,500.00
Evan Salmond	Lonestar Enterprises	$2,500.00
John Walters	Drumheller Chamber of Commerce	$2,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Four Star Trucking	$2,500.00
Lincoln Douglas	Revenue Capture	$2,500.00
Brian Mayan	Friends of Brian Mayan Racing	$2,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Hairbrake	$2,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Glover International Trucks	$2,500.00
Jason Johnstone	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Mike Vigen	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00
Reg Johnstone	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$147,500.00

	Average Bid	$4,125.00

	Median Bid	$3,750.00

	High Bid	$12,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

**North American Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results**
High River, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Jason Glass	Hi-Way Service Ltd.	$12,000.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$12,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$9,000.00
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls	$8,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Tri-Mak Electrical Inc.	$8,000.00
Rick Fraser	Primary Engineering & Construction Corp.	$8,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$7,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$6,000.00
Jordie Fike	Frank Noble Ag Products	$5,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Midnight Oil/Calamity Gene Horseshoeing Service	$5,500.00
Dave Galloway	Xplornet Internet Services	$5,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Bremner Racing Team	$5,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$5,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,000.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$4,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$4,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,000.00
Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse Nightclub Calgary	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc.	$3,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Peter Niemans Water Well Drilling	$3,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Okotoks Rentals	$3,000.00
John Walters	Chariot Express	$3,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Blackjack Livestock Co.	$2,500.00
Jason Johnstone	Jo-Lee Electronics	$2,500.00
Lincoln Douglas	The Mortgage Wagon	$2,500.00
Mike Vigen	Manteo Group of Companies	$2,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$2,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	$2,500.00
Brian Mayan	Friends of Brian Mayan	$2,500.00
Darcy Flad	Darcy Flad Racing	$2,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$183,500.00

	Average Bid	$5,097.22

	Median Bid	$5,000.00

	High Bid	$12,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,500.00

**Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results**
Bonnyville, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$14,000.00
Luke Tournier	Site Energy Services Ltd.	$12,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Max Oilfield Services Inc.	$11,500.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Sand and Gravel	$11,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$10,500.00
Rick Fraser	Silver Concrete Ltd.	$8,000.00
Chad Harden	Logan Completions	$8,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$8,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Moko Oilfield	$7,500.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technology	$7,500.00
Jason Glass	Tuboscope of Canada	$7,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Mike Vigen	Hamel's Meat Market	$6,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$6,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$6,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Cougar Fuels Ltd.	$5,500.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$5,500.00
Colt Cosgrave	Myshak Crane & Rigging	$5,500.00
Tim Haroldson	Pride of the Lakeland	$5,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Kal Tire	$5,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
John Walters	TICA Enterprise	$5,000.00
Evan Salmond	Bonnyville Neighbourhood Inn	$5,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Lakeland Homes	$5,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Lincoln Douglas	DLM Enterprises	$4,500.00
Jordie Fike	Triple T Greenery	$4,500.00
Hugh Sinclair	Scorpion Industries	$4,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Prairie Tech Oilfield Services Ltd.	$4,500.00
Brian Mayan	Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants	$4,500.00
Barry Hodgson	Rusnak Financial	$4,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Pipestone Carriers INC	$4,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Apex Distribution	$4,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,000.00
Darcy Flad	Bonnyville Chrysler Jeep	$3,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$231,000.00

	Average Bid	$6,402.78

	Median Bid	$5,500.00

	High Bid	$14,000.00

	Low Bid	$3,500.00

**Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Strathmore, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Jerry Bremner	Wildflower Ranch - Cancorp Property Group	$15,000.00
Rick Fraser	ATB Financial	$12,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	Predator Drilling	$11,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Strathmore Station & Travel Lodg	$10,000.00
Luke Tournier	Friends of Heritage Park	$10,000.00
Jason Glass	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$10,000.00
Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse Nightclub Calgary	$10,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$8,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$7,000.00
Mike Vigen	The Legends	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Strathmore Sobeys	$6,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$6,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$6,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,500.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc.	$5,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	BlackJack Livestock Co.	$5,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$5,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Strathmore Motor Products	$5,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,000.00
Dave Galloway	Xplornet Internet Services	$4,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Clay Mountain Cleanfill	$4,500.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$4,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Darcy Flad	H & H Huxted Enterprises	$3,500.00
Brian Mayan	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.	$3,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technology	$3,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Okotoks Rentals	$3,000.00
John Walters	Chariot Express	$3,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Rob Knight Trucklines	$3,000.00
Evan Salmond	East Side Dodge/Ram Trucks	$2,500.00
Jason Johnstone	Midnight Oil	$2,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$2,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$217,000.00

	Average Bid	$6,041.67

	Median Bid	$5,000.00

	High Bid	$15,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,500.00

**Battle of the North Canvas Auction Results**
Dawson Creek, B.C.
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Mark Sutherland	Friends Sutherland Racing	$18,000.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$12,500.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$11,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$9,500.00
Mike Vigen	Northern Truck Service	$9,500.00
Hugh Sinclair	Poseidon Concepts	$9,000.00
Chad Harden	Hardcastle Developments Ltd.	$8,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$7,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	WN Oilfield	$6,500.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Barry Hodgson	GD Cornish Trucking Ltd.	$5,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$5,500.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$5,000.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$5,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$5,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Tiggo Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	Pipestone Carriers Inc.	$5,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,000.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfires Suppression Services	$5,000.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$5,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Trans Carrier Ltd.	$4,500.00
Chance Bensmiller	Trojan Safety Services	$4,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	Keddies Tack & Western Wear	$4,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$4,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Ditmarsia Holdings	$4,000.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$4,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Happy Trails RV	$4,000.00
Troy Dorchester	DGS Astro Paving	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Brian Mayan	H & M Meats	$3,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Michalchuk Bros. L Contractors Ltd.	$3,000.00
Darcy Flad	Friends of Darcy Flad	$2,000.00
John Walters	Arrow Insurance Agency Ltd.	$3,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$212,500.00

	Average Bid	$5,875.00

	Median Bid	$5,000.00

	High Bid	$18,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

**Battle of the Rockies Canvas Auction Results**
Rocky Mountain House, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Troy Dorchester	Eldorado Pressure	$16,000.00
Rick Fraser	Neway Oilfield Services	$15,000.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$12,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Rock Products	$11,500.00
Jerry Bremner	W. Pidhirney Welding Ltd.	$9,500.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$9,000.00
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls	$8,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$7,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,500.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$6,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$6,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$6,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$5,500.00
Evan Salmond	Hawkeye Consulting	$5,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Pidherney Trucking	$5,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$5,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Glover International Trucks Ltd.	$5,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Royal LePage Tamarack Trail Real Estate	$5,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Mike Vigen	Nelson Brothers	$4,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Wellmax Oilfield Ltd.	$4,500.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$2,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	Pipestone Carriers INC	$4,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Tri-Mak Electrical Inc.	$4,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$4,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	BlackJack Livestock Co.	$4,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technology	$4,000.00
John Walters	McMeekin Resources	$3,500.00
Lincoln Douglas	Henry's Western Wear	$3,000.00
Darcy Flad	Bonnett's Energy Services Trust	$3,000.00
Brian Mayan	Capital Pressures	$2,500.00
Jason Johnstone	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$216,500.00

	Average Bid	$6,069.44

	Median Bid	$5,000.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

WPCA Tour Auction A Huge Success

News — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:31:04 GMT

The 3rd canvas auction of the year - the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour’s chuckwagon canvas auction took place on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, with remote locations in Medicine Hat, Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie, Drumheller and Bonnyville. Prime advertising space on the tarps carried by the best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world were auctioned off for the bulk of the 2011 professional chuckwagon season.

Shows up for sale included the Grande Prairie Stompede, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, North American Chuckwagon Championship, Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship, Badlands Dinosaur Derby, Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, the Battle of the North and finally the Battle of the Rockies. Once again the auction was carried over the internet with buyers able to place their bids online. This eliminated the traditional satellite hook up that has been used for many years.

The top selling show of 2011 for was the Grande Prairie Stompede. It totaled a very impressive $ $247,000.00 up $52,500.00 over its 2010 total of $194,500.00. The average bid came in at $6,861.11 with the median bid at $6,000.00. High bid of $13,500.00 went to Troy Dorchester.

The 2nd highest total of the 2011 auction was the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. It totaled $231,000.00, up $29,000.00 from $202,000.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $6,416.67 with the median bid at $5,500.00. High bid of $14,000.00 went to Troy Dorchester.

The 3rd highest total of the 2011 auction was the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House. It totaled $218,500.00, up $65,750.00 from $152,750.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $6,069.44 with the median bid at $5,000.00. High bid of $16,000.00 went to Troy Dorchester.

4th highest total was the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede. It totaled $217,500.00, up $32,250.00 from $185,250.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $6,041.67 with the median bid at $5,000.00. High bid of $15,000.00 went to Jerry Bremner.

The 5th highest total was the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek. It totaled $211,500.00, up $63,000.00 from $148,500.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $5,875.00 with the median bid at $5,000.00. High bid of $18,000.00 went to Mark Sutherland.

6th highest total was the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River. It totaled $182,500.00, up $27,500.00 from $155,000.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $5,069.44 with the median bid at $5,000.00. High bid of $12,000.00 went to Jason Glass and Luke Tournier.

7th highest total went to the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. It totaled $150,500.00, up $30,250.00 from $120,250.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $4,180.56 with the median bid at $4,000.00. High bid of $15,500.00 went to Troy Dorchester.

Finally, the Badlands Dinosaur Derby totaled $148,500.00, up $30,500.00 from $118,000.00 in 2010. The average bid came in at $4,125.00 with the median bid at $3,750.00. High bid of $12,000.00 went to Luke Tournier.

The final auction of the year will be for the Ponoka Stampede which will take place on Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. Last years Ponoka Stampede auction brought in a total of $374,500.00.

2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction - Login And Information

News — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 20:19:29 GMT

2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction

Anybody Can Get Their Name On A Wagon

If you have registered you cannot login from the registration page, you must login from this page to bid.

To Login to the Auction, please click this link:

http://apps.ams2.auctionsolutions.com/auctions/attend_links.php?name=vjv5#

We look forward to having you join us for what will be an exciting night!

If you would like to get your name on a chuckwagon canvas on the premier racing circuit in the world, you can do so on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 as the bulk of the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour stops will be sold at auction. There will be a reception starting at 4:00pm with the auction to follow at 5:00pm. The 36 best chuckwagon drivers in the world today will be up for sale for the following eight stops along the Dodge Pro Tour:

Grande Prairie Stompede in Grande Prairie, Alberta
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Richard Cosgrave Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller, Alberta
North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River, Alberta
Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede in Strathmore, Alberta
Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship in Bonnyville, Alberta
Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

If you are interested in purchasing a canvas, you can come out to any the hosting locations and bid live for all shows, meet the drivers and take in all the excitement of being at a live auction. The hosting locations will be at:

Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta
Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie, Alberta
Wetlander Bar and Grill in Bonnyville, Alberta
Royal Canadian Legion in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Dinosaur Downs in Drumheller, Alberta
Exhibition Park in Medicine Hat, Alberta

If you are unable to make one of the hosting venues in person, or you can now bid ONLINE on your favorite driver for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Bring your smart phone to the auction, bid from home, or anywhere in the world for your chance at being part of the action in 2011. There will be no phone in bids at this years auction as there were in previous years.

To BID ONLINE, you must first pre register which you can do right now. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. This will also pre register you if you choose to bid in person, or you can register at any of the hosting locations. This will also register you to BID ONLINE or IN PERSON at the Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction which will take place on May 6, 2011 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds in Ponoka, Alberta.

As a special incentive for 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas bidders, 2 WestJet Tickets will be drawn in Calgary and 2 WestJet tickets being drawn from the hosting locations. A successful bid could mean more than a summer of Chuckwagon fun, it could mean a trip for 2 anywhere WestJet flies!

2011 Capital Ex Chuckwagon Derby Canvas Auction Results

News — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:51:27 GMT

Auctioneer Dean Edge Sells Buddy Bensmiller In Edmonton
Photo By Billy Melville

Right on the heels of a successful Calgary Stampede chuckwagon canvas auction, the second auction of the year was held on Friday, April 1, 2011 in the Alberta Ballroom at the Edmonton EXPO Centre at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta for the Capital Ex Chuckwagon Derby. A little over a quarter of a million dollars was bid on the 36 participating drivers, however the sale was down $49,500.00 over 2010 totals.

2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship winner Mark Sutherland was the high bid at $20,000.00, up $1,000.00 from 2010’s top bid of $19,000.00 for Chad Harden. The average bid on all 36 wagons came in at $7,152.78 down $1,375.00 from $8,527.78 in 2010, with the median bid being $6,000.00 down $1,750.00 from $7,750.00 in 2010.

The 2011 Capital Ex Chuckwagon Derby will be held right after the Calgary Stampede from July 23 – 26, 2011, and will be a four day event from it’s traditional five days.

The next chuckwagon canvas auction will be held on Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 with the main hub being at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary. The reception will be at 4:00 pm with the auction at 5:00 pm. Additional hosting venues will be at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie, Wetlander Bar and Grill in Bonnyville, Boomers Pub and Lounge in Rocky Mountain House, Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller and Exhibition Park in Medicine Hat.

Billy Melville

Sale Order	Driver	Sponsor	Sale Price
1	Grant Profit	Thru Tubing Solutions	$11,000.00
2	Kelly Sutherland	Knelsen Sand and Gravel	$10,000.00
3	Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$7,000.00
4	Luke Tournier	ATB Financial	$9,000.00
5	Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$12,000.00
6	Rick Fraser	Terra Core Rentals	$5,000.00
7	Troy Dorchester	Team Rig & Supply/Decarson Rentals	$10,000.00
8	Jerry Bremner	Standard Resources	$9,500.00
9	Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$8,000.00
10	Kurt Bensmiller	Stahl Peterbilt	$6,000.00
11	Hugh Sinclair	Sabre Concrete	$5,000.00
12	Chad Harden	Image Distributors/ Ron May Consulting	$10,000.00
13	Colt Cosgrave	Planet Trucking	$5,500.00
14	Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$6,000.00
15	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$16,000.00
16	Reg Johnstone	Direct Horizontal Drilling	$8,000.00
17	Mark Sutherland	York Realty Inc.	$20,000.00
18	Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$9,000.00
19	Mike Vigen	Roper Apparel & Footwear	$5,500.00
20	Jordie Fike	Blazer Insurance	$5,000.00
21	Tim Haroldson	Westeel/Northern Steel	$5,500.00
22	Lincoln Douglas	McCuaig Desrochers LLP	$4,500.00
23	Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$8,000.00
24	Darcy Flad	Northwell Oilfield Hauling (2009) Inc.	$5,000.00
25	Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$8,000.00
26	Layne MacGillivray	Crystal Kids	$5,000.00
27	Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
28	Codey McCurrach	Eddie's Men'sWear	$5,000.00
29	Evan Salmond	Eternity Limousines	$3,000.00
30	Jason Johnstone	Sabre Concrete	$4,000.00
31	Brian Mayan	Welsh's Saddlery and Western Wear	$2,000.00
32	Dave Galloway	Xplornet Internet Services	$5,500.00
33	John Walters	JW Enterprises	$3,000.00
34	Chance Bensmiller	Tri-Service Oilfield Manufacturing Ltd.	$6,000.00
35	Cody Ridsdale	Planet Trucking	$2,000.00
36	Mitch Sutherland	Red Deer Motors	$4,500.00

	Total Amount Bid		$257,500.00

	Average Bid		$7,152.78

	Median Bid		$6,000.00

	High Bid		$20,000.00

	Low Bid		$2,000.00

Great Sale For 2011 Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction

News — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:29:14 GMT

Auctioneer Rob Bergevin Sells 11-Time Champ Kelly Sutherland
Photo By Billy Melville

The first chuckwagon canvas auction of the year was held on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Archie Boyce Pavilion on Stampede Park in Calgary Alberta for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It was a fantastic sale as $2,840,000.00 was bid on the 36 participating drivers, up a whopping $876,500.00 over 2010 totals. It was the 12th consecutive year the Calgary Auction crossed over the 1.5 million dollar mark, in addition to being the 3rd highest total in the 33 year history of Calgary’s canvas auction.

$2,007,500.00 of the total was bid on the 24 drivers that will represent the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) at this year’s Calgary Stampede, for an average bid of $83,541.67/driver. In comparison, $835,000.00 was bid on the 12 drivers representing the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association, for an average bid of $69,583.33/driver. Defending Calgary Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland was the high bid at $170,000.00, up $50,000.00 from 2010’s top bid of $120,000.00 for Chad Harden.

WPCA drivers took 14 of the top 15 bids, including all of the top 10 bids. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $78,888.89 up $24,277.78 from $54,611.11 in 2010, with the median bid being $75,000.00 up $25,000.00 from $50,000.00 in 2010. Another bright spot in the 2011 Calgary auction was the low bid was $60,000.00 up $23,000.00 from the 2010 low bid of $37,000.00.

Billy Melville

2011 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby
Chuckwagon Canvas Auction Results
Sale Order	Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
1	Kelly Sutherland	YaYaCalgary.com	$170,000.00
2	Jason Glass	Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick	$90,000.00
3	Kirk Sutherland	Cam Clark Ford	$100,000.00
4	Gary Gorst	Team YYC Calgary International Airport	$80,000.00
5	Buddy Bensmiller	Pidherney's From Start To Finish	$82,500.00
6	Brian Laboucane	The Mavericks Chuckwagon Team	$60,000.00
7	Rick Fraser	Heninger Toyota / Chickwagon! Foundation for Women	$60,000.00
8	Grant Profit	Pride of Cochrane	$60,000.00
9	Mark Sutherland	Cowboys	$85,000.00
10	Luke Tournier	Auto Touch Ups	$60,000.00
11	Troy Dorchester	Country Club of the Hamptons	$100,000.00
12	Jim Knight	Border City Oilmen	$70,000.00
13	Ray Mitsuing	Sandlewood Developments Ltd.	$60,000.00
14	Vern Nolin	BKDI Architects	$75,000.00
15	Wayne Knight	Express Personnel Services and Ranches	$65,000.00
16	Chad Harden	The Rug Shop	$100,000.00
17	Hugh Sinclair	Standard Resources	$67,500.00
18	Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO/Ranchman's/ Nabors Drilling	$85,000.00
19	Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources	$75,000.00
20	Mike Vigen	Hatch Engineering	$80,000.00
21	Kurt Bensmiller	International Eco Fuel Savers	$100,000.00
22	Roger Moore	The Legends	$75,000.00
23	Reg Johnstone	ATB Financial	$65,000.00
24	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$80,000.00
25	Tim Haroldson	Delta Resorts/ Darcy Simoneau's	$70,000.00
26	Troy Flad	Saucier Construction	$70,000.00
27	Shane Nolin	Noralta Lodge	$62,500.00
28	Colt Cosgrave	Plains Midstream Canada	$97,500.00
29	Darcy Flad	Purolator	$77,500.00
30	Logan Gorst	RE/MAX Realtors of Calgary	$75,000.00
31	Ross Knight	BNL (1997) Ltd.	$70,000.00
32	Layne Bremner	Friends of the Mavericks	$65,000.00
33	Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$80,000.00
34	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals	$70,000.00
35	Jordie Fike	Friends of the Calgary Food Bank	$80,000.00
36	Jamie Laboucane	WestJet	$77,500.00

		Total Amount Bid	$2,840,000.00

		High Bid	$170,000.00

		Low Bid	$60,000.00

		Average Bid	$78,888.89

		Median Bid	$75,000.00

Important Auction Information - Sign up & Login Here For Your Chance to be Part of History

News — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:20:31 GMT

2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction

You can now bid on your favourite driver for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction online. Bring your smart phone to the auction, bid from home, or anywhere in the world for your chance at being part of the action in 2011.

On April 5, 2011 the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction will be live online. If you've pre-registered you can login to the auction here.

Click here to register for live bidding

Username:
Password:

You can also click, View Only to watch the action live.

For more information please contact WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at 403-236-2466 or email, meghan.mcivor@wpca.com. We look forward to having you join us for what will be an exciting night!

The WPCA Supports the Calgary Stampede

News — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:07:21 GMT

On February 23, 2011 the Calgary Stampede announced important rule changes for the Rangeland Derby. They worked together with the World Professional Chuckwagon officials to come up with changes that would maintain the integrity of the sport while going the extra mile to protect the athletes (human and equine) that make Chuckwagon Racing so exciting.

The WPCA Officers and Directors agree with the proposed rule changes. The most controversial rule changes was moving from four to two outriders per team. This rule is not new to the WPCA, with 37 of our 43 race days out of the Calgary Stampede already being run with two outriders.

WPCA President Pat Powell, fully supports the move, “Not only do we agree from a safety standpoint, but this is an opportunity to showcase a consistently throughout our race season,” explained Powell, adding, “We will honour our commitments to the Calgary Stampede by providing the best wagons and outriders this sport has to offer.”

The 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour begins in Grande Prairie on May 25. Drivers and outriders will be gunning to secure their spot at the greatest outdoor show on earth, the Calgary Stampede, which begins July 8.

For more information please visit, www.halfmileofhell.com, or call WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at 403-236-2466.

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Rose Carbury

News — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:40:39 GMT

Rose Carbury
January 21, 1926 – March 11, 2011

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Rose Carbury, wife of longtime Calgary Stampede Track Announcer Joe Carbury, on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the age of 85.

Rose was born in Saskatchewan and raised in Medicine Hat. She graduated with her R.N. from Moose Jaw General Hospital and enjoyed a long and fulfilling nursing career in Medicine Hat and Calgary, spending many years at the Calgary Cancer Clinic prior to her retirement. Rose married Joe Carbury in July of 1949 and together they spent over 61 happy years together. Rose was an active partner in her husband Joe's career as the "voice of the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagons" and she assisted him in his booth each year to ensure he had accurate information on each race.

She is survived by her husband Joe; daughters Coleen (Jim) Hutton and Kathleen Carbury; grandchildren Amanda and Garratt Hooker; and brother George Renner. She was predeceased by her mother Helen Ehnis and father William Renner.

A Memorial Service will be held at Foster's Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Thursday, March 17th, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Agape Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue NW, Calgary AB, T2N 1B8.

Rose will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Carbury family.

Canvas Auction Schedule - WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction Begins April 5

News — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:10:09 GMT

The 2011 WPCA Season will officially begin on April 5, 2011 with the annual Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction. There will be 36 drivers and 8 locations up for bid on the auction block. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the action!

The benefits to being a canvas sponsor are endless, but it all starts with some western tradition and ends with your place in chuckwagon history.

Auction Dates

Calgary Stampede	March-31-11	Rec. 3:30 Auc. 5:00	Boyce Theatre
Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby	April-1-11	Rec. 6:00 Auc. 7:00	Northlands Agricom Salons 1 & 2
WPCA Dodge Pro Tour	April-5-11	Rec. 4:00 Auc. 5:00	Deerfoot Inn & Casino - Calgary
Ponoka Stampede	May-6-11	Rec. 5:00 Auc. 6:30	Stagecoach Saloon

Hosting Venues

Bonnyville	Wetlander Bar and Grill
Grande Prairie	Trade Exhibition & Conference Ctr. Evergreen Park
Drumheller	Dinosaur Downs
Rocky Mountain House	Royal Canadian Legion
Medicine Hat	Exhibition & Stampede Grounds

Download your Sponsorship information package now!

Calgary Stampede Makes Format And Rule Changes To Rangeland Derby

News — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:21:36 GMT

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is pleased to announce that it is moving forward with a comprehensive package of rule and format changes for the Rangeland Derby and the Stampede Rodeo. They are designed to provide additional safety measures for both iconic sports. The changes continue to demonstrate the Stampede’s ongoing commitment to make changes that are right for our community.

“The safety of all participants in the Calgary Stampede – both animal and humans – is our number one priority and always has been”, says Paul Rosenberg, vice president, Programming, Calgary Stampede. “These changes help insure that rodeo and chuckwagon racing at the Calgary Stampede remain as two of the most exciting sports in the world.”

One of the most important new initiatives will take place before the Rangeland Derby even begins. All horses will undergo thorough arrival inspections by a team of veterinarians before being allowed to compete. Another significant format change will see the number of outriders reduced from four per team, to two per team for all nine heats. The Stampede’s new outrider format will align itself with the racing formats of both the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA).

“We’re confident the Stampede is making these important rule and format changes to make the Rangeland Derby even safer for our drivers, riders and horses,” says Pat Powell, president, WPCA. Coleman Carey, president, CPCA adds, “Nobody cares more about animals than the Stampede and the drivers who bring their animals to Calgary to compete in the sport of chuckwagon racing.”

The new rules and format changes will be in effect for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, July 8-17.

Doug Fraser
Media Relations Manager
T 403.261.0242
C 403.585.3376
F 403.261.0190
E dfraser@calgarystampede.com

The 4th Horseshoe Cup To Be Played February 19, 2011

News — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:18:33 GMT

The showdown between the Professional Chuckwagon Men and the Pro Rodeo Cowboys has returned after a one year absence. The 4th Horseshoe Cup will be played on February 19, 2011 at Four Nation Arena in Hobbema, Alberta starting at 7:00pm. A dance will follow at the Stage Coach Saloon at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds in Ponoka, Alberta with the doors opening at 8:00. A food donation at the game would be appreciated.

The Horseshoe Cup is a hockey game that sees members of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association take on members of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. It was first played in 2007 and it was the wagon men who prevailed. The chuckwagon men followed it up with another victory in 2008, but the rodeo cowboys won the last one in 2009. With last year's game not played, both sides have held the cup for two years. The Horseshoe Cup was played in in Big Valley, Alberta the first three years of it's existence and featured many of the big names of Professional Chuckwagon Racing and Professional Rodeo.

The net proceeds will be donated to a charity in Ponoka. Tickets are $20 at the door. For more information or to register call Rick Fraser at 780-876-6645.

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Former Competitor Ed Alstott

News — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:48:44 GMT

Ed Alstott
January 15, 1935 – December 28, 2010

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former competitor Ed Alstott, on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at the age of 75 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Ed was a very successful cowboy, outfitter, rancher, and chuckwagon driver. He held several top awards for his success in outfitting and he was a well respected horseman. Ed had an excellent reputation for training horses whether it to drive or ride, and several horse people would come to Ed for his vetting advice as well.

As a chuckwagon competitor, Ed started out as an outrider for Jack Gill In the 1960's. He eventually moved up into the chuckwagon box as a driver, and drove at the Calgary Stampede for the first time in 1970. In 1976 Ed won the consolation races at the Calgary Stampede and captured the Teepee Creek Stampede that same year as well. When the World Professional Chuckwagon Association was formed, Ed elected to remain an independent driver, but competed with the WPCA on a permit. He won the WPCA Top Permit Award in consecutive years in 1987 and 1988, and qualified for the sudden death championship final heat at the 1988 Grande Prairie Stompede along with Dallas Dorchester, Tom Glass and Hugh Sinclair. He drove at the Calgary Stampede for the last time in 1994.

Ed is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Wanda, Corrine, Barb, son John, and stepchildren Kari and Brad. He is also survived by 3 sisters – Dorothy, Gladys, Marlene, 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Elsie and Howard Alstott and a grandson Cassidy Dingman.

A social gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the Kurt Browning Complex, Caroline, Alberta. Ed will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Alstott family.

Best Of The Season To Everyone From The WPCA

News — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 09:54:25 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to wish all of its members, fans and sponsors a safe and happy holiday season and a very prosperous new year.

We look forward to seeing everyone somewhere along the chuckwagon trail on the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Spotlight - Glass Twins

News — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:47:37 GMT

Father, Jason Glass is a fourth generation World Champion Chuckwagon driver. He is one of the few drivers that have won the World Championship and the Dodge Pro Tour Championship in the same year. Jason also works alongside “A” list move stars in the off season as a stuntman.

Mother, Brienne Glass, until maternity leave, was the 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. anchor for Global News Calgary. Brienne, is also Calgary’s Woman of the Year.

Chuckwagon’s powerhouse couple? Indeed.

To top all their great lifetime accomplishments off, the couple (since September), are now parents to twins – one boy and one girl! As Les McIntyre jokes, “a pair of Glasses”. Family has always meant a lot to both, Jason and Brienne, even more now than ever since they are new parents!

The Glass twins were born September 23rd, 2010 at 8:58 and 8:59 a.m. at the Rockyview Hospital. Bodie was first at 5 pounds, 4 ounces, and Steele, was second at 5 pounds, 9 ounces.

According to Brienne, the delivery went excellent, “The doctors scrubbed Jason up and he stood right beside me, and watched the c-section! The entire surgery only took about 10-15 minutes -- and it was a wonderful surprise, when the doctor held up Twin A and Jason told me it was a boy -- then just a few moments later, Twin B, a girl!! We already had our names picked out for all the scenarios -- so by the time the twins were placed on our chest we knew we had our little Bodie and Steele!!”

Bodie is said to be a very spirited baby, just as he was in Brienne’s stomach. He’s a very active and very strong baby. Bodie has Brienne’s dark complexion but looks like a typical Glass. He has really long arms, and the great big Glass hangs – just like his dad, his uncle Chad Cosgrave and his Grandpa Ron Glass. Perfect for driving a wagon someday!

Steele is one tough lady. According to Brienne, everytime they had to draw blood from her in the hospital, or had to have a needle, she never made a peep. She is a very laid back and really only makes a fuss when she has a dirty diaper. She has Jason’s personality and it looks like, she too, will carry that signature Glass look, with blonde hair and blue eyes!

What are the babies’ favourite part time activity? Staring out the window at the horses of course!

With their pedigree, these babies are destined for great things, so stay tuned!

Want Official WPCA Merchandise for Christmas? Order Now!

News — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:35:52 GMT

In order to get your WPCA merchandise in time for Christmas, order before November 25, 2010. To check out the merchandise available for order click here.

To order:

Call: 403.236.2466

Email: carmen.stone@wpca.com

Fax: 403.279.2247

About the WPCA Merchandise & the WPCA Benevolent Fund:

The Way Of Life For Chuckwagon Competitors Is Risky

Chuckwagon racing is an action-packed sport and the risks are very real for chuckwagon competitors. All these competitors want in life is to be able to do what they love with whom they love; their beloved horses and family. However, sometimes the inevitable happens due to the fast-paced nature of the sport and the driver's and their families need assistance. The risks facing a chuckwagon driver or outrider are like no other. A serious injury can have a severe impact on the lives of these athletes.

Benevolent Fund Helps Support

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association's Benevolent Fund assists these athletes in times of financial hardship due to race-related injuries allowing them to try to heal in time for the next race season.

To Make A Difference

The primary fundraising initiative for the fund is the WPCA's merchandise trailer sponsored by Encana. The merchandise trailer can be found at all the official WPCA Dodge Pro Tour locations.

Direct donations may be made directly to the WPCA Benevolent Fund:
c/o World Professional Chuckwagon Association, #3A, 2828 18 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1.

Behind the Bronze

News — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:51:18 GMT

Kelly Sutherland, World Champion Driver, with bronze made by Rich Roenisch,Walking R Holdings

The WPCA Annual Awards just occured in Calgary this October and approximately 450 attendees were witness to the bronze and awards the champions of the sport receive in honour of their achievements. Many of the most prestigious awards, such as the Chuckwagon Person of the Year, the World Outriding Champion and World Champion Driver awards are in fact real bronzes.

The bronzes themselves can range anywhere from $1,200 to $12,000. That's some real hardware to be privileged enough to take home and display on your shelf. Kelly Sutherland, for instance, would have 11 World Champion bronzes worth between $8,000 and $12,000 each in his possession. Receiving a bronze as a Chuckwagon award has become a tradition. It would not be a World Championship without a bronze.

Behind the World Championship bronze is Rich Roenisch, bronze sculpture maker and owner of Walking R Holdings. To date, Roenisch has made bronzes for the WPCA for 28 years. Five years consecutively, he actually made two different bronzes in the same year – one for the Dodge Pro Tour Champion and one for the World Champion.

Roenisch got involved in sculpture first by getting to know about artists such as Charlie Russell and Remington and beginning to paint and draw. He made his first sale when a well known cowman seen a clay sculpture he made of a bucking horse and rider and said he would buy it if it was bronze. Roenisch had it cast and the sale was complete. That was in 1968 and Roenisch has been at it ever since!

When asked what is something most people would not know about bronze sculptures, Roenisch stated, “I think most people don’t realize that after you have made the original, each piece that comes out of the mould requires the same process and the same steps as the original. There are no short cuts”.

The detail and size of the bronze determines the amount of time it takes to create. It could take six months or more from an idea, to sculpting the original, to a finished bronze. Life size bronzes would take a lot longer.

Perhaps World Championships and bronzes go hand in hand because bronzes are like championship wagon teams – they both take a tremendous amount hard work to create the final result that everyone appreciates, and as Roenisch stated, "there are no short cuts".

The World Champion Bronze Kelly Sutherland received this year took over 30 hours to assemble and create.

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Janet Haywood

News — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:57:31 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the sudden passing of Janet Haywood, wife of active chuckwagon supporter Joe Haywood, on Friday, November 12, 2010 at the age of 74 years.

Joe recently attended the WPCA Awards Banquet and donated to the WPCA a Freehand Copper Tooling Plaque of the seven WPCA (or its predecessor) chuckwagon competitors who lost their lives as the result of a racing accident. Until recently, Janet and Joe travelled from their home in Winnipeg and were fixtures at many of the WPCA chuckwagon races.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m., also in the Coutu Funeral Chapel.

The WPCA extends its sincere condolences to the Haywood family.

Marketing Manager Opportunity

News — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:26:20 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association promotes and presents the extreme sport of Chuckwagon racing to fans throughout Western Canada. It also strives to make Chuckwagon racing sustainable, more exciting and safer for the athletes (horses) and drivers.

Reporting to the WPCA Officer Group, as the Marketing Communications Manager, you will drive initiatives that raise the WPCA’s profile. Your areas of responsibility include: management of all communications, marketing media and special events. You are responsible for establishing and implementing the WPCA’s internal and external marketing communication initiatives as well as managing a significant portion of the general operations of the WPCA and WPCA staff personnel.

Branding

Responsible for overseeing the WPCA’s brand management
Responsible for managing the WPCA’s marketing resources and budget
Develop and maintain radio, web, print and on-site marketing communication plans in order to promote the sport of Chuckwagon racing and the Dodge Pro Tour

Sponsorship/Fund Maintenance & Development

Responsible for developing sponsorship proposals and negotiating sponsorship contracts
Must development clear and consistent communication with corporate sponsors
Manage and implement day to day logistics of sponsorship programs to ensure programs are delivered to contract
Monitor, evaluate and report ROI of sponsorship programs

Project Management

Liaison with venue committees of the Dodge Pro Tour to establish and provide clear communication about show productions, brand programs and award presentations during race events
End-to-end management of multiple event projects such as the Annual Presentation and Awards Banquet and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction

Qualifications/Expertise

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

Post secondary degree/ education in communications, marketing, public relations or related field.
Strong written and oral communications
Critical thinking with strong organizational and problem solving skills
Occasional travel throughout Alberta would be required
5 – 7 + years experience
Experience should include:
- Project management
- Implementing change
- Building strong collaborative relations with stakeholders
- Ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple deadlines
- Ability to exercise tact, discretion and good judgment

Closing Date: November 15, 2010

Please forward cover letter, including compensation expectations, and resume to:

Carmen Stone
World Professional Chuckwagon Association
#3A 2828 18 Street NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7B1
Email: carmen.stone@wpca.com
Fax: 403.279.2247

No phone calls will be accepted.

We thank all candidates for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

2010 WPCA Award Winners Honored

News — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:29:30 GMT

A night of celebration took take place at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on Saturday October 23, 2010. The annual World Professional Chuckwagon Association Awards banquet honored those who achieved greatness this past season, as well as those who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the most exciting professional sport in the world today.

Kelly Sutherland will be the top honoree this year as he captured the World Chuckwagon Championship for a record 11th time. 2010 was memorable season for “The King” as he won his 7th Ponoka Stampede title, claimed his 5th Battle of the North Title in Dawson Creek, and qualified for 4 sudden death final heats, including The Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore. But arguably his greatest single accomplishment of 2010 was winning his 11th Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship, breaking a 67 year old record he shared with the legendary Dick Cosgrave that was established way back in 1943.

Kelly was joined by his son Mark Sutherland who posted his first career win in a big way by capturing the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. After several years of near misses and heart breaks, Mark put it all together to capture his first ever Dodge Pro Tour Championship in dramatic style. Heading into Strathmore, Mark qualified in the 8th and final spot in the playoff pool by just a single point. Mark finished 3rd in the qualifying rounds, securing his spot for the sudden death final, along with Troy Dorchester, Jerry Bremner, and Mark’s father Kelly Sutherland. After drawing barrel number 4, and trailing for most of the race, Mark, driving the Tri-Mak Electrical Inc. outfit and along with outriders Reo King, Chanse Vigen and Eddie Melville, came charging down the lane in one of the most exciting final heats in Tour Championship history to edge Troy Dorchester by 6/100’s of a second.

Chanse Vigen will once again be honored as this year’s World Champion Outrider. 2010 saw Chanse post show wins with Luke Tournier at Dewberry, Mark Sutherland’s first career win at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore, and was a key member of Kelly Sutherland’s record setting outfit that won the Ponoka Stampede, the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek and the World Chuckwagon Championship. Chanse took a very slim lead over 2008 World Champion Outrider Chad Cosgrave into the final show of the season in Edmonton, and clinched his record tying 5th World Outriding title on the final night of the season. Former outriding greats Jim Shield and Dale Gray also won 5 World Outriding championships.

Buddy Bensmiller received the WPCA Clean Drive Award, Jordie Fike was named the WPCA's Top Rookie Driver, Doug Thomson was named the WPCA's Top Rookie Outrider Award, Logan James received the Rod Glass Memorial Award for most improved outrider, and Colt Cosgrave received the Most Improved Driver Award. The WPCA Special Tribute was given to the legendary Cliff Claggett.

The horses also shared in the awards through the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence. Grant Profit's "Grandy" was named the champion Right Leader, Rick Fraser's "Nickle" was named the champion Left Leader, Hugh Sinclair's "Ciano" was named the champion Right Wheeler and Chad Harden's "Crafty" was named the champion Left Wheeler. The champion Outriding Horses were Buddy Bensmiller's "Sir" and Obrey Motowylo's "Ben."

Other award winners included Ferus Inc., Ja-Co Welding & Consulting and Darlene Bensmiller and Lisa Bensmiller-Venaas each received Active Supporter Awards, for the 3rd consecutive year the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship received the Top Race Committee Award, Billy Melville received the Media Award for the 2nd consecutive year, Al Lee received the Judging Award, and Callie and Charleigh Profit received the Ty Tournier Memorial Award.

The WPCA also gave Special Recognition to Dina Sutherland and Carolyn Sinclair for the work they did on the book entitled “Beyond the Half Mile,” which raised tens of thoundsands of dollars for the WPCA benevolent funds.

30th Annual WPCA Banquet & Awards Presentation Program SOLD OUT!

News — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:05:37 GMT

Tickets for the 30th Annual WPCA Banquet & Awards Presentation are now officially sold out – over one week before the actual event on Saturday, October 23.

The Awards Presentation promises to be a spectacular celebration with cocktails, dinner, awards and dancing. The Amber Williams Band from Rocky Mountain House, AB will be serving up country rock, country western and even classic rock following the Awards Presentation.

Tickets will not be available at the door for purchase. Sorry to anyone that missed out on purchasing tickets this year.

WOW! Women of Wagons Create Triumphant Summer

News — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:44:42 GMT

Recap on the Women of the Wagons Successful Summer Experiences

By Dina Sutherland

WOW!!! Jimmy Lou Irvine couldn’t have come up with a more appropriate name for the Women Of the Wagons. It has been a triumphant year for the Wagon Women on so many levels. We were successful in producing the wildly popular and classy Beyond the Half Mile book, we organized the very entertaining Women of the Wagons Fashion Show and Luncheon in Ponoka, we hosted children from the Rocky Mountain Youth Development Society at the barns in Rocky Mountain House, we held a profitable barbeque in Drumheller for the World Professional Chuckwagon Benevolent Fund and last but definitely not least, we were a team of dynamic women that worked together to accomplish great things for the communities we visit and our own personal wagon family. “Teamwork; together we are winners!”

There is a saying that says: To accomplish great things we must dream as well as act. This should be the Wagon Women’s mantra. In 2009, Carolyn Sinclair had the brilliant idea of producing a classy coffee table book that would showcase our wagon drivers and be a great fundraiser for the World Professional Chuckwagon Benevolent Fund. For anyone who doesn’t know Carolyn; she is a great sales woman. It took some convincing for some of us but we all jumped on the book publishing wagon and created a product that will be a part of wagon history. It was very rewarding to see a young fan walking around the wagon barns this summer collecting autographs in their newly purchased Beyond the Half Mile book. We had people emailing from all over, wondering how they could purchase the book. We even were approached to sell it in the giant bookstore Chapters. How cool is that? Carolyn’s dream would not have come to fruition without the actions of all the wagon women. Each and every lady played a part in making the book the success it was. This book has made over $50,000 for the World Professional Chuckwagon Benevolent Fund. WOW!

The Wagon Women’s Fashion Show and Luncheon was the vision of Suzanne Linklater. Unfortunately, Suzanne could not be a part of the show this year but with her guidance the Wagon Women were able to host an unforgettable luncheon this in Ponoka. The highlight for most of the attendees was Darlene Bensmiller’s, top secret, Amazing Race game. The event raised over $ 25,000 for local charities and the WPCA Benevolent Fund.

In each of the race communities the WPCA travelled to throughout the summer, the wagon women donated to a charity. They are as follows: PARDS Handicap Riding program in Grande Prairie, Victim Services in Drumheller, the Rowen House (a women’s shelter) in High River, the Youth Center in Ponoka, Haying in the 30’s (a cancer society) in Bonnyville, the Rocky Mountain Youth Development Society in Rocky Mountain House, BUGS (Bringing Up Grades after school program) in Dawson Creek, Little Bits Handicap riding program in Edmonton, a women’s shelter in Strathmore and Woods Home (a women’s shelter) in Calgary. It was very gratifying, as a group of ladies, to be able to work together to help other women and children in a time of need.

The summer was busy arranging a fashion show and orchestrating the sales of Beyond the Half Mile but we were able to squeeze in some time for local youths in Rocky Mountain House. Michelle McCurrach, Missy McDermid and Dina Sutherland hosted a group of kids from the youth program in Rocky Mountain House. The kids were able to see what it was like back at the barns, learn a little of what goes on behind the scenes, meet a few of the drivers on the tour, collect posters from them and go for a horseback ride; courtesy of Kiera Sutherland. The kids had a great morning and left with smiles on their faces.

Next, it was off to Drumheller where 99.5 Drum FM arranged for the ladies to host a barbeque on main street with the proceeds going to the WPCA Benevolent Fund. Jenn Dorchester spent the afternoon flipping 200 plus burgers and having to go for a shower afterwards. It turns out she was down wind from the grease and it got the better of her hair. These functions prove how generous people are. The burgers were donated by 99.5 FM and the people attending just donated whatever they felt for a burger; some paid up to $20 a hamburger. WOW!

Although the summer is always busy, moving from town to town and racing just about every day of the week, the Wagon Women feel it is important to remember that we are very fortunate to be able to do what we love to do everyday and that some people are not as lucky as us. This summer we have not only tried to be role models in the communities we race in but also to our ever growing wagon family.

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Harvey Northcott

News — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:09:07 GMT

Harvey Northcott

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Harvey Northcott, father of Cindy Helmig and father-in-law to chuckwagon driver Tyler Helmig on Wednesday, on September 15, 2010 at the age of 73 after a short, but courageous battle of pancreatic cancer.

Harvey was a well respected rodeo stock contractor, and during a span of 10 years in the late 1980s and early '90s, he assembled one of the strongest pens of bucking bulls ever put together. Six of them won Canadian championships - Panda in 1985, Copenhagen Payment in 1988 and 1989, Redip in 1992, Trick or Treat in 1994 and 1995, Kodiak in 1996 and Short Fuse in 1997. Another, Convoy, won the title in 1979 and Funky Chicken captured the award in 2002.

But, the cornerstone of his bucking herd was the stallion Wyatt Earp, the Canadian and National Finals Rodeo champion in 1997 and 1998. His bloodlines are highly prominent through many of today's bucking horse herds. The stud was the sire of the Stampede's six-time world and Canadian champion Grated Coconut and will be inducted into Canada's pro rodeo hall of fame next month.

Harvey is survived by his wife Eileen, 3 sons and 1 daughter, Del (Debbie), Cindy (Tyler Helmig), Ty (Gail) and Ace. He is also survived by the best six grandkids a grandpa could ask for, Dawson, Dillan & Daral Northcott, Tyce Helmig and Carly & Kaycee Northcott.

At Harvey’s request there will be no services. A social gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Kurt Browning Complex, Caroline, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation – Palliative Care Unit, P.O. Bag 5030, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6R2.

Harvey will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Helmig & Northcott families.

2010 WPCA Awards Banquet & Presentation On October 23

News — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 16:43:39 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Annual Banquets & Awards Presentation will be held on October 23, 2010 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta.

Tickets for the Annual Banquet & Awards Presentation will be going on sale to the public September 27, 2010. Drivers and outriders may purchase their tickets starting September 20, 2010.

2010 World Champion Driver:
Kelly Sutherland

2009 World Champion Outrider:
Chanse Vigen

2010 Dodge Pro Tour Champion:
Mark Sutherland

Past Member Recognition:
Cliff Claggett

Pre-Sale (Drivers & Outriders): September 20, 2010
Public Sale: September 27, 2010

For More Information:
Email: carmen.stone@wpca.com
Ph: 403-236-2466
Fax: 403-279-2247
Mail: WPCA, #3A, 2828 – 18th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1.

Mitch Sutherland Posts Top Time Of The Week On Final Night Of The Qualification Run Off

News — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:46:45 GMT

Mitch Sutherland - Best Time Of The Week On Final Day In Bashaw
Photo Courtesy Of The Western Chuckwagon Association

The final day of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off ran Sunday afternoon in Bashaw where 8 drivers were each looking to grab one of 6 available spots on the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Sunday’s results contributed to a big shake up in the standings which will see some new faces on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour next season.

All three drivers from the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour – John Walters, Chance Bensmiller and Cody Ridsdale all regained their spots for 2011 by finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively in the Run-Off Point Standings. They will be joined by 2010 Western Chuckwagon Association (WCA) drivers Dave Galloway and Mitch Sutherland who respectively placed 1st and 5th overall, with World Champion Outrider Chanse Vigen grabbing the last qualifying spot. Just missing the cut for 2011 was champion outrider Chad Fike, with WCA driver Roy Romanow placing a distant 8th.

A far as the day results go, Mitch Sutherland, driving the Ernco Interiors Outfit, posted the fastest time of the 4 day event with a 1:05.01. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 2, Sutherland earned top points by 59 one-hundreds of a second over Chad Fike who placed 2nd for the day. John Walters, Dave Galloway and Chanse Vigen rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The WPCA 2010 Awards Banquet will be held on October 23, 2010 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary. Contact the WPCA office at 403-236-2466 for more information.

Billy Melville

Dave Galloway Takes Top Time For The Second Time At The Qualification Run Off In Bashaw

News — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 20:06:46 GMT

Dave Galloway - Second Day Money Run Of The Week
Photo By Dale Sales

After 2 days of the annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off, the wagons were re-shuffled, and Dave Galloway, driving the Xplornet Internet outfit had the best time of the third night with a 1:07.46.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 3, Galloway posted the fast time of the night for the second time in 3 nights by 34 one-hundreds of a second over John Walters who placed 2nd for the night. Cody Ridsdale was third followed by Chance Bensmiller and Chad Fike who rounded out the top five on the night.

Chance Bensmiller continues to lead the run-off standings with 20 points after three runs, with Dave Galloway, Cody Ridsdale, John Walters, Chanse Vigen and Mitch Sutherland making out the top six after two nights. The top six in the point standings after tomorrow’s run will automatically qualify for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Racing will conclude on Sunday being run at 2:00pm.

CLICK ON "RACE RESULTS" UNDER "STANDINGS"

Billy Melville

Chance Bensmiller Leads Qualification Run Off After Two Nights

News — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:10:19 GMT

Chance Bensmiller- Bests All After 2 Nights In Bashaw
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 of the annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off kicked ran on Friday night in Bashaw, Alberta. 8 wagons are competing for 6 spots on the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Chance Bensmiller, driving the Cascade Services Partnership outfit had the best time of the night with a 1:06.09.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 3, Bensmiller posted the fast time of the night by 1.03 seconds over Cody Ridsdale who placed 2nd for the night, followed by Mitch Sutherland with John Walters and Chanse Vigen splitting fourth and fifth on the night.

The run put Bensmiller atop the run-off standings with 15 points, followed by Cody Ridsdale and Dave Galloway who are tied for second, with Chanse Vigen, John Walters and Mitch Sutherland making out the top six after two nights. The top six in the point standings after Sunday will automatically qualify for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Racing will continue on Saturday at 6:00pm, with the final day on Sunday being run at 2:00pm.

CLICK ON "RACE RESULTS" UNDER "STANDINGS"

Billy Melville

Stampede announces final four drivers for 2011 GMC Rangeland Derby

News — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:07:24 GMT

Calgary – The stage has been set for a fast and thundery 2011 GMC Rangeland Derby. The Calgary Stampede announced today the final four chuckwagon drivers to compete at next year’s Stampede -rounding out its lineup of 36 world-class drivers.

Troy Flad, Darcy Flad, Jamie Laboucane and Layne Bremner will join the 32 outfits who have already qualified for next year’s championship, which runs July 8 to 17. The Flad brothers, Troy from Warburg, Alta. and Darcy from Bodo, Alta., compete in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association circuit while Laboucane (from St. Walburg, Sask.) and Bremner (from Rapid View, Sask.) drive in the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association circuit.

2010 GMC Rangeland Derby Aggregate Champion Neal Walgenbach retired after this year’s derby, making way for ninth place finisher Troy Dorchester to advance into the eighth and final aggregate invitation position.

“We have the top drivers in the world to competing in the GMC Rangeland Derby,” says Paul Rosenberg, Calgary Stampede vice-president of programming. “Our invitational format ensures that the top performers from this year’s Derby receive invitations first, followed by invitations to the top drivers from each chuckwagon association based on to their season rankings. These really are the best of the best.”

GMC Rangeland Derby contestants are determined on the following basis:
    · Top eight drivers from the Calgary Stampede 2010 aggregate standings
    · Top eight drivers from the CPCA 2010 final standings
    · Top 16 drivers from the WPCA 2010 final standings
    · Four drivers are invited at the Stampede’s discretion

For more information, please contact:
Bretton Davie
Media Liaison
T 403.261.0441
C 403.437.0156
F 403.261.0190
E bdavie@calgarystampede.com

Dave Galloway Leads Opening Night Of The Qualification Run Off In Bashaw

News — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:32:30 GMT

Dave Galloway - 1st Place On 1st Night In Bashaw
Photo By Dale Sales

The annual WPCA Qualification Run Off will be run September 9 - 12, and will once again be held in Bashaw, Alberta. The top 30 wagons from the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour automatically qualify for the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. All other wagons who would like to earn the privilege to compete on the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour must do so through the qualification run off.

This year's WPCA Qualification Run-Off kicked off Thursday night in Bashaw, Alberta. 8 wagons are competing for 6 spots on the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Dave Galloway, driving the Xplornet Internet outfit opened up the Run-Off with the top time of 1:05.65.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 2, Galloway posted the fast time of the night by 31 one-hundreds of a second over Chance Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the night. Chanse Vigen, John Walters, Cody Ridsdale and Mitch Sutherland make out the top 6 after night 1. Racing will go every night at 6:30pm.

CLICK ON "RACE RESULTS" UNDER "STANDINGS"

Billy Melville

WPCA Annual Banquet Awards Presentation - Tickets on Sale SOON

News — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:15:12 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Annual Banquets & Awards Presentation will be held on October 23, 2010 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta.

Tickets for the Annual Banquet & Awards Presentation will be going on sale to the public September 27, 2010. Drivers and outriders may purchase their tickets starting September 20, 2010.

2010 World Champion Driver:
Kelly Sutherland

2009 World Champion Outrider:
Chanse Vigen

2010 Dodge Pro Tour Champion:
Mark Sutherland

Past Member Recognition:
Cliff Claggett

Pre-Sale (Drivers & Outriders): September 20, 2010
Public Sale: September 27, 2010

For More Information:
Email: carmen.stone@wpca.com
Ph: 403-236-2466
Fax: 403-279-2247
Mail: WPCA, #3A, 2828 – 18th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1.

WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Final Standings

News — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:34:15 GMT

2010 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Final Standings
Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Image Distributors Team #1	6922.5
2	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	6857.5
3	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #1	6802
5	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	6778.5
5	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	6653.5
6	H & E Oilfield Services #4	6596
7	H & E Oilfield Services #1	6525.5
8	Alberta Pressure Testing #4	6518
9	Image Distributors Team #3	6503
10	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	6457.5
11	Alberta Pressure Testing #3	6439.5
12	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	6416
13/14	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	6367
13/14	Basnett Truck Service #1	6367
15	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	6322
16	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	6266.5
17	Basnett Truck Service #2	6199
18	H & E Oilfield Services #3	6163.5
19	H & E Oilfield Services #2	6151
20	Image Distributors Team #4	5952
21	Image Distributors Team #2	5651
22	Basnett Truck Service #3	5619.5