Half Mile of Hell / WPCA News Feed

Marketing Manager Career Opportunity

News — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:04:08 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 GMC 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 GMC 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 GMC 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:
o Project management
o Implementing change
o Building strong collaborative relations with stakeholders
o Ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple deadlines
o Ability to exercise tact, discretion and good judgment

Closing Date: Monday, May 14, 2012

Please forward cover letter, including compensation expectations, and resume to:
Meghan McIvor
World Professional Chuckwagon Association
#3A 2828 18 Street NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7B1
Email: meghan.mcivor@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.

Super Sale At The Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction

News — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:38:54 GMT

2008 Ponoka Stampede Champion Doug Irvine Waives as
World Champion Auctioneer Danny Skeels Sells High At The
2012 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction
Photo By Billy Melville

The final chuckwagon canvas auction for 2012 took place for one of chuckwagon racing's premier events - the Ponoka Stampede - on Friday, May 4, 2012 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 $497,500.00 – the second highest total in Ponoka Stampede history.

The 36 drivers that will compete at the 2012 Ponoka Stampede got an overall raise of $85,000.00 over the 2011 total of $412,500.00. For the third consecutive year the Ponoka Stampede sale was the highest of all of the shows that will comprise the 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour.

Defending and eight-time Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland was the high bid at $30,000.00, up $6,000.00 over 2011’s top bid of $24,000.00. The average bid was $13,819.44 up $2,361.11 from $11,458.33 in 2011, with the median bid at $14,000.00 being up $5,000.00 from $9,000.00 in 2011.

The first stop on the WPCA GMC Pro Tour will go in Grande Prairie, Alberta from May 23 – 27, 2012 with the running of the Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

2012 Ponoka Stampede Championship
Chuckwagon Canvas Auction Results
Sale Order	Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
1	Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$30,000.00
2	Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Ltd.	$18,000.00
3	Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$18,000.00
4	Jerry Bremner	MPI Oilfield Inc.	$28,000.00
5	Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$15,000.00
6	Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$11,000.00
7	Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$14,000.00
8	Jason Glass	World Financial Group	$20,000.00
9	Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$18,000.00
10	Luke Tournier	Crystal Kids	$10,000.00
11	Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$18,000.00
12	Layne MacGillivray	ATB Financial	$16,000.00
13	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$24,000.00
14	Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$17,000.00
15	Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$13,000.00
16	Codey McCurrach	Enerplus Corporation	$18,000.00
17	Reg Johnstone	Calnash Trucking	$7,000.00
18	Cliff Cunningham	Regulators Oilfield	$9,000.00
19	Kurt Bensmiller	ECO Fuel Saver	$23,000.00
20	Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$14,000.00
21	Mike Vigen	White Owl Whisky By Highwood Distillers	$6,500.00
22	Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$18,000.00
23	John Walters	Double W Ranch	$6,500.00
24	Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$16,000.00
25	Jordie Fike	Eagle Builders LP	$8,000.00
26	Mitch Sutherland	Red Deer Motors	$9,000.00
27	Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$14,000.00
28	Cody Ridsdale	Mustang Controls	$16,000.00
29	Darcy Flad	Summer Send Off Musical Festival	$10,000.00
30	Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$15,000.00
31	Chanse Vigen	Cinch Oilfield Hauling Ltd.	$9,000.00
32	Gary Gorst	Old West Jama Corporation	$6,000.00
33	Logan Gorst	Cinch Jeans & Shirts	$6,500.00
34	Roger Moore	Ron May Consulting	$5,500.00
35	Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$5,500.00
36	Jason Johnstone	VJV Livestock Auction	$6,000.00

		Total Amount Bid	$497,500.00

		High Bid	$30,000.00

		Low Bid	$5,500.00

		Average Bid	$13,819.44

		Median Bid	$14,000.00

The 2012 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction is Right Around the Corner

News — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:53:38 GMT

2012 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction

Your last chance to be part of the Chuckwagon Action and the WPCA is just around the corner with the Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction, on Friday May 4, 2012. The 36 best drivers will be auctioned off at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds, beginning at 5:00 pm.

The Ponoka Stampede goes from, June 26 - July 2, 2012 and is celebrating 76 Years of Western Heritage and Culture at their famed rodeo and chuckwagon event. Last year's event was a battle to the very end, with father and son, Kelly and Mark Sutherland finishing first and second by a hair on the final day.

One of the biggest Chuckwagon events in the world, the Ponoka Stampede is your comapany's perfect opportunity to be part of the action. With six days of racing, thousands of fans, television and radio broadcast, and so much more, don't miss out on this unique opportunity.

You can sign up to bid online below, or come down to the Stagecoach Saloon on May 4, 2012 at 5:00 pm. For more information please visit, www.ponokastampede.com.

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Click here to register for WPCA tarp sale

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Fantastic Chuckwagon Canvas Sale For The 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour - Sale Details Included

News — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:26:06 GMT

Chuckwagon Driver John Walters (R) waives his hat as World Champion Auctioneer
Dan Skeels (L) sells him at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary
Photo By Billy Melville

If tarp prices on chuckwagons are a reflection of the economy, things in western Canada must be in pretty good shape. After a record setting sale at the 2012 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby canvas auction last Thursday, drivers from chuckwagon racing's premier chuckwagon racing circuit - the WPCA GMC Pro Tour were hoping that the trend would carry over to the sales for the professional circuit.

The 2nd chuckwagon canvas auction of the year - the WPCA GMC Pro Tour’s chuckwagon canvas auction took place on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, with remote locations in Medicine Hat, Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie 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 2012 professional chuckwagon season.

Shows up for sale included the Grande Prairie Stompede, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, North American Chuckwagon Championship, Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship, 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.

The overall total came in at $1,679,900.00 - up $134,650.00 over the 2011 total of $1,545,250.00 for the same shows. All of the seven shows were up over 2011 totals, and for the first time in history, each show crossed over the two-hundred thousand dollar mark. Kelly Sutherland was the top selling wagon at each stop with $16,000.00/show bid at all seven shows for a $112,000.00 total.

The three stars at this year's sale were the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede who showed the largest amount of growth, up a whopping $52,200.00 over it's 2011 total and breaking the two-hundred thousand dollar barrier for the first time in its history. The North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River was not far behind showing a $43,700.00 increase over 2011 with the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede showing the third largest increase over 2011 up by $37,100.00.

The top selling show of 2012 was for the Grande Prairie Stompede. It totaled a very impressive $275,450.00 up $35,950.00 over its 2011 total of $239,500.00. The average bid came in at $7,651.39 with the median bid at $7,000.00.

The 2nd highest total of the 2012 auction was the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. It totaled $263,400.00, up $32,400.00 from $231,000.00 in 2011. The average bid came in at $7,316.67 with the median bid at $6,375.00.

The 3rd highest total of the 2012 auction was the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede. It totaled $254,600.00, up $37,100.00 from $217,500.00 in 2011. The average bid came in at $7,072.22 with the median bid at $6,250.00.

4th highest total was the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House. It totaled $230,200.00, up $13,700.00 from $216,500.00 in 2011. The average bid came in at $6,394.44 with the median bid at $6,000.00.

The 5th highest total was the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River. It totaled $227,200.00, up a huge $43,700.00 from $183,500.00 in 2011. The average bid came in at $6,311.11 with the median bid at $5,750.00.

6th highest total was the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek. It totaled $226,350.00, up $13,850.00 from $212,500.00 in 2011. The average bid came in at $6,287.50 with the median bid at $6,000.00.

Although the 7th highest total went to the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, it was the first time the Medicine Hat Show Crossed the 200k mark, and showed the greatest increase of all seven shows. It totaled $202,700.00, up a whopping $52,200.00 from $150,500.00 in 2011. The average bid came in at $5,630.56 with the median bid at $4,750.00.

The final auction of the year will be for the Ponoka Stampede which will take place on Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. Last years Ponoka Stampede auction brought in a total of $412,500.00.

Billy Melville

**Grande Prairie Stompede Canvas Auction Results**
Grande Prairie, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$14,000.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$13,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$12,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	ATB Financial	$10,500.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$10,250.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$10,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$10,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$10,000.00
Mike Vigen	Zedcor	$10,000.00
Chanse Vigen	Cinch Oilfield Hauling Ltd.	$10,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$9,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Tiggo Transport	$8,500.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$8,000.00
John Walters	Drifters Casing Service	$7,500.00
Jordie Fike	Eagle Builders LP	$7,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Mircana Oilfield	$7,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$7,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Savers	$6,750.00
Colt Cosgrave	Keddies Tack & Western Wear	$6,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$6,500.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$6,250.00
Cody Ridsdale	Triple K Oilfield Services	$6,250.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$6,000.00
Darcy Flad	Spur's Cookhouse & Dance Hall	$6,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Horizon Hauling	$6,000.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$5,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Luke Tournier	Happy Trails RV	$4,000.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Reg Johnstone	H & M Meats	$3,500.00
Roger Moore	Ensign Rockwell	$3,300.00
Logan Gorst	Bonnett's Energy Corp.	$3,250.00
Gary Gorst	Scooter's Transfer Ltd.	$3,200.00

	Total Amount Bid	$275,450.00

	Average Bid	$7,651.39

	Median Bid	$7,000.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$3,200.00

**Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Medicine Hat, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$12,000.00
Jason Glass	World Financial Group	$12,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Tri-Mak Electrical Inc.	$8,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Wildflower Ranch - Cancorp Property Group	$7,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$7,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$6,500.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$6,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$5,750.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$5,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Jacar Energy Services	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Saver	$5,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$5,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,500.00
Luke Tournier	Porter & MacLean Livestock Management	$4,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Weir Construction Ltd.	$4,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Mike Vigen	Zedcor	$4,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$4,500.00
Chanse Vigen	Dynamic Industrial Solutions	$4,500.00
John Walters	Sienna Concracting	$4,250.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$4,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Alberta 1 Call	$3,900.00
Cody Ridsdale	Essential Coil & Stimulation Services	$3,750.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$3,500.00
Darcy Flad	Medicine Hat New Holland	$3,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Regulator's Oil Field Hauling Ltd.	$2,750.00
Roger Moore	Rusway Construction Ltd.	$2,100.00
Gary Gorst	Medicine Hat Exhibition	$2,000.00
Logan Gorst	Medicine Hat Exhibition	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$202,700.00

	Average Bid	$5,630.56

	Median Bid	$4,750.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

**North American Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results**
High River, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Jason Glass	World Financial Group	$13,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$10,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Tri-Mak Electrical Inc.	$10,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$9,500.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$9,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Horizon Drilling Inc.	$8,500.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,000.00
Jordie Fike	Eagle Builders LP	$7,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Gunther's Masonry Construction Ltd.	$7,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$7,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$6,500.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$6,500.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,000.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Rigfuel Oilfield Refueling	$6,000.00
Troy Dorchester	LaFarge Canada Ltd.	$5,500.00
John Walters	Becker Exploration	$5,100.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Darcy Flad	Worldwide Engineering	$5,000.00
Chanse Vigen	Cinch Oilfield Hauling Ltd.	$5,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Bill Niemans Water Well Drilling	$4,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$4,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Okotoks Rentals	$4,250.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$4,000.00
Roger Moore	Manteo Group of Companies	$3,750.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Mike Vigen	White Owl Whisky By Highwood Distillers	$3,600.00
Cliff Cunningham	Peter Niemans Water Well Drilling	$3,500.00
Jason Johnstone	Hairbrake	$3,000.00
Gary Gorst	Ram Trucks	$2,900.00
Logan Gorst	Chariot Express	$2,900.00

	Total Amount Bid	$227,200.00

	Average Bid	$6,311.11

	Median Bid	$5,750.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,900.00

**Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results**
Bonnyville, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$15,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$13,500.00
Jerry Bremner	MPI Oilfield	$11,500.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$11,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Moko Oilfield	$10,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$10,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$10,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$9,500.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,500.00
Jason Glass	NOV Tuboscope Canada	$8,000.00
Luke Tournier	Site Energy Services Ltd./Tri-City	$8,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$8,000.00
Roger Moore	Rusway Construction Ltd.	$7,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$7,000.00
John Walters	TICA Enterprise	$7,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Saver	$6,750.00
Grant Profit	Pride of the Lakeland	$6,500.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,250.00
Mike Vigen	Hamel's Meat Market	$6,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$6,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$5,500.00
Tim Haroldson	Scorpion Industries	$5,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Welder's Inc.	$5,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$5,250.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Jordie Fike	Triple T Greenery	$5,000.00
Darcy Flad	All Star Hauling	$5,000.00
Chanse Vigen	Apex Distribution	$5,000.00
Gary Gorst	Kal Tire	$5,000.00
Logan Gorst	Tercier Motors Ltd.	$4,750.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Jason Johnstone	Cougar Fuels Ltd.	$4,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Prairie Tech Oilfield Services Ltd.	$3,700.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Cliff Cunningham	Mircana Oilfield	$3,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$263,400.00

	Average Bid	$7,316.67

	Median Bid	$6,375.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$3,500.00

**Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Strathmore, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Wildflower Ranch - Cancorp Property Group	$12,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$12,000.00
Jason Glass	World Financial Group	$12,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	ATB Financial	$11,000.00
Luke Tournier	Friends of Heritage Park	$10,500.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$10,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$10,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$9,500.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Team Rig & Supply/Decarson Rentals	$8,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,000.00
Jordie Fike	Eagle Builders LP	$7,500.00
Hugh Sinclair	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.	$7,250.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$7,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Saver	$6,750.00
Tim Haroldson	Strathmore Station	$6,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$6,500.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$6,000.00
Gary Gorst	Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning/Byron Smith Ford	$6,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Strathmore Motor Products	$5,500.00
John Walters	Kal Tire Strathmore	$5,500.00
Logan Gorst	Chariot Express	$5,500.00
Chanse Vigen	Cinch Oilfield Hauling Ltd.	$5,250.00
Darcy Flad	Worldwide Engineering	$5,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Chinook Credit Union	$4,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Mike Vigen	Rob Knight Trucklines	$4,500.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$4,500.00
Evan Salmond	BlackJack Livestock Co.	$4,250.00
Grant Profit	Rigfuel Oilfield Refueling	$4,000.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Roger Moore	Rusway Construction Ltd.	$3,650.00
Cody Ridsdale	EPCOR Water Services	$3,500.00
Jason Johnstone	H & H Huxted Enterprises	$3,250.00

	Total Amount Bid	$254,600.00

	Average Bid	$7,072.22

	Median Bid	$6,250.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$3,250.00

**Battle of the North Canvas Auction Results**
Dawson Creek, B.C.
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends Sutherland Racing	$15,000.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$13,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$10,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Tiggo Transport Ltd.	$8,500.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Dawson Creek Exhibition	$7,500.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$7,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	Northern Truck Services (1994) Ltd.	$6,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$6,500.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$6,500.00
Troy Dorchester	DGS Astro Paving	$6,000.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Mircana Oilfield	$6,000.00
John Walters	Arrow Insurance Agency Ltd.	$6,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$6,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$6,000.00
Jason Johnstone	Horizon Hauling	$6,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Exploration	$5,750.00
Tim Haroldson	T & M Racing	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Saver	$5,500.00
Chanse Vigen	Cinch Oilfield Hauling Ltd.	$5,250.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Mike Vigen	Regulator's Oil Field Hauling Ltd.	$5,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Darcy Flad	Rock New York Bar Ranch	$4,250.00
Luke Tournier	Happy Trails RV	$4,000.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Horizon Drilling Inc.	$3,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Daler Pressure Services Ltd.	$3,000.00
Grant Profit	VJV Dawson Creek Auction	$2,500.00
Roger Moore	Dawson Creek Exhibition	$2,300.00
Gary Gorst	Bonnett's Energy Corp.	$2,100.00
Logan Gorst	Patterson Cattle Company

	Total Amount Bid	$226,350.00

	Average Bid	$6,287.50

	Median Bid	$6,000.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,100.00

**Battle of the Rockies Canvas Auction Results**
Rocky Mountain House, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$16,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	TOMCO Group of Companies	$15,000.00
Jason Glass	World Financial Group	$11,000.00
Jerry Bremner	W. Pidhirney Welding Ltd.	$10,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$9,500.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$9,500.00
Troy Dorchester	Eldorado Pressure	$9,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$8,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting Ltd.	$8,000.00
Jordie Fike	Eagle Builders LP	$7,500.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Wellmax Oilfield Ltd.	$7,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Roadtrek	$7,000.00
Evan Salmond	Phoenix Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	$7,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Saver	$6,750.00
Mark Sutherland	Friends of Sutherland Racing	$6,000.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfire Suppression Services	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$6,000.00
Mitch Sutherland	Hitch'em Oilfield Hauling	$6,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$5,500.00
Tim Haroldson	Edwards Garage Ltd.	$5,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Triple K Oilfield Services	$5,500.00
Luke Tournier	J & L Supply Co. Ltd.	$5,000.00
Mike Vigen	Nelson Bros. Oilfield Services (1997) Ltd.	$4,700.00
Cliff Cunningham	BlackJack Livestock Co.	$4,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,500.00
Dave Galloway	CSI Canada Safety	$3,700.00
Darcy Flad	Bonnett's Energy Corp.	$3,500.00
Chanse Vigen	Terra Firma Resources	$3,500.00
Logan Gorst	Skyline Collision Ltd.	$3,500.00
Gary Gorst	Speight Construction	$3,100.00
John Walters	McMeekin Resources Ltd.	$2,750.00
Roger Moore	Henry's Western Wear	$2,600.00
Jason Johnstone	RMCA	$2,600.00
Grant Profit	RMCA	$2,500.00
Reg Johnstone	RMCA	$2,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$230,200.00

	Average Bid	$6,394.44

	Median Bid	$6,000.00

	High Bid	$16,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,500.00

Be Part of the Action, 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour Canvas Auction!

News — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:48:48 GMT

WPCA GMC Pro Tour Canvas Auction

(For Immediate Release…)The 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour Canvas Auction is Tuesday, April 3, 2012. This is your chance to be part of the action for the upcoming chuckwagon season. The GMC Pro Tour is a cornerstone of Western Heritage, and is supported by thousands of fans, followed by the best media, and supported by the greatest sponsors in sport.
2011 was a historic season in chuckwagon racing, the King, Kelly Sutherland won a record 12th World Title in a hard battled fight to the top. The excitement continues into 2012, with greats like Grant Profit, Troy Dorchester, and Jerry Bremner all looking for their shot at glory.
The WPCA also welcomes some exciting new faces, starting with a new title sponsor at the reigns, GMC. Hoping for some rookie luck are, Gary and Logan Gorst, and Roger Moore from the CPCA, and making his pro debut is Chanse Vigen. These new faces make the WPCA stronger, and more exciting moving into the new season. The Gorsts and Moore are familiar faces from the Calgary Stampede and are excited to be part of the WPCA. Chanse Vigen, a World Champion Outrider, and son of great, Mike Vigen, knows what it takes to win and will be bringing that fire and speed to the wagon box.
This season is sure to be the best yet, and the WPCA wants to invite you to get it all started on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 for the official kickoff, the Canvas Auction. Beginning at 4:00 pm at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, and satellite locations in, Grande Prairie, Rocky Mountain House, Bonnyville, and Medicine Hat, the tour auction is your chance to join in the action!
To register, please visit, www.halfmileofhell.com. We’d love to see you there and have your group join the team for the 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour!

To sign up as a sponsor please follow the instructions below. If you would like more information please download the Sponsor Package, or contact WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor meghan.mcivor@wpca.com or 403.236.2466.

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Records Fall At The Centennial Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction

News — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:40:03 GMT

2011 Winner-Take-All-Finalists (L-R): Kelly Sutherland, Reg Johnstone, Kurt Bensmiller, Jerry Bremner just prior to the start of the record auction in Calgary
Photo By Billy Melville

Records fell at the first chuckwagon canvas auction of the year for the Centennial Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Archie Boyce Theatre on Stampede Park in Calgary Alberta.

Defending Rangeland Derby Champion Kelly Sutherland set a record for the highest single bid when Tervita paid an incredible $300,000.00 for the 12-time champion. That beat the previous high bid of $210,000.00, also for Kelly Sutherland in 2008 by $90,000.00. The overall total for the sale was a record $4,015,000.00 beating the 2007 record total of $4,003,500.00 by $11,500.00.

$2,895,000.00 of the total was bid on the 25 drivers that will represent the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) at this year’s Calgary Stampede, for an average bid of $115,800.00/driver. In comparison, $1,120,000.00 was bid on the 11 drivers representing the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association, for an average bid of $101,818.18/driver. As mentioned previously, defending Calgary Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland was the high bid at $300,000.00, up $130,000.00 from 2011’s top bid of $170,000.00, also for Sutherland.

The average bid on all 36 wagons was $111,527.78 up $32,638.89 from $78,888.89 in 2011, with the median bid being $110,000.00 up $35,000.00 from $75,000.00 in 2011. It was the highest average and median bids of all time as well.

Unsuccessful bidders will still be able to by a wagon at the 2012 WPCA GMC Tour chuckwagon canvas auction to be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Check www.halfmileofhell.com for further details.

Billy Melville

2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby
Chuckwagon Canvas Auction Results
Sale Order	Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
1	Kelly Sutherland	Tervita	$300,000.00
2	Reg Johnstone	Manteo Group of Companies	$120,000.00
3	Kurt Bensmiller	Eco Fuel Saver	$115,000.00
4	Jerry Bremner	CEDA International	$120,000.00
5	Rick Fraser	Northwell Oilfield Hauling (2009) Inc.	$110,000.00
6	Wayne Knight	Express Employment Professionals	$100,000.00
7	Vern Nolin	Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP	$120,000.00
8	Kirk Sutherland	Ghostpine Environmental Services Ltd.	$95,000.00
9	Luke Tournier	Ten Day Tarmac Babies	$140,000.00
10	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$125,000.00
11	Chad Harden	Crow Enterprises Ltd.	$130,000.00
12	Colt Cosgrave	Tsuu T'ina First Nation	$120,000.00
13	Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$100,000.00
14	Mark Sutherland	The Cowboy's Posse	$110,000.00
15	Roger Moore	The Legends	$95,000.00
16	Hugh Sinclair	Poseidon Concepts	$120,000.00
17	Rae Croteau Jr.	Dene-COR Construction Ltd.	$100,000.00
18	Jason Glass	Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick	$135,000.00
19	Troy Dorchester	Fireside of Cochrane	$115,000.00
20	Ray Mitsuing	Sandlewood Developments Ltd.	$90,000.00
21	Brian Laboucane	The Mavericks Chuckwagon Team	$105,000.00
22	Gary Gorst	Friends of the Calgary Food Bank	$150,000.00
23	Shane Nolin	Noralta Lodge	$110,000.00
24	Buddy Bensmiller	Pidherney's	$150,000.00
25	Tim Haroldson	Darcy Simoneau	$110,000.00
26	Logan Gorst	RigSat Communications	$110,000.00
27	Jamie Laboucane	Friends of the Mavericks	$105,000.00
28	Troy Flad	Rocky Mountain Equipment	$80,000.00
29	Cliff Cunningham	Purolator	$90,000.00
30	Mike Vigen	Dene-COR Construction Ltd./ The Legends	$80,000.00
31	Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$100,000.00
32	Layne MacGillivray	BKDI Architects	$100,000.00
33	Devin Mitsuing	looktogive.com	$70,000.00
34	B.J. Carey	Olympia Trust Company	$65,000.00
35	Codey McCurrach	ATB Financial	$80,000.00
36	John Walters	Heninger Toyota / Chickwagon! Foundation for Women	$50,000.00

		Total Amount Bid	$4,015,000.00

		High Bid	$300,000.00

		Low Bid	$50,000.00

		Average Bid	$111,527.78

		Median Bid	$110,000.00

Be Part Of History - Chuckwagon Canvas Auction for 100th Calgary Stampede On Thursday

News — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:32:40 GMT

The unofficial start to the 2012 chuckwagon season will kick off on Thursday, March 29th with the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Canvas Auction.

It's a chance for potential advertisers to be a part of history at the Centennial Calgary Stampede. 27 of the 36 drivers who will be auctioned off are schedulled to compete on the 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour, with the balance of the drivers schedulled to compete on the 2012 CPCA circuit.

The auction will take place at the Boyce Theatre at Stampede Park in Calgary with a reception at 3:30pm and the auction to follow at 5:00pm. For more information go to http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/chuckwagon-races/canvas-auction/.

If you happen to miss out on the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction, the opportunity to sponsor a chuckwagon on chuckwagon racing's premier racing circuit - the WPCA GMC Pro Tour - will take place on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. If you would like more information please contact WPCA Marketing Manager, Meghan McIvor at meghan.mcivor@wpca.com or call 403.236.2466.

Keep checking www.halfmileofhell.com for all the details on the 2012 Chuckwagon Canvas Auctions.

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.

The WPCA and GMC join forces in 2012

News — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:41:31 GMT

New Hands take the Lines in 2012

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is about to begin their 2012 season, with a new title sponsor taking the lead. The WPCA Pro Tour is proud to announce GMC, and the Alberta GMC dealers as the title sponsor for the GMC Pro Tour. This partnership is a natural fit for both groups, who now look forward to working together to develop sustainable chuckwagon racing in Western Canada.

“Having GMC on board is huge for us,” explains WPCA President, Pat Powell. “We are looking forward to working with this class organization, developing a lasting partnership into the future.” The World Professional Chuckwagon Association has been bringing chuckwagon races to Western Canada for over 30 years, and credits its success to the support of its sponsors.

“GMC, and the Alberta GM Dealers, are proud of our longtime support for chuckwagon racing across the West at various levels, including the GMC Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede, and are excited about our new relationship with the WPCA,” said Mike Degutis, Marketing Manager - Western Canada, General Motors of Canada. “We and our dealers are looking forward to being part of these great events in each community.”

“On behalf of all chuckwagon drivers, we proudly welcome GMC as a World Professional Chuckwagon partner,” adds 12 GMC Rangeland Derby Champion, Kelly Sutherland. “I trust this new partnership will be extremely rewarding for both parties.” No stranger to success, Sutherland has been with the WPCA since its inception, and continues to be the most recognizable face in the sport.

It is with the support of its great sponsors that the WPCA is able to showcase western heritage and culture in the communities in which they race. The 2012 season looks to be the best yet, with tour stops all across Alberta and northern British Columbia. The 36 best chuckwagon racers in the world are vying for top prize money and their chance at the GMC World Championship Truck and belt buckle, which will be awarded in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta at the end of the season.

2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour Canvas Auction is here!

News — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:19:31 GMT

2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour Auction

The 2012 WPCA GMC Pro Tour is right around the corner. For your chance to be part of the action don’t miss out on the Canvas Auction, taking place, Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Being a canvas sponsor and supporter of the WPCA comes with many great benefits, hosting opportunities, advertising, and of course supporting Western Culture and Heritage.

There will be auction locations in Calgary, Bonnyville, Rocky Mountain House, Medicine Hat, and Grande Prairie. The WPCA would like to invite all interested fans, supporters, sponsors, and media to join us on April 3 at their preferred location. It will be a fun evening of bidding, and a great kick off to the 2012 season.

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5th Horseshoe Cup To Be Played Friday, March 9, 2012 in Big Valley

News — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:15:11 GMT

It will be the Battle of Big Valley as the showdown between the Professional Chuckwagon Men and the Pro Rodeo Cowboys has returned once again. The 5th Horseshoe Cup will be played on Friday, March 9, 2012 in Big Valley, Alberta starting at 4:30pm. A dance will follow at the Big Valley Hall. The Women of the Wagons will take on the Women of Professional Rodeo in the first women's hockey game with the men's game to follow at 7:30.

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 in 2009 and again in 2011 with no game held in 2010. The game features many of the big names of Professional Chuckwagon Racing and Professional Rodeo. With each side winning two games a piece in the first four years, this year's game should be exciting as both sides are battling for superiority.

Tickets are $5 at the door for the game and $10 to attend the dance and auction. For more information or call the WPCA office at 403-236-2466.

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
Hellfire 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 of 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

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.

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

Grant Profit Caps A Great Season By Winning The 2010 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby

News — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:59:16 GMT

2010 Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby Champions
Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Tailor Made Insurance's Greg Knott Presenting, Outrider Chance Flad, Driver Grant Profit,
Ja-Co Welding & Consulting's Don Adams, Outrider Chanse Vigen,
Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby's Bruce Pennock Presenting
Photo By Carmen Stone

The 2010 professional chuckwagon racing season is in the books, and the final race of 2010 was an exciting finish to an outstanding season. Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. Outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Chanse Vigen, captured Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby at the season ending Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships for 2010.

Coming off barrel position number 3 in the sudden death championship final heat number 9, Grant Profit, despite a 1 second late outrider penalty, won the 2010 Edmonton Championship by posting the best time of 1:16.89, and won the heat by just 4 one-hundreds of a second over aggregate leader Mike Vigen who was runner up with a penalty free run from barrel position number 1. Layne MacGillivray, who was making his first appearance in a WPCA sudden death final, had a penalty free run and placed third from barrel position number 2, leaving Luke Tournier in 4th place in the sudden death final with a penalty free run from barrel number 4.

Top time of the night went to Mark Sutherland, driving the York Realty Inc. outfit with a time of 1:16.82 from barrel position number 1 in the opening heat. Grant Profit was 2nd for the night 7 one-hundreds of a second behind the day winner Mark Sutherland. Jerry Bremner and Mike Vigen split 3rd and 4th for the night, with Obrey Motowylo rounding out the top 5.

The annual WPCA Qualification Run Off is set for 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. Racing will go every night at 6:30pm.

Congratulations to the 2010 World Champions, driver Kelly Sutherland and outrider Chanse Vigen, and many thanks to all the corporate partners, support staff and chuckwagon fans all along the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Enjoy a safe and prosperous off-season, and we will see you all in 2011.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Wins 11th World Chuckwagon Championship; Chanse Vigen Wins 5th Outriding Championship; Final Of Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Set

News — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:37:00 GMT

Kelly Sutherland (L): 2010 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver
Chanse Vigen (R): 2010 World Champion Outrider
Photo By Dina Sutherland

A little rain fell just before racing started on day 4 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton, but nothing would damper the spirits of Kelly Sutherland who clinched his record setting 11th career World Chuckwagon Championship Saturday night. Sutherland captured the World Chuckwagon Championship with 1,393.5 points; 68.5 points better than 2-time World Champion Buddy Bensmiller. Grant Profit ended up in 3rd place overall, with 2-time Calgary Stampede Champion Luke Tournier finishing in 4th place with reigning World Champion Jason Glass rounding out the top 5. Chanse Vigen was named the World Champion Outrider, and has now equaled Jim Shield and Dale Gray for the most number of World Outriding titles won.

The sudden death championship final heat for Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby has now been set. Former Edmonton finalist Mike Vigen will be joined by Luke Tournier, along with Grant Profit and Layne MacGillivray, who drove for injured driver Grant Profit tonight, and will be making his first appearance in a WPCA sudden death final. Chance Bensmiller finished in 5th place overall, 96 one-hundreds of a second out of the top four. The sudden death final will be run Sunday night.

As far as nightly results go, night 4 of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby saw Layne MacGillivray, driving injured driver Grant Profit’s Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit, post the top time of the night with a time of 1:16.67.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 8, MacGillivray pioleted the Profit outfit to top money by 68 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night. Mike Vigen, Kurt Bensmiller and Luke Tournier rounded out the top 5 times on the night

The final day of the professional chuckwagon season will end in Edmonton on Sunday night with racing starting at 7:00pm with live coverage also 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

Chance Bensmiller Wins Day Money, While Kelly Sutherland Has All But Wrapped Up 11th World Title

News — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:34:18 GMT

Chance Bensmiller - Back In Contention After Night 3 In Edmonton
Photo By Paul Easton

It was another perfect night of chuckwagon racing on Day 3 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton. Kelly Sutherland, for all intensive purposes has wrapped up his 11th World Chuckwagon Championship as he leads 2-time World Champion Buddy Bensmiller by 73 points with one official run to go. Sutherland sits atop the World Standings with 1,288 points; 73 points better than Buddy Bensmiller, with defending World Champion Jason Glass sitting in 3rd place in the World Standings with 1,181.5 points after 3 nights of running in Edmonton. The World Champions will be known after tomorrow’s run, with no points being awarded on Sunday when the sudden death championship final heat will declare the winner of the 2010 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

As far as day results are concerned, Night 3 of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby saw 2008 Battle of the North Champion Chance Bensmiller, driving the Pennock Acheson Nielsen Devaney outfit, post the fastest time of the night with a 1:16.73.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 1, Bensmiller won the day money by 12 one-hundreds of a second over last year’s Edmonton finalist Troy Flad who placed 2nd, followed by Luke Tournier, Reg Johnstone and Mike Vigen rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Mike Vigen continues to lead the aggregate standings with a 3-day total time of 3:54.59. Luke Tournier, Reg Johnstone and Chance Bensmiller make up the top 4, with day 2 winner Grant Profit still just on the outside sitting in 5th place overall, 16 one-hundreds of a second out of the 4th and final qualifying spot in Sunday’s final. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the 2010 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

Events from the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby will continue every night until Sunday at 7:00pm with live coverage heard live each night also 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

Chance Bensmiller Wins Day Money, While Kelly Sutherland Has All But Wrapped Up 11th World Title

News — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:33:20 GMT

Chance Bensmiller - Back In Contention After Night 3 In Edmonton
Photo By Paul Easton

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland One Step Closer To 11th World Title; Near Track Record For Grant Profit

News — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:46:15 GMT

Grant Profit - Near Track Record On Night 2 In Edmonton
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 2 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton ran Wednesday night under perfect weather conditions. Current world point’s leader Kelly Sutherland still sits atop the World Standings with 1,278 points; 72 points better than Buddy Bensmiller, with defending World Champion Jason Glass sitting in 3rd place in the World Standings with 1,153.5 points after 2 nights of running in Edmonton. The World Champion will be declared on Saturday night, with no points being awarded on Sunday.

Night 2 of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby saw former Edmonton finalist Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, post the fastest time over the 2 nights so far with a near track record run of 1:15.68.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 8, Profit won the day money by 47 one-hundreds of a second over Luke Tournier who placed 2nd for the night, followed by Jerry Bremner, Mike Vigen and Troy Dorchester rounding out the top 5 for the night. Profit’s run was just 13 one-hundreds of a second shy of Hugh Sinclair’s 1999 track record of 1:15.55.

Mike Vigen now leads the aggregate standings with a 2-day total time of 2:37.26. Luke Tournier, Reg Johnstone and Buddy Bensmiller make up the top 4, with day 2 winner Grant Profit just on the outside sitting in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the 2010 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

Events from the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby will continue every night at 7:00pm with live coverage heard live each night also 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

Kelly Sutherland and Buddy Bensmiller Dead Heat: No Change in The Spread Atop World Standings

News — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:07:49 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - Fast Time Of Night 1 In Edmonton
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a perfect September evening at the final stop of 2010 at the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton. Kelly Sutherland, in search of his eleventh career World Chuckwagon Championship held the status quo in the World Standings after ending up in a dead heat with Buddy Bensmiller who started the night in 2nd place in the World Standings. Sutherland leads with 1,265 points, 87 points better than 2-time World Champion Buddy Bensmiller with the defending World Champion Jason Glass sitting in for 3rd place in the World Standings after night 1 in Edmonton. The World Champion will be declared on Saturday night, with no points being awarded on Sunday.

In the race for Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby, former champion Kirk Sutherland, driving the Pipestone Carriers Inc. outfit, opened up the season finale with the top time of 1:18.96.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 2, Kirk Sutherland placed first overall for the day with his second wagon by just 5 one-hundreds of a second over Cliff Cunningham who placed 2nd, followed by Mike Vigen in 3rd, with Layne MacGillivray and Kurt Bensmiller rounding out the top 5 for the night. Kirk Sutherland is replacing Brian Mayan who is unable to compete. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

Billy Melville

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Maxine (Lyster) Johnstone

News — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:07:39 GMT

Maxine (Lyster) Johnstone
February 22 1929 - August 29 2010

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Maxine Johnstone, mother of driver Reg Johnstone and grandmother of driver Jason Johnstone and former outrider Wade "Butch" Stewart., on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at the age of 81.

Maxine was and avid chuchwagon fan. She had a life long passion of chuckwagon racing that was initiated by her brothers Argyll, Ivor, Ori, Jack and Erwin Lyster, and carried on by her son Reg and grandsons Jason and Wade "Butch". If she wasn't at the races in person, she was tuned into them on her radio, with pen and paper in hand to keep track of the times. Maxine will be remembered and mourned by the entire Bashaw community.

Her funeral will be held on September 07 at 2 pm in Bashaw at the community hall. Everyone wishing to celebrate Max's life is welcome.

Funeral serives will be held on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 2:00pm in Bashaw, Alberta at the community hall. Everyone wishing to celebrate Max's life is welcome.

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

Grant Profit Makes Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Second Win of 2010

News — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 18:54:49 GMT

2010 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champions
Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chad Cosgrave, Driver Grant Profit, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Eddie Melville

It was a little overcast on Sunday afternoon in Drumheller for the final day of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. When the times were all calculated, Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. Outfit, established a new track record and captured the 2010 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Chanse Vigen after posting the best 3 day aggregate time of 3:23.08. It’s the second win of the year for Grant Profit and Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.

2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion Mark Sutherland finished 2nd overall, 3.06 seconds behind the champion Grant Profit, with Obrey Motowylo, Rae Croteau Jr. and Colt Cosgrave filling out the top five overall.

As far as the day results are concerned, Profit’s Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit, posted a 1:06.21 and beat the existing track record set by Neal Walgenbach in 2007 by 9 one-hundreds of a second. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 9 Grant Profit won the day by 1.7 seconds over Evan Salmond who placed second, followed by Buddy Bensmiller, Tim Haroldson and Colt Cosgrave.

The final stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be in Edmonton for the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championship and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby starting on Wednesday, September 1 until Sunday, September 5, 2010. Racing will start every night at 7:00pm. Coverage of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championship and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live each night starting 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

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Terry Croteau

News — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:45:54 GMT

Therese Clara Marie Anna "Terry" Croteau (Rivard)
1928 - 2010

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Terry Croteau, wife of former driver Ray Croteau, mother of former driver Bert Croteau and grandmother of current driver Rae Croteau Jr., on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at the age of 82 after a lengthy illness.

Terry amazed us with her faith, her strength and her courage. After a lengthy debilitating illness of Alzheimer’s combined with Post-Polio, she was cared for at the Bonnyville Extendicare. Terry is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Raymond (Ray Croteau) of Bonnyville, AB. Her seven children, fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.

Funeral serives will be held on Monday, August 30th, 2010 2:00pm at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church in Bonnyville, Alberta with internment to follow at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial tributes in memory of Terry may be made to the following;
Bonnyville Health Foundation, 5001 Lakeshore Drive, Bag 1008, Bonnyville, AB T9N 2J7
Post Polio Research- Wildrose Polio Support Society, 132 – Warwick Road Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6X 4P8
Alzheimer Society, 1053 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1
Please send condolences at www.mementofuneralchapel.com

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

Grant Profit Tops All On Night 2 Of The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:53:07 GMT

Grant Profit - 1st Place In Drumheller
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a bit cooler on Saturday night in the Drumheller for the second night of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. 2010 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede champion Grant Profit who posted the top run of the meet so far with a 1:07.47.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 9, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit, placed first on the night by 37 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed second for the day. Day 1 winner Mark Sutherland ended up in third place the night, followed by Hugh Sinclair in fourth, with Luke Tournier and Jordie Fike splitting fifth and sixth overall on the night .

The day money run vaulted Grant Profit to the top of the aggregate standings with a 2-day combined time of 2:16.87. That puts him just 15 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Mark Sutherland who sits second overall at 2:17.02, followed by Obrey Motowylo in third, Luke Tournier in fourth, with Hugh Sinclair and Reg Johnstone tied for fifth and sixth overall after 2 runs. The wagon with the best aggregate time after 3 days will be declared the 2010 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion.

The final day of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby from Drumheller will run on Sunday at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby can be heard live starting at 3:45pm on Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Mark Sutherland Leads Day 1 Of The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:51:20 GMT

Mark Sutherland - Best On Day 1 In Drumheller
Photo By Paul Easton

After inclement weather originally caused it to be to run back in June, the it was a warm summer night in the Drumheller, and a large crowd witnessed some great chuckwagon racing on night one of the re-scheduled Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour champion Mark Sutherland opened up the event with the top run of the night with a 1:08.68

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 5, Sutherland, driving the Global Signs & Graphics Ltd. outfit, placed first on the night by just 20 one-hundreds of a second over 3-time Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Rae Croteau Jr. who placed second for the day. Last week’s champion from Rocky Mountain House Rick Fraser placed third followed by Grant Profit and Tim Haroldson rounding out the top five for the night. The wagon with the best aggregate time after 3 days will be declared the 2010 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion.

Day 2 of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby from Drumheller will continue on Saturday at 7:00pm with Sunday’s finals running at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby can be heard live Friday and Saturday starting at 6:45pm and 3:45pm on Sunday 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 Captures Inaugural Battle of the Rockies Championship

News — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:03:17 GMT

2010 Battle of the RockiesChampions
Neway Oilfield Services
Outrider Jason Lemieux, Driver Rick Fraser, Outrider Chad Fike
Photo By Billy Melville

Rains fell hard on the fourth run in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, the Battle of the Rockies wrapped up on Sunday afternoon in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. When the soggy day ended, it was Rick Fraser, driving the Neway Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Chad Fike and Jason Lemieux, that captured the inaugural Battle of the Rockies after posting the best four day aggregate time of 5:18.08. It was a near perfect show for Rick Fraser who took day money on 3 out of 4 nights and established the track record on opening night.

2010 Grande Prairie Stompede champion Rae Croteau ended up in second place overall, 3.01 seconds behind the winner Rick Fraser. Layne MacGillivray finished third overall, with Doug Irvine and Troy Flad filling out the top five for the four day show.

As far as the day results are concerned, Rick Fraser posted the fast time of the day with a 1:20.35. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 5, Fraser, driving the Neway Oilfield Services outfit, placed first on the night by 98 one-hundreds of a second over Tim Haroldson who placed second for the day. Rae Croteau Jr., Layne MacGillivray and Barry Hodgson rounded out the top five for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now move onto Drumheller for the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby starting on Friday, August 27 until Sunday, August 29, 2010. Friday and Saturday races will start at 7:00pm with Sunday’s finals running at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby can be heard live Friday and Saturday starting at 6:45pm and 3:45pm on Sunday 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 Back On Top After Day 3 Of The Battle Of The Rockies

News — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:13:51 GMT

Rick Fraser - First In All Categories After Day 3 In Rocky Mountain House
Photo By Paul Easton

After overnight rains put the Night 3 of the Battle of the Rockies in some doubt, the races were run in front of a capacity crowd, and for the second time in 3 days, Rick Fraser placed first for the night with a run of 1:20.15.

Coming off barrel 4 in heat 5, Fraser, driving the Neway Oilfield Services Outfit, won first place for the second time this week by 49 one-hundreds of a second over rookie driver Jordie Fike who placed second on the night. Kelly Sutherland, Troy Flad and Tim Haroldson rounded out the top five for the night.

The day money run put Rick Fraser back atop the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day combined time of 3:57.73. He leads the overall by 1.56 seconds over day 2 leader Rae Croteau Jr. with Troy Flad, Jordie Fike and Grant Profit filling out the top five overall after 3 runs. The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days will be declared the 2010 Battle of the Rockies Champion.

The final run of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta will go Sunday at 2:00pm. Live radio coverage of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, 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

WPCA Outriders Clean Up For Benevolent Fund

News — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:45:51 GMT

Bauer Country Wide Home Furnishing held their first annual Outrider Car Wash today during the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. The World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s Ferus Outriders scrubbed and cleaned from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. More than $850 was raised from the car wash and BBQ which went to support the WPCA Outrider Benevolent Fund.

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

Thank you to the Rocky Mountain House Chuckwagon Association, Bauer’s Country Wide Home Furnishings, B & R Eckels Transport, DDR Steam Trucks and Leanne Bauer for your support.

Chad Harden Wins Day 2 At The Battle Of The Rockies

News — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:37:06 GMT

Chad Harden - Fastest On Day 2 In Rocky Mountain House
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 2 of the inaugural Battle of the Rockies was again a great night of racing witnessed by a capacity crowd in in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Former Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Chad Harden placed first for the night with a run of 1:18.43.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 8, Harden, driving the ConocoPhillips Supporting Farm Safety Outfit, won the first place cheque on the night by 29 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed second on the night. Jason Glass, Chance Bensmiller and Shane Cartier rounded out the top five for the night. Brian Mayan received an average time for his run tonight.

With 2 consecutive top five runs, Rae Croteau Jr. Leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2-day combined time of 2:36.70. He leads the overall by 88 one-hundreds of a second over day 1 and track record holder Rick Fraser. Grant Profit, Troy Flad and Chad Harden are the top five overall after 2 runs. The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days will be declared the 2010 Battle of the Rockies Champion.

Saturday's races at the Battle of the Rockies will go at 7:00pm, with the final run to go Sunday at 2:00pm in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Live radio coverage of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta can be heard starting at 6:45pm Saturday and 1:45pm on Sunday 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 Races Down Hunger at Dawson Creek Fall Fair

News — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:26:05 GMT

The Dawson Creek Fall Fair helps stocks shelves thanks to new food drive program with support from Encana

Dawson Creek, British Columbia: Thanks to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s (WPCA) Race Against Hunger program presented by Encana, the Dawson Creek Salvation Army Food Bank received 272 kilograms (600 pounds) of non-perishable food items and more than $1,500 in cash donations during the Dawson Creek Fall Fair.

“Encana would like to thank everyone who donated food and financial support last week in our first drive of this kind,” says Don Rowan, Community Relations Advisor for Encana. “The chuckwagon used to be a source of food and comfort for settlers on the prairies. This new program is continuing to keep that meaning alive with the support from the local community. We’re hoping next year will be even more successful.”

To date, the Race Against Hunger has raised more than $22,500 and 3,400 lbs of food in support of food banks in the Calgary, Dawson Creek, Drumheller, Grande Prairie, Ponoka, and Strathmore regions. Typically, donations are down at this time of year but each community has been rising to the occasion.

Encana’s Community Investment Program contains a key focus on supporting family and community wellness. “ We’re aware that the recession isn’t over for everyone, so raising awareness for food banks is a great way for us to give back to the communities where we live and work,” says Don Rowan, Community Relations Advisor for Encana.

The Race Against Hunger program also received support from the WPCA drivers such as Jordie Fike, Tim Haroldson and Codey McCurrach. “Our young drivers’ participation is strengthening our culture - ensuring that community support, as a value, continues as we grow and evolve,” says Carmen Stone, Marketing Manager for the WPCA.

The Race Against Hunger program will continue at the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller, August 27 – 29, 2010. The food items will be collected in Encana’s natural-gas powered Dodge truck-turned-chuckwagon, converted to run on natural gas as part of the company’s shift to using this clean-burning energy to fuel its fleet vehicles.

Rick Fraser Opens Up Battle of the Rockies With A Track Record Run

News — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:34:42 GMT

Rick Fraser - Number 1 On Opening Night In Rocky Mountain House
Photo By Paul Easton

A few little hiccups but a great night of racing nonetheless on opening night of the inaugural Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Despite a smoky haze from the B.C. forest fires lingering over the grounds, the weather was perfect, and the local Rocky Mountain House committee did an exceptional job with the opening night. Rick Fraser will be remembered for winning the first day money at the Battle of the Rockies and establishing the first track record with a run of 1:17.87.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 5, Fraser, driving the Neway Oilfield Services Outfit, won the day money by just 6 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who placed second on the night. Rae Croteau Jr., Colt Cosgrave and Jerry Bremner rounded out the top five for the night. Troy Dorchester received an average time for his run tonight.

The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2010 Battle of the Rockies Champion. Friday and Saturday's races will go at 7:00pm, with the final run to go Sunday at 2:00pm in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Live radio coverage of the Battle of the Rockies from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta can be heard starting at 6:45pm Fridat and 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.

Billy Melville

Nominations for 2010 Year End Awards Banquet Now Being Accepted

News — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:37:27 GMT

The 30th Annual WPCA Banquet & Awards Presentation will be taking place on October 23, 2010 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. The WPCA is now accepting award nominations for the 2010 race season.

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 23, 2010.

For more information on each award and a nomination form please click here. Nominations can be submitted, prior to September 1,2010, to:

Email: office@wpca.com
Fax: 403-279-2247
Mail: WPCA, #3A, 2828 - 18th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1
Hand deliver them to: Race Secretary Trailer at the Edmonton Finals

The WPCA still has some awards available for sponsorship. Please contact Carmen Stone (ph: 403-236-2466 or carmen.stone@wpca.com) if you'd like more information.

Kelly Sutherland Wins Record Tying 5th Battle Of The North Championship

News — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:02:08 GMT

2010 Battle of the North Champions
Borek Construction Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Kelly Sutherland, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Billy Melville

The 2010 Battle of the North Championship wrapped up on a beautiful Sunday evening in Dawson Creek, B.C., and Kelly Sutherland, driving the Borek Construction Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen, captured the championship and the Cascade Services $10,000.00 first place prize. It was a record tying 5th time that Kelly Sutherland has won the Dawson Creek title.

Sutherland won the sudden death final with a penalty free run of 1:15.21 from barrel position number 2, 1.5 seconds faster than Jason Glass who placed 2nd from barrel position number 3, followed by Jerry Bremner who placed 3rd from barrel position number 4, with Colt Cosgrave finishing 4th from barrel position number 1. Cosgrave crossed the finish line in 2nd place, but a 5 second penalty dropped him to 4th in Sunday’s final. Earlier in the night Sutherland also received the Kenn Borek Memorial Award for Most Sportsmanlike Driver.

As far as the day results go, Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Outfit, won the day money after establishing a new track record with a 1:13.80. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Motowylo beat the old mark of 1:14.36 set by Jason Glass in 2008 by 56 one hundreds of a second, and placed first overall for the day by just 12 one-hundreds of a second of a second over Grant Profit who placed 2nd for the day. Rick Fraser, Reg Johnstone and Kirk Sutherland rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Rocky Mountain House for the inaugural Battle of the Rockies Championship starting Thursday, August 19 and running through to Sunday, August 22. Racing will go Thursday through Saturday evenings starting at 7:00pm with Sunday’s finals starting at 2:00pm. 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.

Billy Melville

Final Four Is Set For Sunday's Sudden Death Final At The Battle Of The North

News — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 22:54:29 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Leads Everything Heading Into Sunday's Final
Photo By Carol Easton

It was the fourth perfect night in Dawson Creek, British Columbia for 2010 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 2010 Battle of the North Championship and a $10,000.00 bonus cheque.

Four-time Battle of the North champion Kelly Sutherland was tops in aggregate with a four-day combined time of 5:08.26, and will be joined by Jason Glass, Colt Cosgrave and Jerry Bremner in Sunday’s final. Buddy Bensmiller finished in 5th place overall and just missed the sudden death final by a mere 8 one-hundreds of a second.

As far as the day results go, it was Kelly Sutherland who took top money with a time of 1:14. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Sutherland, driving the Borek Construction Ltd. outfit had the fast time of the week and placed first on the day by 44 one-hundreds of a second over Hugh Sinclair who placed 2nd on the night despite a one-second penalty. Had Sinclair’s running time been clean, he would have established a new Dawson Creek track record. Colt Cosgrave, Jason Glass and Grant Profit filled out the top 5 for the night.

Live coverage of the final day of Battle of the North Championship from Dawson Creek, British Columbia can be heard starting at 7:30 on Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Mark Sutherland Post Fast Time Of The Week On Night 3 At The Battle Of The North

News — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:11:18 GMT

Mark Sutherland - Best Of The Week So Far On Night 3 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a perfect night in Dawson Creek, British Columbia for the third run of the 2010 Battle of the North Championship, and recently crowned WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship winner Mark Sutherland posted the fast time of the week so far with a 1:15.26.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 8, Sutherland, driving the South Peace Oilman's Association outfit placed first overall for the week by 45 one-hundreds of a second over his father Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd on the night. Buddy Bensmiller was third for the second consecutive night, while Jerry Bremner and Colt Cosgrave filled out the top 5.

Jason Glass regained the lead in the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day combined time of 3:53.19. Jerry Bremner, Kelly Sutherland and Buddy Bensmiller are the top 4 right now with Reg Johnstone in fifth place just 3 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th spot overall. 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 the 2010 Battle of the North Championship and a $10,000.00 bonus cheque.

Live coverage of the Battle of the North Championship from Dawson Creek, British Columbia can be heard starting at 7:30 on Saturday and Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Jordie Fike Wins First Career Day Money On Night 2 Of The Battle Of The North

News — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:35:37 GMT

Jordie Fike - First In All Categories After Night 2 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

Night 2 of the Battle of the North Championship in Dawson Creek, British Columbia was a slight bit cool and overcast, but track conditions were great and some fantastic racing was witnessed by the fans up in the Peace Country. Rookie driver Jordie Fike won his first career day money as a member of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour after posting a time of 1:18.08.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Fike, driving the Penn West Energy outfit placed first overall for the day by 9 one-hundreds of a second over Mike Vigen who placed 2nd on the night. Buddy Bensmiller, Chad Harden and Reg Johnstone filled out the top 5.

The day money run moved Jordie Fike to the top of the aggregate standings with a 2-day combined time of 2:36.39, just 1 one-hundred of a second in front of day 1 winner Jason Glass, with Mike Vigen and Reg Johnstone making out the top 4. Cliff Cunningham is in 5th place overall, 47 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th hole. 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 the 2010 Battle of the North Championship and a $10,000.00 bonus cheque.

Live coverage of the Battle of the North Championship from Dawson Creek, British Columbia can be heard starting at 7:15pm Friday and 7:30 on Saturday and Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Wins Day Money On Night One Of The Battle Of The North

News — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:39:21 GMT

Jason Glass - First Place On First Night In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

Track and weather conditions were ideal to start the 2010 version of the Battle of the North Championship in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. 1999 Battle of the North Champion Jason Glass opened up this year’s Battle of the North with the top time on opening night.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:17.14 and placed first overall for the day by 71 one-hundreds of a second over Colt Cosgrave who placed 2nd for the night. Rookie driver John Walters was third, while Jerry Bremner and Cliff Cunningham rounded out the top 5 for the night.

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 the 2010 Battle of the North Championship.

Racing from Dawson Creek, British Columbia will continue Thursday through Sunday every night starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live coverage can be heard starting at 7:15pm every day on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Reo King and Chanse Vigen try their hand at figure skating

News — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:22:08 GMT

Reo King and Chanse Vigen, outriders on the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s Dodge Pro Tour, take a break from their nightly outriding jobs at the Calgary Stampede in order to try their hand at figuring skating.

Elvis Stojko, a three time world champion and a two time Olympic silver medalist, and his wife, Mexico’s Gladys Orozco, tried to show the King/Vigen duo how to figure skate during the Calgary Stampede.

Take a look at this clip to see if they were successful:

Mark Sutherland Makes The 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship His First Career Win

News — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:53:37 GMT

2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Champions
Tri-Mak Electrical Inc./EnCana-Courtesy Matters/Friends of Sutherland Racing Outfit
(L-R): Driver Mark Sutherland, Outriders Chanse Vigen, Reo King, Eddie Melville
Photo By Billy Melville

After four days of running, Kelly Sutherland, Jerry Bremner, Mark Sutherland and Troy Dorchester survived the playoff round and would participate in the sudden death championship final heat to declare the winner of the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Once again it was an exciting final heat witnessed by a capacity crowd, and when it was over the Tri-Mak Electrical Inc. outfit, driven by Mark Sutherland along with outriders Reo King, Chanse Vigen and Eddie Melville, took home the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and the brand new Dodge Truck.

In the sudden death championship final heat, and from the number 4 barrel position, Mark Sutherland beat out Troy Dorchester who placed 2nd in the heat from barrel number 1, followed by Kelly Sutherland who placed 3rd from barrel number 3 and finally Jerry Bremner placed 4th from barrel number 2, to capture the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Monday's sudden death final. Bremner actually crossed the finish line first, but was assessed 2 seconds in penalties prior to the start of race. It is the first career victory for Mark Sutherland in his 18 year racing career and the first time anyone has made the Dodge Pro Tour Championship their first win.

Top time for the day went to Hugh Sinclair driving the North Cariboo Air Outfit. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Sinclair posted the fast time of the day with a 1:15.66, and won the day money by 95 one-hundreds of a seconds over Luke Tournier who placed 2nd overall for the night. Codey McCurrach, Rae Croteau Jr. and Chad Harden made out the top 5 for the night.

Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Chance Flad, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title last night after posting the best 4-day aggregate time of 5:04.26.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now break for one weekend before embarking on Dawson Creek, British Columbia for the Battle of the North Championship starting Wednesday, August 11, 2010 and running through to Sunday, August 15, 2010. Racing will run ever night starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live coverage can be heard starting at 7:15pm every day 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 Starthmore Heritage Days Stampede - Final Four Set For Monday's Dodge Pro Tour Championship Final

News — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:15:28 GMT

2010 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champion
Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chance Flad, Driver Grant Profit, Outrider Chad Cosgrave
Photo By Billy Melville

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Kelly Sutherland	32
2	Jerry Bremner	29
3	Mark Sutherland	26
4	Troy Dorchester	25
5	Chad Harden	22
6	Buddy Bensmiller	21
7	Luke Tournier	15
8	Cliff Cunningham	10

Afternoon downpours made for a very slow and sticky racetrack on Night 4 of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede in Strathmore, Alberta. Weather conditions were very pleasant for the evening show and the capacity crowd was again treated to some great chuckwagon racing.

After 4 nights of racing, the playoff pool among the elite 8 has finished and the final four that will compete for the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has now been set. Kelly Sutherland was tops in the playoff pool with 32 points and will be joined by Jerry Bremner in second with 29 points, Mark Sutherland in third place with 26 points, with Troy Dorchester grabbing the fourth and final spot in Monday’s sudden death final with 25 points. Chad Harden just missed the sudden death final by 3 points, placing fifth in the playoff standings with 22 points. A slow run saw Buddy Bensmiller drop out the final four for the first time this week into sixth place overall with 21 points with Luke Tournier placing seventh with 15 points and Cliff Cunningham rounding out the playoff pool in eighth place overall with 10 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 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

In the race for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, it was Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding and Consulting Ltd. Outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Chance Flad who won the title after posting the best 4 day aggregate out of all 36 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Drivers. Profit’s 4 day combined time of 5:04.26 was 97 one-hundreds of a second better than runner-up Kelly Sutherland, with Jason Glass, Kirk Sutherland and Jerry Bremner rounding out the top five overall.

As far as the day results go, Codey McCurrach, driving the Alberta Pressure Testing outfit, who won the day money with the fast time of the night of 1:17.95. Coming off barrel 4 in heat 2, McCurrach won the day money by just 9 one-hundreds of a second faster than Mark Sutherland who placed second for the second consecutive night, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Chad Harden and Jerry Bremner who rounded out the top five on the night.

The 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede will wrap up on Monday at 6:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard starting at 7:00pm 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

Jerry Bremner and Kelly Sutherland Tied Atop Playoff Standings At The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:05:38 GMT

Jerry Bremner - Moved Into A First Place Tie On Night 3 In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1/2	Kelly Sutherland	17
1/2	Jerry Bremner	17
3	Troy Dorchester	16
4	Buddy Bensmiller	15
5/6/7	Chad Harden	12
5/6/7	Luke Tournier	12
5/6/7	Mark Sutherland	12
8	Cliff Cunningham	7

Night 3 in Strathmore was another very exciting night of racing at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede. Weather and track conditions were perfect and some of the best racing of the season was witnessed by the capacity crowd.

After 3 nights in the playoff pool for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has really tightened up and there is a tie atop the elite 8 playoff standings between Jerry Bremner and Kelly Sutherland both with 17 points. Toy Dorchester sits alone in third place with 16 points followed closely by Buddy Bensmiller in fourth place with 15 points. Then there is a three way tie for fith, sixth and seventh place overall between Chad Harden, Mark Sutherland and Luke Tournier all with 12 points with Cliff Cunningham rounding out the playoff pool in eighth place overall with 7 points. 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 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

On the night among all 36 WPCA drivers, Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit won the day money with the fast time of the week so far with a 1:13.74. Coming off barrel 4 in heat 5, Profit ran away with his race and was top time of the night nearly one full second a head of Mark Sutherland who placed second for the night, followed by Buddy Bensmiller in third, with Darcy Flad and Jason Glass splitting fourth an fifth on the night.

In the race for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate standings after 4 days, Grant profit’s day money run vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard with a 3 day combined time of 3:44.66. Profit leads by 1.49 seconds over Jason Glass in second, with Kelly Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland and Mike Vigen filling out the top 5 after 3 runs. Rae Croteau Jr. who had been leading after 2 days, ran into penalty problems and fell out of contention.

The 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede will continue Sunday at 7:15pm with the finals on Monday at 6:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard starting at 7:00pm 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 Moves To The Top Of The Playoff Pool After Night 2 In Strathmore

News — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:07:31 GMT

**Kelly Sutherland - Tops In The Playoff Pool After Night 2 In Strathmore**
*Photo By Carol Easton*

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Kelly Sutherland	14
2/3	Jerry Bremner	11
2/3	Troy Dorchester	11
4	Luke Tournier	10
5/6	Chad Harden	8
5/6	Buddy Bensmiller	8
7	Cliff Cunningham	6
8	Mark Sutherland	4

Night 2 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede ran under pretty good conditions with some violent weather just outside the Strathmore area. Some light rain fell on and off throughout the night but had little or no effect on a great night of racing. Late protests had a major effect on the day results and the tour playoff standings.

After 2 nights in the playoff pool for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, 2 second place runs among the elite 8 has 2-time WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship winner Kelly Sutherland on top of the playoff standings with 14 points. Jerry Bremner, who placed first among the elite 8 on night 2 sits in a tie for second place overall with 1999 Tour Champion Troy Dorchester, followed by day 1 winner Luke Tournier in fourth, while Chad Harden and Buddy bensmiller are currently splitting fith and sixth overall in the playoff pool.

On the night among all 36 WPCA drivers, Strathmore track record holder Hugh Sinclair, driving the North Cariboo Air outfit took the top time of the night overall from barrel 4 in heat 6 posting a penalty free run of 1:14.67. That was 25 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who placed second for the night, followed by Rae Croteau Jr., Colt Cosgrave and Jerry Bremner who rounded out the top 5 for the night.

In the race for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Rae Croteau Jr. leads with a 2 day combined time of 2:30.00. He sits 88 one-hundreds of a second in front of Jason Glass, with Grant Profit, Kelly Sutherland and Kirk 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 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing will run Friday through Sunday at 7:15pm with the finals on Monday at 6:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard starting at 7:00pm Thursday 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

Luke Tournier Leads The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship's Playoff Pool After Night 1

News — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:51:25 GMT

Luke Tournier - Tops In The Playoff Points After 1 Night In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

WPCA Elite 8 Drivers Playoff Point Standings
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1	Luke Tournier	8
2	Kelly Sutherland	7
3	Troy Dorchester	6
4	Cliff Cunningham	5
5	Chad Harden	4
6	Jerry Bremner	3
7	Buddy Bensmiller	2
8	Mark Sutherland	1

Luke Tournier leads the playoff point pool by taking the top time among the 8 playoff contestants. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Tournier, driving the Friends of Heritage Park outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:15.00, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Troy Dorchester, Cliff Cunningham and Chad Harden.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Kirk Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation outfit took the top time of the night overall from barrel number 3 in heat 7 posting a penalty free run of 1:14.00, 54 one-hundreds of a second over Mike Vigen who placed second for the night. Kurt Bensmiller, Jason Glass and Rae Croteau Jr. rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing will run Friday through Sunday at 7:15pm with the finals on Monday at 4:30pm. Live radio coverage can be heard starting at 7:00pm Thursday through Sunday and 4:15pm 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

Race Against Hunger Program Challenges the Strathmore Community to Support Wheatland County Food Bank

News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:23:12 GMT

Strathmore, Alberta: The World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s drivers are racing for more than bragging rights this weekend on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. As part of the new Race Against Hunger program presented by Encana, the drivers are working with Wheatland County Food Bank to raise donations of non-perishable food for those in need.

To date, the Race Against Hunger has raised more than $21,000 and 2,800 lbs of food in support of food banks in the Grande Prairie, Drumheller, Ponoka and Calgary regions. “We hope the Strathmore community gets behind the program and becomes our most supportive community yet. So far, out of all of the official Tour stops, Ponoka was the most driven, raising over 300 lbs of food and $8,000 in cash donations,” says Carmen Stone, Marketing Manager with the WPCA.

“The WPCA is very excited about this opportunity to give local food banks a boost. Our young drivers, who are a big part of this initiative, especially see the real value in being community-minded,” adds Stone.

Chuckwagons served the hard working settlers of western Canada as portable kitchens on cattle drives and long hauls across the prairies. “It’s nice to think that the chuckwagon hasn’t changed much – it provided food and comfort then, and it’s continuing to do so today,” adds Stone.

The Race Against Hunger Chuckwagon will be located at the entrance of the Strathmore Hertiage Days grounds so community members can drop off non-perishable food and get a chance for autographs and interaction with the WPCA’s “food drivers”. The wagon will be available for the duration of the event, and will also accept cash donations.

For more information contact:

Carmen Stone
Marketing Manager
World Professional Chuckwagon Association
Phone: 403-404-9722
carmen.stone@wpca.com

Want to Become the Next Stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour?

News — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:49:08 GMT

Is your city, town or community interested in having the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) compete at its venue? The WPCA has developed an easy way for you to express your interest in becoming the "next stop" on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Complete and submit the following form, no later than October 31, 2010, and your town might be on the list of Tour stops for 2011.

Next Stop Application Form

Applications can be sent to:

World Professional Chuckwagon Association
#3A, 2828 18 Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7B1 | office@wpca.com | Fax: 403.279.2247

Chad Harden Wins The 2010 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:41:55 GMT

2010 Bonnyville Chuckawagon Championship Champions
George Normand Memorial $15,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat
Source Energy/Spartan Controls Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Chad Harden, Sherry Normand,
Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee’s Tina Michaud,
Ray Normand, Outrider Kris Flanagan
Photo By Jessica Melville

The 2010 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship finished up on a perfect Sunday afternoon, and Chad Harden, driving the Source Energy/Spartan Controls outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Kris Flanagan, won the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat and the 2010 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship after posting the best time of the day with a 1:18.31.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 12, Harden won the sudden death final on a good racetrack by 49 one-hundreds of a second over Jerry Bremner who placed 2nd from barrel number 1, followed by defending champion Brian Mayan who placed a distant 3rd from barrel number 2. Harden also ended up with the best 4 day aggregate with a total time of 5:13.53, followed by Jerry Bremner, Rick Fraser, Grant Profit and Cliff Cunningham filling out the top 5 overall. For outrider Reo King, it was the 3rd Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship in as many years with 3 different drivers.

As mentioned previously, Harden’s 1:18.31 was also good for top money on the day, 14 one-hundreds of a second better than Colt Cosgrave who placed 2nd for the day. Rick Fraser, Jerry Bremner and Hugh Sinclair filled out the top five on the final day.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Strathmore, Alberta for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede starting Thursday July 29, 2010 and running through to Monday, August 2, 2010. Races will run Thursday through Sunday starting at 7:15 PM, with the finals on Monday at 6:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard starting at 7:00pm Thursday 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

Finalists For The George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat Now Set

News — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:58:01 GMT

Cody Ridsdale - Day Money Run On Night 3 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

After a large amount of rain fell on the chuckwagon races in Bonnyville, there was a big shake up at the top of the leader board, and the finalists for the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat have now been set. Defending Bonnyville champion Brian Mayan, Jerry Bremner and Chad Harden will the three drivers who will compete on Sunday to see who will take home the 2010 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and the $15,000.00 bonus cheque.

Brian Mayan caught a break on a dry racetrack and vaulted into first place overall with a 3 day combined time of 3:54.81. Jerry Bremner grabbed second place overall with Chad Harden holding onto the 3rd and final spot for Sunday’s final. Rick Fraser ended up in 4th place overall just 17 one-hundreds of a second out of the final qualifying spot for Sunday’s George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat, with Obrey Motowylo ending up in 5th place overall after 2 runs.

As far as the day results are concerned, Cody Ridsdale, driving the Sign Solutions outfit, was the day money winner for the night after posting a time of 1:16.69. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 1, Ridsdale posted the top time of the night by 77 one-hundreds of a seconds over Brian Mayan who placed second on the day. Grant Profit, Codey McCurrach and Jerry Bremner filled out the top five times for night number three.

The finals of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final will take place on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage 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

Obrey Motowylo Jumps To The Lead With The Top Time On Night 2 In Bonnyville

News — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:51:53 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First In All Categories After Day 2 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship was run on a hot Friday evening in Bonnyville and saw 2009 Bonnyville finalist Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, win the top prize for the night after posting a run of 1:16.14.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 8, Motowylo posted the top time of the night by 13 one-hundreds of a seconds over Jason Glass who placed second on the day. Colt Cosgrave, Kirk Sutherland and Grant Profit filled out the top five times for night number two.

The day money run puts Obrey Motowylo into first place overall with a 2 day combined time of 2:33.87. Colt Cosgrave sits a close second with Chad Harden filling out the top 3 after 2 runs. Kirk Sutherland is in 4th place overall just 41 one-hundreds of a second out of the 3rd and final qualifying spot for Sunday’s George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat, with Cliff Cunningham rounding out the top five after 2 runs.

The top 3 wagons after Saturday’s run will compete in the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final on Sunday, where the winner will take home the 2010 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship along with a $15,000.00 bonus cheque.

The chuckwagon races from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will continue Saturday evening starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard Thursday – Saturday at 6:45pm, with the finals on Sunday 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

Rae Croteau Jr. Opens Up Hometown Bonnyville Championship With The Top Time

News — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:33:02 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Hometown Boy Takes Top Time On Night One In Bonnyville
Photo By Carol Easton

After a 10 day break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship and the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour resumed with the running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. There was a little bit of a wind but the rains held off and a wonderful evening of chuckwagon racing was enjoyed by the Bonnyville fans. Hometown Bonnyville hero Rae Croteau Jr., driving the TOMCO Group of Companies outfit, kept the day money at home with a run of 1:16.33.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 7, Croteau Jr. bettered Hugh Sinclair, who was running in the same heat, by 14 one-hundreds of a second on the day. Jerry Bremner, John Walters and Rick Fraser filled out the top five for the night.

The top 3 wagons after Saturday’s run will compete in the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday, where the winner will take home $15,000.00 and the 2010 Bonnyville Championship.

The chuckwagon races from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will continue Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard Thursday – Saturday at 6:45pm, with the finals on Sunday 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

Rae Croteau Jr. Opens Up Hometown Bonnyville Championship With The Top Time

News — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:01:49 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Hometown Boy Takes Top Time On Night One In Bonnyville
Photo By Carol Easton

The top 3 wagons after Saturday’s run will compete in the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday, where the winner will take home $15,000.00 and the 2010 Bonnyville Championship.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Wins History Making 11th Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:02:44 GMT

2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champions
Lucid/Lux Chuckwagon Team
(L-R): Calgary Stampede Board Of Director’s Roc Spence presenting,
Outriders Doug Irvine, Chanse Vigen, Reo King, Driver Kelly Sutherland,
Outriders Chance Flad, GMC Canada’s Glenn Limerick and
Calgary Stampede President and Chairman of the Board Dr. David Chalack presenting

The 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship is in the books, and history has been made as Kelly Sutherland, driving the Lucid/Lux Chuckwagon Team outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad, Doug Irvine, 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 11th Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship for Sutherland, who until tonight had shared the record for the most Calgary Stampede championships with legendary Dick Cosgrave.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Sutherland won the penalty free sudden death final by 47 one-hundreds of a second over aggregate winner Neal Walgenbach who placed 2nd from barrel number 3, followed by Jason Glass who placed 3rd from barrel number 4 and Kirk Sutherland who was 4th from barrel position number 2.

As far as day results are concerned, Kelly Sutherland also posted the top time of the night with a very rapid 1:14.88, with Gary Gorst, Neal Walgenbach, Jason Glass and Jim Knight filling out the top five for the night.

Jason Glass received the Calgary Stampede’s Safe Drive Award for the second time in his career for being the least penalized driver over the first 9 nights of the Rangeland Derby. Glass also received the very prestigious Guy Weadick Award earlier in the day for. This prestigious award is sponsored by J&L Supply and is presented annually to the one chuckwagon or rodeo competitor who best embodies what the cowboy stands for and
who best typifies the spirit of the Calgary Stampede. It is based upon ability, appearance, showmanship, character, sportsmanship and cooperation with other cowboys, the
arena crew, the media and the public. Devin Mitsuing received the Orville Strandquist Award for Top Rookie Driver. Mitsuing won the award for placing tied for 18th overall with earnings of $22,200.00 bettering Brian Mayan who placed 27th overall with earnings of $19,750.00.

Sutherland ended up in first place overall with total earnings of $138,400.00 followed by Jason Glass who finished 2nd with earnings of $54,900.00, followed by Neal Walgenbach in 3rd place overall with earnings of $50,725.00 plus a 2010 GMC Truck that he won for being the 2010 aggregate champion, Kirk Sutherland was 4th with total earnings of $45,350.00, with Gary Gorst having the finest Calgary Stampede of his career rounding out the top five with total earnings of $37,750.00.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now returns starting July 22, 25, 2010 with the running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship in Bonnyville, Alberta. Races will run Thursday-Saturday starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard Thursday – Saturday at 6:45pm, with the finals on Sunday 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

Final Four Is Set For Showdown Sunday At The 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:43:06 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - Will Draw First In Tomorrow's Calgary Stampede Final
Photo By Carol Easton

The sudden death championship final heat for the 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship has now been set. 3 WPCA drivers – Kirk Sutherland, Kelly Sutherland and Jason Glass will be joined by aggregate winner and former longtime WPCA driver Neal Walgenbach in Sunday’s final. It will be the 3rd appearance in the final for Kirk Sutherland, the 5th for Jason Glass, the 19th appearance in the final for Kelly Sutherland, and the 4th for Neal Walgenbach. Gary Gorst missed the final by 11 one-hundreds of a second.

Day 9 also saw Kirk Sutherland, driving the Cam Clark Ford outfit, record the fast time of the night with a 1:14.68. Coming off barrel number 2 in semi-final heat number 8, Sutherland won top money by 65 one-hundreds of a second over Wayne Knight who placed 2nd for the night, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Jason Glass and Rick Fraser who filled out the top five for the night.

The finals from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm on Sunday, July 18.

Billy Melville

Rainout gives BJ Carey First Win At The Colonial Days Fair

News — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:08:07 GMT

After a horrendous downpour in Lloydminster forced the cancellation of Friday nights races, BJ Carey, driving the Bob Jack's Sheet Metal outfit, and along with outriders Coleman Waddell and Ryan Baptiste, were declared the 2010 Colonial Days Fair champions after posting the best 2-day aggregate time of 2:40.35.

Carey won his first career show championship by just 2 one-hundreds of a second over veteran driver Elton Magee with Layne Bremner finishing in third place overall 18 one-hundreds of a second behind the eventual winner BJ Carey. The dash for cash money was split between these three drivers who were schedulled to compete in the sudden dath championship final heat.

Billy Melville

Neal Walgenbach Wins 2010 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award

News — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:08:10 GMT

2010 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award Winners
Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champions
Team YYC Calgary International Airport Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Jamie Laboucane, Eddie Melville, Driver Neal Walgenbach
Outriders Brian Mayan, Rory Gervais Missing: Outrider Dustin Gorst
Photo By John Kennedy

The final eight have been set for Semi Final Saturday at the 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. Neal Walgenbach , Jason Glass, Kelly Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland, Buddy Bensmiller, Brian Laboucane, Gary Gorst and Mark Sutherland will all go into Semi Final Saturday looking to emerge as one of the final four in Sunday’s $150,000.00 sudden death championship final heat where the winner will be crowned the 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion and walk away with $100,000.00. Troy Dorchester missed the semi finals by 98 one-hundreds of a second of a second, with Grant profit back another 15 one-hundreds of a second and placed 10th overall.

Neal Walgenbach, driving the Team YYC Calgary International Airport outfit, and along with outriders Rory Gervais, Dustin Gorst Jamie Laboucane, Brian Mayan and Eddie Melville captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winner. Walgenbach posted the best 7 run time of 8:58.16, and won the aggregate by 77 one-hundreds over 2-timeAggregate Winner Jason Glass in 2nd place overall, with Kelly Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland and Buddy Bensmiller filling out the top 5 overall. Rick Fraser who was in the top 8 at the start of the day hit a barrel and fell out of the running. It is the first time that Neal Walgenbach, a 3-time finalist has won the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Title, and it happened in what will be his final Calgary Stampede.

Day 8 also saw Brian Laboucane., driving The Mavericks outfit, record the fast time of the week with a 1:14.26. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 1, Laboucane won top money by 64 one-hundreds of a second over 1998 Calgary Stampede finalist Wayne Knight, with Jason Glass, Luke Tournier and Kelly Sutherland filling out the top five for the night. It was the 2nd time in three days that Brian Laboucane won the day money and also the second career day money at the Calgary Stampede for Brian Laboucane as well.

Billy Melville

Final Heat Is Set For Colonial Days Fair In Lloydminster

News — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:08:28 GMT

BJ Carey - First In The Aggregate In Lloydminster
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

Day 2 of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster featuring 21 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA was run on Thursday night, and saw veteran driver Elton Magee, driving the Bi-Air Applications Services Ltd. Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:18.74.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 4, Magee took the top time of the night by 17 one-hundreds of a second over defending champion Darcy Flad who placed second on the night. Ross Fisher, Doug Green and Bj Carey rounded out the top five for the night.

BJ Cary leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day combined time of 2:40.35, and will be joined by day 2 winner Elton Magee and Layne Bremner in Friday’s sudden death championship final heat for the Colonial Days Fair Championship. For the second consecutive year, Jordie Fike just missed the sudden dath final, ending up in 4th place overall missing the final by 1.75 seconds, with Shane Cartier rounding out the top 5 overall after 2 days.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2010 Calgary Stampede. Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Becomes 1st Multi Day Money Winner On Day 7 Of The Calgary Stampede

News — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:40:12 GMT

Rick Fraser - Tops On The 6th Run In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

Weather was the story the first part of the week, but now it’s down to the racing. Day 7 was another perfect day at Stampede Park and saw 3-time Calgary Stampede sudden death finalist Rick Fraser, driving the Heninger Toyota / Chickwagon! Foundation for Women outfit posted the top time of the night with a 1:15.08.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Fraser won his second day money for the week by 16 one-hundreds of a second over yesterday’s day money winner Brian Laboucane. Kelly Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Kirk Sutherland rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Neal Walgenbach continues to hold onto the lead the overall aggregate with a 6 day aggregate time of 7:43.80. He is followed closely by 3-time Calgary Stampede champion Buddy Bensmiller with Jason Glass, Kirk Sutherland, Kelly Sutherland, Rick Fraser, Gary Gorst, and Mark Sutherland making out the top after five runs.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 16, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday on July 17 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

Layne Bremner Opens Up The Colonial Days Fair With The Top Time

News — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:14:06 GMT

Layne Bremner - 1st Place On 1st Night In Lloydminster
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

21 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 Bremner, driving the Bremner's Bandits Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:20.82.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 6, Bremner took the top time of the night by just 5 one-hundreds of a second over B.J. Carey who placed second on the night. Elton Magee, Jordie Fike and Shane Cartier 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 2010 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, and no points are earned towards either association's standings.

Billy Melville

Brian Laboucane Wins First Career Day Money At The Calgary Stampede

News — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:39:02 GMT

Brian Laboucane - 1st Time Day Money Winner On NIght 6 In Calgary
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

After inclement weather cancelled the races for day number 5 and will shorten the Rangeland Derby to 9 days of running, some fine racing was seen on day 6 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. For the first time in his career, Brian Laboucane, driving The Mavericks outfit posted the top time of the night with a 1:15.38.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 1, Laboucane won the day money by 39 one-hundreds of a second Jason Glass who placed second for the night. Buddy Bensmiller, Mark Sutherland and Rae Croteau Jr. rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Neal Walgenbach continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 5 day aggregate time of 6:26.80. He is followed closely by 3-time Calgary Stampede champion Buddy Bensmiller with Jason Glass, Gary Gorst, Kirk Sutherland, Kelly Sutherland, Rick Fraser and Mark Sutherland making out the top after five runs.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

Night 5 of the Calgary Stampede Cancelled

News — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:22:45 GMT

Heavy rain has forced the cancellation of the chuckwagon races and grandstand show at the Calgary Stampede for Tuesday, July 13, 2010 for the first time in the rodeo's 98-year history.

Due to safety concerns, Stampede organizers cancelled the GMC Rangeland Derby and the evening grandstand show.

People with Tuesday night tickets can obtain full refunds in person at the Stampede, or via phone or online. Patrons can also try to rebook for a performance later in the week or for an evening show next year, said Stampede officials.

Neal Walgenbach Tops All On Night 4 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:09:12 GMT

Neal Walgenbach - Tops In All Categories On Night 4 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Afternoon rain and hail made for some interesting races on night 4 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. Penalties were in abundance, but when the mud subsided, it was Neal Walgenbach, driving the Team YYC Calgary International Airport outfit that had the top time of the night with a 1:16.91.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Walgenbach won the day money by 65 one-hundreds of a second over Kirk Sutherland who placed second for the night. Gary Gorst, Luke Tournier and Jason Glass rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The day money run moved Walgenbach to the top of the leaderboard with a 4 day aggregate time of 5:09.86. He is followed closely by 10-time Calgary Stampede champion Kelly Sutherland with Gary Gorst, Buddy Bensmiller and Jason Glass filling out the top five after four runs. Rookie driver Devin Mitsuing, who was in 3rd place overall after 3 runs, knocked both barrels and dropped into 28th place overall.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

Former Chuckwagon Competitor Oris Lyster Honored With The Calgary Stampede's Pioneers Of Rodeo Award

News — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:35:29 GMT

Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Committee Chairman John Third (L)
Presents The Calgary Stampede Pioneer's of Rodeo Award to
Class of 2010 Recipient Oris Lyster (R).
Photo By Billy Melville

The Calgary Stampede handed out it's prestigious Pioneer's of Rodeo Awards July 12, 2010 at the Rotary House on Stampede Park. the class of 2010 included champion rodeo cowboys Dale Trotter and Alex Laye, as well as former chuckwagon competitor Oris Lyster.

In 1945 Oris Lyster came to the Calgary Stampede for the first time with another Red Willow resident - Alvan Hilker. His first year was unforgettable to say the least. With one run to go, the Alvan Hilker outfit was having a great week sitting 3rd overall, but quite a ways back of leaders Johnnie Swain and Jack Lauder. That year was one of the most unusual finishes in Rangeland Derby history as three wagons piled up in the final heat on the final night thus handing the championship to Alvan Hilker. It was the first Calgary Stampede that Oris would celebrate and did it along side three of his brothers - Argyll, Erwin and Jack – who were four of the five outriders used by Alvan Hilker that year.

It took nine years before Oris would stand on stage again as a Calgary Stampede champion. In 1954 he was an outrider on the Commodore Allen outfit driven by Hank Willard. It was Hank Willard’s record tying 4th consecutive Rangeland Derby championship, and the third for his sponsor Commodore Allen which gave him permanent ownership of the coveted Gas Company Trophy by Charles Biel.

In 1957 Oris tried his hand as a chuckwagon driver, handling the TH Ranch outfit as a replacement driver for his brother Argyll. His first year driving was almost as unusual as his first year outriding. For the first time in the history of the Calgary Stampede chuckwagon races, a re-run of a race was scheduled between Ronnie Glass, Hank Willard and Oris. However, a late protest from the other drivers had the judges reconsider the decision and the re-run never happened.

Oris never again competed as a driver in the chuckwagon races, but continued on as an outrider. He found the winners circle again in 1960 and again in 1961 with the Hally Walgenbach driven Orville Burkinshaw outfit. As odd and unusual things seem to follow Oris, the 1961 championship was also the first, and only time, the Rangeland Derby Championship would be shared as the Orville Burkinshaw outfit would end up tied with the Dale Flett driven Peter Bawden Outfit.

1964 would be Oris’ final year as a competitor at the Calgary Stampede. After 20 years his career came to an end as it started – with a victory in the Rangeland Derby as an outrider with the Pratt & MacKay outfit driven by Hally Walgenbach. His final victory was somewhat uneventful in contrast to some of his other memorable moments at the Calgary Stampede as the Pratt & MacKay outfit won the championship by a considerable margin.

By the time Oris Lyster’s ended, it had come full circle. He started with a Calgary Stampede championship in 1945 and ended with one twenty years later in 1964. Five Calgary Stampede championships for three different drivers, puts Oris Lyster among one of the most decorated outriders of his time and all-time.

Billy Melville

Chickwagon Foundation for Women Invites the Women of the Wagons and Barns to Kick Off Their Boots

News — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:10:16 GMT

The Chickwagon Foundation for Women is inviting the Women of the Wagons out for toe nail painting by Tipsy Toes on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 1 - 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Stampede Committee Tent. Refreshments and light Stampede fare will also be available.

For more information contact, Mirka @ 403.239.1155 or mirkas@telusplanet.net.

Rick Fraser Sweeps The Top Time Of Night 3 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:38:00 GMT

Rick Fraser - Best Of The Night On Day 3 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

The third night of racing is in the books at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. There was a little sun shower just prior to the start of the first race, but track conditions were reasonably good nonetheless. Night 3 saw Rick Fraser, driving the Heninger Toyota / Chickwagon! Foundation for Women outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:16.25.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4 and despite a 1 second penalty, Fraser won the day money by 36 one-hundreds of a second over Gary Gorst who placed second for the night. Buddy Bensmiller, Neal Walgenbach and Devin Mitsuing rounded out the top 5 for the night.

10-time Calgary Stampede champion Kelly Sutherland continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 3 day total of 3:50.59. He is followed closely by 3-time Calgary Stampede champion Buddy Bensmiller with Devin Mitsuing, Neal Walgenbach and Kurt Bensmiller filling out the top five after three runs.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins Day Money On Day 2 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:55:19 GMT

Grant Profit - Number 1 On Night 2 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

The second night of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby was run on Saturday with early rains making for a sloppy racetrack and some shake-ups atop the leader board. Grant Profit, driving the AGF Alberta Rebar Inc. outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:17.35.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 2, Profit won the day money by 47 one-hundreds of a second over Leo Tournier who placed second for the night. Buddy Bensmiller, Hugh Sinclair and Mike Vigen rounded out the top 5 for the night.

10-time Calgary Stampede champion Kelly Sutherland leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:33.53. He is followed closely by day 2 winner Grant Profit with Kurt Bensmiller and Jason Glass rounding out the top four after 2 nights of racing. 3-time Calgary Stampede champion Buddy Bensmiller sits in fifth place overall.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Opens Up The 2010 Calgary Stampede With The Top Time

News — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:26:00 GMT

Jason Glass - First On First Night Of Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicked off on a wonderful Friday night in Calgary with the running of the 88th running of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It was a perfect night for racing with ideal track and weather conditions, and the day saw 2-time Calgary Stampede Aggregate winner Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit, open the 2010 Rangeland Derby with the top time of 1:14.84.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Glass won top money by just 6 one-hundreds of a second over 10-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Kelly Sutherland. Kurt Bensmiller was third, while rookie driver Devin Mitsuing placed fourth and Ray Mitsuing rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

WPCA Races Down Hunger at Ponoka Stampede

News — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:32:30 GMT

Ponoka Food Bank stocks shelves thanks to new food drive program with support from Encana

Encana’s Don Letwinetz presents June Lee of the Ponoka Food Bank with a cheque for $1,500 as part of its participation in the Race Against Hunger program.

Thanks to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s (WPCA) Race Against Hunger program presented by Encana, the Ponoka Food Bank received 136 kilograms (300 pounds) of non-perishable food items and more than $8,000 in cash donations during the Ponoka Stampede. RTS Services Inc., Sommer Home Hardware Building Centre and the Ponoka Stampede cabaret event workers were paramount contributors to the funds.

“Encana would like to thank everyone who donated food and financial support last week in our first drive of this kind,” says Don Letwinetz, Community Relations Advisor for Encana. “The chuckwagon used to be a source of food and comfort for settlers on the prairies. The community helped to keep that meaning alive through our Race Against Hunger program. We’re hoping next year will be even more successful.”

The company also kicked in $1,500 for the food bank as part of its commitment to family and community wellness in communities where it operates.

"The Ponoka Food Bank would like to thank all of the people who donated to the food bank in the Race Against Hunger. Typically, donations are down at this time of year but the need is just as great as any other time. The food we collected during Stampede will help those in the community who are struggling to feed themselves for any number of reasons, including families, single parents, single people, seniors, homeless, and those with addiction and mental health challenges," says June Lee, President of the Ponoka Food Bank.

In addition to the Ponoka Food Bank, the Race Against Hunger program received support from the WPCA drivers such as Sean DeBolt, Jordie Fike, Tim Haroldson, Codey McCurrach, and Mark Sutherland. “Our young drivers’ participation is strengthening our culture - ensuring that community support as a value continues as we grow and evolve,” says Carmen Stone, Marketing Manager for the WPCA.

The Race Against Hunger program will continue in select WPCA Dodge Pro Tour stop locations throughout the summer, including Strathmore, Alberta, and Dawson Creek, British Columbia and Drumheller, Alberta.

Food items were collected in an Encana natural-gas powered Dodge truck-turned-chuckwagon (pictured), converted to run on natural gas as part of the company’s shift to using this clean-burning energy to fuel its fleet vehicles.

Thank you to RTS Services Inc and Sommer Home Hardware Building Centre.

The WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Former Competitor Harry Schmaus

News — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:47:13 GMT

Harry Schmaus
August 16, 1925 - July 3, 2010
(Far left with the winning Peter Bawden Outfit in 1957 - Billy Melville Colection)

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former outrider and chuckwagon driver Harry Schmaus on July 3, 2010 from complications following a stroke at the age of 84. Harry watched his last chuckwagon races at the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River just a few days prior to his passing.

Harry was born near Wheatland,(R.M. of North Norfolk) Manitoba, on August 16, 1925. He started outriding in 1948 at the Calgary Stampede with the Charlie Lundseth Outfit driven by Ralph Johnson. He quickly gained the reputation as one of the top outriders on the track, and for many years he would outride every heat on every night at the Calgary Stampede. He twice was a Calgary Stampede Champion Outrider with the Peter Bawden Outfit driven by Dale Flett in 1957, and again with the Peter Bawden Outfit in 1959 with Dale Flett and Hally Walgenbach splitting the driving duties. He also tried his hand at driving the big wagons and drove pony wagons as well. He outrode for the last time in 1973 giving him a competitive career lasting over 25 years.

Harry is survived by his daughters; Teresa (Dan Poland), Kathy (John Mracek), Grandsons Shawn, Gavin & Derek Mracek, Sisters, Edith (Alf Hiebert), Elva Betteridge, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins & Harry’s friend Tess.

A Service to celebrate Harry’s life, will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion #78, Turner Valley, Alberta at 1:00pm on Friday July 9, 2010. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Palliative Care at the Oilfields Hospital, Bag 1 Black Diamond, Alberta T0L 0H0.

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

Kelly Sutherland Wins 7th Career Ponoka Stampede Championship

News — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:59:26 GMT

2010 Ponoka Stampede Champions
Red Deer Motors Outfit
L-R: Outriders Chanse Vigen, Reo King, Driver Kelly Sutherland,
Outriders Chance Flad, Todd Goodley
Photo By Billy Melville

It was a classic lineup for the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship final heat at the Ponoka Stampede. Four former Ponoka Stampede Champions - Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Grant Profit and Jerry Bremner – battled it out for the championship, and when it was all over, Kelly Sutherland - driving the Red Deer Motors outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad, Reo King, Todd Goodley and Chanse Vigen emerged as the 2010 Ponoka Stampede Champions. It was the 7th time Kelly Sutherland has won the Ponoka Stampede, just 1 short of the record held by 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 7th Ponoka crown with a penalty free run of 1:16.20. Grant Profit placed second in the heat from barrel position number 2, followed by defending champion Obrey Motowylo and Jerry Bremner from barrel positions 3 and 4 respectively.

As far as day results go, Kelly Sutherland’s 1:16.20 held up as the fast run of the day followed by Chad Harden, Luke Tournier, Mark Sutherland and Kirk Sutherland. Kelly Sutherland also ended up with the best 6 day aggregate time of 7:42.15, followed by Grant Profit, Obrey Motowylo, Jerry Bremner and Mark Sutherland

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now take a break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby from July 9-18, 2010. Chad Harden is the defending champion, and races will run each night at 8:00pm.

Billy Melville

Final Four Is Set For $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Final At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:32:39 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Tops In All Categories On Night 5 In Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

The final four has been set for Sunday’s $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship final heat at the Ponoka Stampede. Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Grant Profit and Jerry Bremner will compete for the big money and the 2010 Ponoka Stampede Championship.

Sutherland qualified in first place overall after posting the top 5 day aggregate time of 6:25.95. Defending Ponoka champion Obrey Motowylo qualified in second place, 68 one-hundreds of a second out of first, followed by Grant Profit and Jerry Bremner. Jason Johnstone, looking to qualify for his first ever sudden death final, just missed out by 94 one-hundreds of a second and sits in fifth place overall.

For the second consecutive night, it was Kelly Sutherland who posted the fast of the night with a 1:15.31. Coming off barrel number 4 in the heat 8, Sutherland - driving the Red Deer Motors outfit - placed first on the night by just 18 one-hundreds of a second over Cliff Cunningham who ended up in second place for the day. Mark Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Reg Johnstone filled out the top five for the night.

Live coverage of the final day of Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting 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.

Billy Melville

Six Time Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland Posts Top Time Of Night 4

News — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:04:13 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Best Of Night 4 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

With just one more run to qualify for Sunday’s $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship final heat, things were starting to tighten up on day 4 the Ponoka Stampede. Weather and track conditions were once again excellent and a near capacity crowd was treated saw six time Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland post the fast of the night with a 1:16.17.

Coming off barrel number 2 in the heat 9, Sutherland - driving the Red Deer Motors outfit - placed first on the night by just 4 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who ended up in second place for the second consecutive night. Kirk Sutherland, hugh Sinclair and Luke Tournier filled out the top five for the night.

1999 Ponoka Stampede champion Grant Profit took over the lead in the overall aggregate standings with a 4 day combined time of 5:08.78. Defending champion Obrey Motowylo slips into second place overall, 66 one-hundreds of a second out of first, followed by Kelly Sutherland and Jason Johnstone. With just one more run to see who will be in the final four, rookie driver John Walters sits just outside the top four in fifth place overall 41 one-hundreds of a second outside the fourth and final place for Sunday’s final. Codey McCurrach, who had been in the top four every night over the first 3 days, ran into penalty problems and dropped out of contention.

The wagons will redraw for heat and barrel positions for Saturday’s run The top four wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday’s run will compete in the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship final heat where the winner will take home the 2010 Ponoka Stampede Championship.

Live coverage of the Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting each night 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

Calgary Stampede Champion Chad Harden Tops All On Night 3 Of The Ponoka Stampede

News — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:04:19 GMT

Chad Harden - Day Money Run On Night 3 Of Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a wonderful Canada Day at the Ponoka Stampede Thursday night. Weather and track conditions were excellent and some of the best chuckwagon racing on the 2010 season was witnessed by the huge Ponoka crowd. 2002 Ponoka Stampede Champion Chad Harden was the best of the night after posting a total time of 1:16.17.

Coming off barrel number 4 in the heat 7, Harden - driving the ConocoPhillips Supporting Farm Safety outfit - placed first on the night by 30 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who ended up in second place. Kelly Sutherland, Luke Tournier and Kirk Sutherland rounded out the top five for the night.

Defending champion Obrey Motowylo now leads the overall aggregate standings with a 3 day combined time of 3:51.29. Codey McCurrach, who led the first 2 days, slips into second place overall, 18 one-hundreds of a second out of first, followed by Grant Profit and Jason Johnstone. Barry Hodgson sits in fifth place overall just 18 one-hundreds of a second outside the top four after three runs.

The top four wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday’s run will compete in the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship final heat where the winner will take home the 2010 Ponoka Stampede Championship.

Live coverage of the Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting each night 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

Defending Champ Obrey Motowylo On Top On Day 2 Of The Ponoka Stampede

News — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:27:25 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - Defending Champ Takes Top Money On Day 2 Of Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

After adverse weather conditions plagued the Ponoka fairgrounds overnight, afternoon sun made for very good race conditions for day 2 of the Ponoka Stampede. Defending Ponoka Stampede Champion Obrey Motowylo had the top time of the night with a 1:17.68.

Coming off barrel number 4 in the heat 5, Motowylo - driving the H & E Oilfield Service Ltd. outfit - placed first on the night by 42 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who ended up in second place for the night. Chad Harden, Rick Fraser and Jerry Bremner rounded out the top five for the night.

Day 1 winner Codey McCurrach still leads the overall aggregate standing with a 2 day combined time of 2:34.23. Defending champion Obrey Motowylo sits second overall, 25 one-hundreds of a second out of first, followed by Rae Croteau Jr. and Jason Johnstone. 1999 Ponoka Stampede Champion Grant Profit sits in fifth place overall just 57 one-hundreds of a second outside the top four after two runs.

Live coverage of the Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting each night 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

"The Hound" Codey McCurrach Bests All On Night 1 Of The Ponoka Stampede

News — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:07:43 GMT

Codey McCurrach - Day Money Run On Night 1 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

Tuesday night was the opening day of one of chuckwagon racing’s biggest and most prestigious events – the Ponoka Stampede. Unusual weather conditions, good track conditions, and lots of outrider penalties combined for an entertaining evening of racing for the Ponoka Stampede fans. Codey McCurrach, despite a 1 second late outrider penalty, opened up the 2010 Ponoka Stampede with the fast time of the night with a 1:14.48.

Coming off barrel number 1 in the opening heat, McCurrach - driving the CE Franklin outfit - placed first on the night by 94 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Johnstone who ended up in second place for the night. Lincoln Douglas, Mike Vigen and Barry Hodgson rounded out the top five for the night.

Live coverage of the Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting each night 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

Wire To Wire Win For Luke Tournier At The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:03:27 GMT

2010 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champions
Outrider Eddie Melville, ATB Financial V.P. Dan Allen Presenting,
Driver Luke Tournier, Outrider Kris Flanagan
Photo By Billy Melville

After four outstanding days in High River, the North American Chuckwagon Championship wrapped up on Sunday afternoon in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. When the dust finally settled, it was Luke Tournier, driving the Chickwagon! Foundation for Women outfit, and along with outriders Kris Flanagan and Eddie Melville, that captured the 2010 North American Chuckwagon Championship after posting the best four day aggregate time of 5:05.32. It was a wire to wire victory for Tournier who was uncontested all week long after opening the show with what turned out to be the fast time of the week on Thursday night. It was the second time in three years that Tournier has won the North American Chuckwagon Championship having won his first in 2008.

Five time High River champion Kelly Sutherland ended up in second place overall, 3.01 seconds behind the winner Luke Tournier. Rick Fraser finished third overall, with Colt Cosgrave and Mark Sutherland filling out the top five for the four day show.

As far as the day results are concerned, Hugh Sinclair posted the fast time of the day with a 1:15.80. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 4, Sinclair, driving the North Cariboo outfit, placed first on the night by just 27 one-hundreds of a second over Doug Irvine who placed second for the day. Cliff Cunningham, Rick Fraser and Kelly Sutherland rounded out the top five for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now move onto Ponoka for the Ponoka Stampede starting on Tuesday, June 29 until Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 7:45pm. Live coverage of the Ponoka Stampede can be heard live starting each night 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 Lands Top Time On Night 3 Of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:05:48 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Best Of Night 3 In High River
Photo By Carol Easton

The North American Chuckwagon Championship continued with the third run Saturday night in High River. Weather and racetrack were fantastic as they have been all week, and 5-time High River Champion Kelly Sutherland posted the fast time of the night with a 1:15.70.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 8, Sutherland, driving the Reinhart Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, placed first on the night by 77 one-hundreds of a second over Colt Cosgrave in second place. Troy Dorchester placed third, while Buddy Bensmiller and Brian Mayan filled out the top five for the night.

Luke Tournier has set himself up in excellent position to win his second North American Chuckwagon Championship in three years as he holds a 3.19 second lead in the overall aggregate with just one run to go. Tournier sits atop the leader board with a three day combined time of 3:48.77. Day 3 winner Kelly Sutherland moves into second place overall, followed by Colt Cosgrave in third, with Rick Fraser and Mark Sutherland sitting in fourth and fifth respectively. The driver posting the top aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the 2010 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion.

The final run of the North American Chuckwagon Championship will go on Sunday afternoon starting at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the North American Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live starting at 3:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser Posts Top Time On Night 2 Of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:25:42 GMT

Rick Fraser - First Place On Night 2 In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

For the second consecutive day some fantastic racing was witnessed by the High River chuckwagon fans at the North American Chuckwagon Championship. Once again the racetrack was good, and 2-time North American Champion Rick Fraser took the day money with the fast time of the night with a 1:16.52.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 4, Fraser, driving the JLT Construction Inc. outfit, won top money by just 7 one-hundreds of a second over day 1 winner Luke Tournier who placed second for the night. Colt Cosgrave, Chad Harden and Buddy Bensmiller rounded the top five for the night.

Luke Tournier retained his lead in the overall aggregate standings with a 2-day total of 2:31.43. He sits 1.78 seconds ahead of Rick Fraser who is in second place overall, with Colt Cosgrave, Mark Sutherland and Reg Johnstone filling out the top five overall after two nights of running. The driver posting the top aggregate time after four runs will be declared the 2010 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion.

Day 3 action will resume Saturday night at 8:00 pm, with the final run scheduled for Sunday at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the North American Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live Saturday night starting at 7:45pm, with Sunday’s races airing at 3:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier Tops All On Night One At The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:18:19 GMT

Luke Tournier - Tops All On Day 1 In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

After an unscheduled weekend off it was back to business for the professional chuckwagon drivers, and it was a wonderful night in High River for the opening performance of the North American Chuckwagon Championship. The racetrack was good, and 2008 North American Champion Luke Tournier opened up the four day show with the best time of the night.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 7, Tournier, driving Chickwagon! Foundation for Women outfit, won top money by a huge 1.85 seconds over Rick Fraser who placed second for the night. Troy Dorchester, Reg Johnstone and Jason Glass rounded the top five for the night.

The driver posting the top aggregate time after four runs will be declared the 2010 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Day 2 & 3 action will resume Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 pm, with Sunday’s races to be run at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the North American Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live Friday and Saturday night starting at 7:45pm, with Sunday’s races airing at 3:45pm 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 Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:18:25 GMT

**2010 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence**
Leaders After The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede
Sponsored By Import Tool Corp. Ltd.
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Echo	Jason Glass	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Creek	Rae Croteau Jr.	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
J.J.	Buddy Bensmiller	Dollar	Buddy Bensmiller
Nine-O	Troy Flad	Jack	Troy Flad
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Rascal	Darcy Flad
Novelist	Darcy Flad	Edgar	Evan Salmond
Big Bucks	Cliff Cunningham	Pop	Cliff Cunningham
Marvin	Evan Salmond	Grey Mar	Colt Cosgrave
Big Shot	Jerry Bremner	Kiwi	Jason Glass
Port	Luke Tournier	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Sonic	Colt Cosgrave	Whisper	Jerry Bremner

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Paddy	Rae Croteau Jr.	Pistol	Buddy Bensmiller
Knight	Jason Glass	Delta	Rae Croteau Jr.
Harry	Buddy Bensmiller	Duracat	Troy Flad
Sallyban	Troy Flad	Jive	Jason Glass
Star	Darcy Flad	Tour	Darcy Flad
Peanut	Evan Salmond	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Sarge	Cliff Cunningham	Kenny	Cliff Cunningham
Hector	Jerry Bremner	Teddy	Evan Salmond
Max	Luke Tournier	Alex	Jason Glass
Pressac	Obrey Motowylo	Bert	Colt Cosgrave
Rosco	Colt Cosgrave

	OUTRIDING HORSES
	Horse Name	Owner
	A.J.	Troy Flad
	Kentucky	Darcy Flad
	Ratt	Jason Glass
	Yukon	Jason Glass
	Amersham	Rae Croteau Jr.
	Hitter	Rae Croteau Jr.
	Sir	Buddy Bensmiller
	DePillar	Troy Flad
	T.C.	Buddy Bensmiller
	Ben	Obrey Motowylo
	Sarge	Darcy Flad
	Smokey	Obrey Motowylo

Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Postponed

News — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:54:29 GMT

The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby is unfortunately being postponed until August 27, 28 and 29, 2010. The WPCA and the Drumheller Ag. Society have decided to postpone the races, which were scheduled to take place this week (June 18, 19, 20), due to unsafe track conditions.

Any tickets purchased for the show will still be valid and redeemable on the newly scheduled dates - August 27, 28 and 29, 2010.

Jason Glass Captures Second Career Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship

News — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:23:08 GMT

2010 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champions
Porter & MacLean Livestock Management
(L-R): Driver Jason Glass, Outriders Jason Lemieux, Todd Goodley
Photo By Carmen Stone

After three fantastic days of the best chuckwagon racing in the world, The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede wound up on Sunday afternoon in front of a huge crowd in Medicine Hat. Jason Glass, driving the Porter & MacLean Livestock Management Outfit, and along with outriders Todd Goodley and Jason Lemieux, emerged as the champions after posting the best 3 day aggregate of 3:05.19.

Glass won the Medicine Hat championship by just 22 one-hundreds of a second over Colt Cosgrave, followed by Buddy Bensmiller, Troy Flad and Cliff Cunningham.

As far as the day results are concerned Evan Salmond took his first career day money run after posting fast run of the week with a 1:00.84. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 6, Salmond’s Lonestar Enterprises Outfit, won top money by 32 one-hundreds of a second over Luke Tournier who placed second for the day. Buddy Bensmiller, Colt Cosgrave and Rick Fraser rounded the top five for the night. Reg Johnstone, if not for a one-second penalty, would have established a new track record at Medicine Hat.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now resume in Drumheller for the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby running June 18 - 20, 2010, Friday - Saturday at 7:00 pm, with Sunday’s races to be run at 4:00pm. Live coverage of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby can be heard on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 890AM CJDC out of Dawson Creek and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Takes Top Time On Night 2 In Medicine Hat

News — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:55:25 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - Bests All On Night 2 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Carol Easton

For the second consecutive night there were perfect weather and track conditions, and some outstanding chuckwagon racing was witnessed by a huge crowd in Medicine Hat. After a tough run on Opening night, Obrey Motowylo bounced back to post the top time of night 2 at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 11, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Outfit, won top money by 23 one-hundreds of a second over Mark Sutherland who placed second for the night. Colt Cosgrave, Buddy Bensmiller and Evan Salmond rounded the top five for the night.

Jason Glass leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day combined time of 2:03.59. Glass sits 50 one-hundreds of a second ahead of night one winner Troy Flad, with Colt Cosgrave, Buddy Bensmiller and Cliff Cunningham filling out the top five after 2 runs.

The driver posting the top aggregate time after Sunday's runs will be declared the 2010 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion. Final day action will resume Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm. Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede 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

Troy Flad Wins Top Money On Day 1 Of The Medicine Hat Stampede

News — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:51:11 GMT

Troy Flad - Top Run On Night One In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

The rain held off and the opening performance of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede went off without a glitch and on a fast racetrack Friday night. Some great racing was witnessed by the Medicine Hat fans, as Troy Flad opened up the show with the best time of the night.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 10, Troy Flad, driving the Ironwood Building Systems, won top money by 37 one-hundreds of a second over Hugh Sinclair who placed second for the night. Jason Glass, Brian Mayan and Luke Tournier rounded the top five for the night.

The driver posting the top aggregate time after 3 runs will be declared the 2010 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion. Day 2 action will resume Saturday night at 7:00 pm, with Sunday’s races to be run at 2:00pm. Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede 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

Luke Tournier Wins The Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races

News — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 13:47:44 GMT

Luke Tournier – Ron May Consulting Outfit
2010 Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races Champion
Photo By Paul Easton

After the opening performance was rained-out days in Dewberry, The Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races wound up on Sunday afternoon being shortened to a 2-day event. Luke Tournier, driving the Ron May Consulting Outfit, and along with outriders Quaid Tournier and Chanse Vigen, emerged as the champions after posting the best 2 day aggregate of 2:19.32.

Tournier won the Dewberry championship by a mere 6 one-hundreds of a second over first day leader Grant Profit, followed by Obrey Motowylo’s number 1 outfit, Kirk Sutherland’s number 1 outfit and hometown hero Buddy Bensmiller.

Luke Tournier clinched the title with his number 2 outfit after posting fast run on the final day with a 1:09.14. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 1, Tournier’s Ron May Consulting Outfit, won top money by 19 one-hundreds of a second over local legend Buddy Bensmiller who placed second for the day. Obrey Motowylo’s number 1 outfit placed 3rd for the night, followed by Barry Hodgson’s number 2 outfit that placed 4th, while Obrey Motowylo’s number 2 outfit rounded the top five for the night.

The Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races is a WPCA sanctioned show, but no points are earned towards the world standings. Championship Belt Buckles given to the winning chuckwagon outfit were generously donated by West-Jay Consulting Services Ltd., the Buddy Bensmiller Family, the Sharon (Bensmiller) Bates Family, Sherwood Brothers Oilfield Services Ltd., and Ken & Sandra Kneen’s HHD Ltd. Thanks to the Dewberry committee and everyone who made this first year event a tremendous success.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now resume in Medicine Hat for the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede running June 11 - 13, 2010, Friday - Saturday at 7:00 pm, with Sunday’s races to be run at 2:00pm. Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede 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

**Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races Aggregate Standings**
Rank	Driver	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Total Time
1	Luke Tournier (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:10.18	1:09.14	2:19.32
2	Grant Profit	Cancelled	1:08.96	1:10.42	2:19.38
3	Obrey Motowylo (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:09.63	1:09.80	2:19.43
4	Kirk Sutherland (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:10.14	1:10.05	2:20.19
5	Buddy Bensmiller	Cancelled	1:11.13	1:09.33	2:20.46
6	Kurt Bensmiller (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:09.84	1:10.68	2:20.52
7	Kurt Bensmiller (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:10.37	1:11.00	2:21.37
8	Obrey Motowylo (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:11.81	1:09.99	2:21.80
9	Kirk Sutherland (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:10.11	1:11.82	2:21.93
10	Rae Croteau Jr. (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:12.10	1:10.05	2:22.15
11	Layne MacGillvray (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:11.08	1:11.15	2:22.23
12	Rae Croteau Jr. (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:11.32	1:11.35	2:22.67
13	Jerry Bremner	Cancelled	1:10.63	1:12.09	2:22.72
14	Tim Haroldson	Cancelled	1:11.15	1:11.58	2:22.73
15	Rick Fraser	Cancelled	1:09.83	1:12.93	2:22.76
16	Doug Irvine (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:10.95	1:11.99	2:22.94
17	John Walters	Cancelled	1:13.05	1:10.52	2:23.57
18	Luke Tournier (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:11.59	1:12.35	2:23.94
19	Doug Irvine (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:10.96	1:13.47	2:24.43
20	Cody Ridsdale	Cancelled	1:13.11	1:11.42	2:24.53
21	Barry Hodgson (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:13.98	1:10.72	2:24.70
22	Chance Bensmiller (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:14.92	1:10.42	2:25.34
23	Chance Bensmiller (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:13.97	1:11.85	2:25.82
24	Barry Hodgson (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:16.68	1:09.93	2:26.61
25	David Bensmiller	Cancelled	1:12.59	1:14.08	2:26.67
26	Evan Salmond (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:13.56	1:13.46	2:27.02
27	Evan Salmond (Wagon #1)	Cancelled	1:15.77	1:11.86	2:27.63
28	Layne MacGillvray (Wagon #2)	Cancelled	1:12.33	1:15.70	2:28.03
29	Shane Cartier	Cancelled	1:15.76	1:12.54	2:28.30
30	Darcy Flad	Cancelled	N.T	1:15.61	N.T

**Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races Day 3 Results**
Rank	Driver	Total Time
1	Luke Tournier (Wagon #2)	1:09.14
2	Buddy Bensmiller	1:09.33
3	Obrey Motowylo (Wagon #1)	1:09.80
4	Barry Hodgson (Wagon #2)	1:09.93
5	Obrey Motowylo (Wagon #2)	1:09.99
6	Kirk Sutherland (Wagon #1)	1:10.05
7	Rae Croteau Jr. (Wagon #2)	1:10.05
8/9	Chance Bensmiller (Wagon #1)	1:10.42
8/9	Grant Profit	1:10.42
10	John Walters	1:10.52
11	Kurt Bensmiller (Wagon #1)	1:10.68
12	Barry Hodgson (Wagon #1)	1:10.72
13	Kurt Bensmiller (Wagon #2)	1:11.00
14	Layne MacGillvray (Wagon #1)	1:11.15
15	Rae Croteau Jr. (Wagon #1)	1:11.35
16	Cody Ridsdale	1:11.42
17	Tim Haroldson	1:11.58
18	Kirk Sutherland (Wagon #2)	1:11.82
19	Chance Bensmiller (Wagon #2)	1:11.85
20	Evan Salmond (Wagon #1)	1:11.86
21	Doug Irvine (Wagon #2)	1:11.99
22	Jerry Bremner	1:12.09
23	Luke Tournier (Wagon #1)	1:12.35
24	Shane Cartier	1:12.54
25	Rick Fraser	1:12.93
26	Evan Salmond (Wagon #2)	1:13.46
27	Doug Irvine (Wagon #1)	1:13.47
28	David Bensmiller	1:14.08
29	Darcy Flad	1:15.61
30	Layne MacGillvray (Wagon #2)	1:15.70

**Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races Day 3 Barrel Draw**
Heat #	Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalty	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	1	Luke Tournier	Ron May Consulting	1:09.14			1:09.14
	2	Doug Irvine	Wakulchyk Bros	1:09.99	2	OI, LO	1:11.99
	3	Barry Hodgson	Affordable RV	1:09.93			1:09.93
2	1	Rae Croteau Jr.	Dewberry Hotel	1:10.05			1:10.05
	2	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services (Wagon #2)	1:09.99			1:09.99
	3	Kirk Sutherland	EMCO (Wagon #2)	1:11.82			1:11.82
3	1	Layne MacGillvray	Impact 2000 Inc. (Wagon #2)	1:10.70	5	WKB	1:15.70
	2	Evan Salmond	Debolt Contracting	1:13.46			1:13.46
	3	John Walters	Alberta Pressure Testing	1:10.52			1:10.52
4	1	David Bensmiller	Overdrive Heavy Duty Services	1:12.08	2	OI, LO	1:14.08
	2	Kurt Bensmiller	Heinsburg Car Wash	1:11.00			1:11.00
	3	Chance Bensmiller	Northern Veterinary Services	1:11.85			1:11.85
5	1	Shane Cartier	Cartiers Neck Yoke Bunch	1:10.54	2	2LO	1:10.54
	2	Rick Fraser	Kendal Pipeline	1:11.93	1	LO	1:11.93
	3	Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport	1:13.47			1:13.47
6	1	Chance Bensmiller	A3 Consulting Ltd.	1:10.42			1:10.42
	2	Cody Ridsdale	D & D Electric	1:11.42			1:11.42
	3	Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	1:10.42			1:10.42
7	1	Barry Hodgson	Neighbourhood Inn	1:10.72			1:10.72
	2	Layne MacGillvray	Impact 2000 Inc. (Wagon #1)	1:11.15			1:11.15
	3	Evan Salmond	Figure 8 Transport	1:11.86			1:11.86
8	1	Darcy Flad	The Good Guys	1:09.61	6	WKB, LO	1:15.61
	2	Tim Haroldson	Don's Speed Parts	1:11.58			1:11.58
	3	Jerry Bremner	Riverton Resources	1:10.09	2	OKB	1:12.09
9	1	Luke Tournier	Martin Farms Trucking	1:10.35	2	SNL	1:12.35
	2	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services (Wagon #1)	1:09.80			1:09.80
	3	Kirk Sutherland	EMCO (Wagon #1)	1:10.05			1:10.05
10	1	Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	1:09.33			1:09.33
	2	Kurt Bensmiller	Martin Farms & Legacy Building Contractors	1:10.68			1:10.68
	3	Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Racing	1:11.35			1:11.35

Grant Profit Wins Top Money On Opening Night In Dewberry

News — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:25:44 GMT

Grant Profit - Tops All On Opening Night In Dewberry
Photo By Carol Easton

After Day 1 was cancelled due to inclement weather and unsafe race conditions, Day 2 of the Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races ran Saturday night. The Dewberry championship is a WPCA sanctioned show, but no points are earned towards the world standings.

Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding and Consulting outfit posted a time of 1:08.96 and placed first overall for the day by 67 one-hundreds of a second seconds over Obrey Motowylo who placed 2nd overall for the night. Rick Fraser, Kurt Bensmiller and Kirk Sutherland rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races will now be shortened to a 2 day event. The top wagon in the aggregate after Sunday's run will be declared the 2010 Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races champion. Racing will conclude Sunday at 2:00pm.

Billy Melville

**Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races - Day 2 Results**
Rank	Driver	Total Time
1	Grant Profit	1:08.96
2	Obrey Motowylo (Wagon #1)	1:09.63
3	Rick Fraser	1:09.83
4	Kurt Bensmiller (Wagon #1)	1:09.84
5	Kirk Sutherland (Wagon #2)	1:10.11
6	Kirk Sutherland (Wagon #1)	1:10.14
7	Luke Tournier (Wagon #2)	1:10.18
8	Kurt Bensmiller (Wagon #2)	1:10.37
9	Jerry Bremner	1:10.63
10	Doug Irvine (Wagon #2)	1:10.95
11	Doug Irvine (Wagon #1)	1:10.96
12	Layne MacGillvray (Wagon #1)	1:11.08
13	Buddy Bensmiller	1:11.13
14	Tim Haroldson	1:11.15
15	Rae Croteau Jr. (Wagon #1)	1:11.32
16	Luke Tournier (Wagon #1)	1:11.59
17	Obrey Motowylo (Wagon #2)	1:11.81
18	Rae Croteau Jr. (Wagon #2)	1:12.10
19	Layne MacGillvray (Wagon #2)	1:12.33
20	David Bensmiller	1:12.59
21	John Walters	1:13.05
22	Cody Ridsdale	1:13.11
23	Evan Salmond	1:13.56
24	Chance Bensmiller (Wagon #2)	1:13.97
25	Barry Hodgson (Wagon #1)	1:13.98
26	Chance Bensmiller (Wagon #1)	1:14.92
27	Shane Cartier	1:15.76
28	Evan Salmond (Wagon #1)	1:15.77
29	Barry Hodgson (Wagon #2)	1:16.68
30	Darcy Flad	N.T

**Dewberry World Chuckwagon Races - Day 2 Barrel Draw**
Heat #	Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalty	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	1	Doug Irvine	Wakulchyk Bros	1:10.95			1:10.95
	2	Barry Hodgson	Neighbourhood Inn (Wagon #2)	1:11.68	5	WKB	1:16.68
	3	Luke Tournier	Ron May Consulting	1:10.18			1:10.18
2	1	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services (Wagon #2)	1:10.81	1	LO	1:11.81
	2	Kirk Sutherland	EMCO (Wagon #2)	1:10.11			1:10.11
	3	Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Racing (Wagon #2)	1:12.10			1:12.10
3	1	Evan Salmond	Debolt Contracting	1:11.56	2	2LO	1:13.56
	2	John Walters	Alberta Pressure Testing	1:11.05	2	OMB	1:13.05
	3	Layne MacGillvray	Decarson Rentals	1:12.33			1:12.33
4	1	Kurt Bensmiller	Heinsburg Car Wash	1:10.37			1:10.37
	2	Chance Bensmiller	Northern Veterinary Services	1:13.97			1:13.97
	3	David Bensmiller	Overdrive Heavy Duty Services	1:12.59			1:12.59
5	1	Rick Fraser	Kendal Pipeline	1:09.83			1:09.83
	2	Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport	1:10.96			1:10.96
	3	Shane Cartier	Cartiers Neck Yoke Bunch	1:10.76	5	WKB	1:15.76
6	1	Cody Ridsdale	D & D Electric	1:13.11			1:13.11
	2	Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	1:08.96			1:08.96
	3	Chance Bensmiller	A3 Consulting Ltd.	1:09.92	5	WKB	1:14.92
7	1	Layne MacGillvray	Impact 2000 Inc.	1:11.08			1:11.08
	2	Evan Salmond	Figure 8 Transport	1:10.77	5	WKB	1:15.77
	3	Barry Hodgson	Neighbourhood Inn (Wagon #1)	1:11.98	2	OMB	1:13.98
8	1	Tim Haroldson	Don's Speed Parts	1:11.15			1:11.15
	2	Jerry Bremner	Riverton Resources	1:09.63	1	LO	1:10.63
	3	Darcy Flad	The Good Guys	N.T			N.T
9	1	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services (Wagon #1)	1:09.63			1:09.63
	2	Kirk Sutherland	EMCO (Wagon #1)	1:10.14			1:10.14
	3	Luke Tournier	Martin Farms Trucking	1:11.59			1:11.59
10	1	Kurt Bensmiller	Martin Farms & Legacy Building Contractors	1:09.84			1:09.84
	2	Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Racing (Wagon #1)	1:11.32			1:11.32
	3	Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	1:11.13			1:11.13

The Dewberry Show Will Go On

News — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 14:29:06 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s drivers will be racing tonight in Dewberry. 10 heats of WPCA racing will take place tonight and Sunday afternoon .

Dewberry Events Schedule:

Saturday
1:00 p.m. - Gymkhana Events
3:00 p.m. - Stock Dog Trails
7:00 p.m. - Races
9:00 p.m. - Cabaret in the arena with “Warren Noyce and the Combine Pilots”

Sunday

10:00 a.m. - Pancake breakfast at Dewberry Hall
10:30 a.m. - Church service on the grounds
12:30 a.m. - Stock Dog Trails
1:00 p.m. - Opening ceremonies
2:00 p.m. - Races
5:00 p.m. Beef Supper at the Dewberry Hall

*Beer gardens and booth on grounds all day
*Graham sisters trick riding will be on both Saturday and Sunday.
*Kids activities: pig catching, chuckwagons and wild pony races

Costs

Admission $15.00 per day (under 12 free)
$15.00 to attend the cabaret

Friday Night at Dewberry Races CANCELLED

News — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:20:27 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s drivers will not be racing Friday, June 4th in Dewberry, Alberta due to unsafe track conditions. The family show is a WPCA sanctioned no point show where 10 heats of WPCA racing were set to commence. Track conditions wiill be re-evaluated in order to determine whether or not the show will go on for the 5th and 6th of June.

Dewberry Events Schedule:

Friday
7:00 p.m - Races - CANCELLED

Saturday
1:00 p.m. - Gymkhana Events
3:00 p.m. - Stock Dog Trails
7:00 p.m. - Races
9:00 p.m. - Cabaret in the arena with “Warren Noyce and the Combine Pilots”

Sunday

*Beer gardens and booth on grounds all day
*Graham sisters trick riding will be on both Saturday and Sunday.
*Kids activities: pig catching, chuckwagons and wild pony races

Costs

Admission $15.00 per day (under 12 free)
$15.00 to attend the cabaret

WPCA Races Down Hunger at Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:32:10 GMT

Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank stocks shelves thanks to new food drive program with support from Encana

Thanks to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s (WPCA) Race Against Hunger program presented by Encana, the Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank received non-perishable food items and cash donations during the Grande Prairie Stompede.

“Encana would like to thank everyone who donated food and financial support last week in our first drive of this kind,” says Brian Lieverse, Community Relations Advisor for Encana. “The chuckwagon used to be a source of food and comfort for settlers on the prairies. The community helped to keep that meaning alive through our Race Against Hunger program. We’re hoping next year will be even more successful.”

Encana also kicked in $1,500 for the food bank as part of its commitment to family and community wellness in communities where it operates.

"The Salvation Army Food Bank would like to thank all of the people who donated to the food bank in the Race Against Hunger. Typically, donations are down at this time of year but the need is just as great as any other time. The food we collected during Stompede will help those in the community who are struggling to feed themselves for any number of reasons, including families, single parents, single people, seniors, homeless, and those with addiction and mental health challenges," says Captain Karen Taylor of the Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank.

In addition to the Salvation Army, the Race Against Hunger program received volunteer support from the Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative and WPCA drivers themselves. “Our young drivers’ participation is strengthening our culture - ensuring that community support as a value continues as we grow and evolve,” says Carmen Stone, Marketing Manager for the WPCA.

The Race Against Hunger program will continue in select WPCA Dodge Pro Tour stop locations throughout the summer, including Drumheller, Ponoka and Strathmore in Alberta, and Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

Photo Caption: Encana’s Brian Lieverse presents Karen Taylor of the Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank with a cheque for $1,500 as part of its participation in the Race Against Hunger program.

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Karin Mullaney

News — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:13:05 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Karin Mullaney on Thursday, May 27, 2010 2010 after a courageous battle against cancer at the age of 55 years.

Karin was active in the Chuckwagon community for many years with the WPCA women. She also found a passion in equestrian jumping. In both her professional and personal life she was blessed with many dear and beloved friends.

Karin is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, David and Leigh Schroth and their family, Tyler and Marin; her companion George Hansen and his family, Christy and Felicia. She was predeceased by her parents George and Antonia Schroth.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Services to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

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

Rae Croteau Jr. Wins The Season Opening Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:42:26 GMT

2010 Grande Prairie Stompede Champions – TOMCO Group of Companies Outfit
(L-R): , Outrider Kris Flanagan, Driver Rae Croteau Jr., Outrider Ryan MacNeill
Photo By Billy Melville

It was a cold rainy night in Grande Prairie but it didn’t damper the spirit of Rae Croteau Jr. who captured the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship on Sunday night. Croteau Jr., driving the TOMCO Group of Companies outfit, and along with outriders Kris Flanagan and Ryan MacNeill, captured the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship and the $15,000.00 bonus for the first time in his career. It was the first career WPCA Dodge Pro Tour show championship for outrider Ryan MacNeill.

Coming off barrel position number 3 in the sudden death championship final heat number 9, Croteau Jr. won the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede with a penalty free run of 1:21.40, and won the heat by a whopping 5.12 seconds over runner-up Reg Johnstone who came off barrel position number 4 and was assessed a 5 second penalty for knocking a barrel. Cliff Cunningham in his first ever sudden death final placed third from barrel position number 1 after knocking over both barrels, while Kirk Sutherland, who came off the number 2 barrel, suffered equipment problems and was unable to complete the race.

As far as the day results are concerned, 3-time Grande Prairie Champion Jerry Bremner posted the top time of the night with a 1:19.46, followed closely by Buddy Bensmiller, with Kurt Bensmiller, Troy Flad and Colt Cosgrave rounding out the top 5 for the night.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta starting on Friday June 11, 2010 at 7:00pm. Reg Johnstone is the defending Medicine Hat Champion. Live radio coverage for the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede will air on Chuckwagon Radio beginning at 6:45.

Billy Melville

The Final For The Grande Prairie Has Been Set

News — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:31:54 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Wins Ralph Vigen Memorial Award
Photo By Carol Easton

The final for the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship has been set. Rae Croteau Jr., Cliff Cunningham, Kirk Sutherland and Reg Johnstone will compete in Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship on the $60,000.00 final day. Kurt Bensmiller just missed Sunday’s final by a mere 6 one-hundreds of a second. It was originally thought that Troy Dorchester had made the final, but a late penalty bumped the 1999 Grande Prairie Champion out of Sunday's final. Rae Croteau Jr. will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award for having the top aggregate time after 4 days with a 5:08.59.

It will be the 2nd consecutive year that Rae Croteau Jr. has qualified for Grande Prairie’s sudden final. It will the first time Cliff Cunningham qualified for a WPCA sudden death final. Grande Prairie native Kirk Sutherland will also be making his second trip to the Grande Prairie final but is still looking for his first win at his hometown show. Reg Johnstone, the 1985 Grande Prairie Champion, will be making his 8th trip to the sudden death final.

As far as the day results are concerned, Jason Glass took the top time for the second consecutive night. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy outfit posted a time of the week with a 1:15.91 and placed first overall for the day by 34 one-hundreds of a second over Buddy Bensmiller who placed 2nd overall for the night. Reg Johnstone, Obrey Motowylo and Barry Hodgson rounded out the top 5 for the night. Kurt Bensmiller drove for his brother Dave Bensmiller.

Billy Melville

Defending Champion Jason Glass Takes Top Money On Night 3 At The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:22:57 GMT

Jason Glass - Wins Top Money On Night 3 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

On a cloudy night in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Day 3 of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour was run on Friday night at the Grande Prairie Stompede and saw defending Grande Prairie Champion Jason Glass take the top time of the night.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy outfit posted a time of 1:16.15 and placed first overall for the day by 35 one-hundreds of a second over Cliff Cunningham who placed 2nd overall for the night. Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo and Buddy Bensmiller rounded out the top 5 for the night. Kurt Bensmiller drove for his brother Dave Bensmiller and Layne MacGillivray drove for Jerry Bremner.

With one more night to qualify for Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat and despite a 1 second penalty on day 3, Rae Croteau Jr. continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a 3 day total time of 3:51.57. Cliff Cunningham is in second place overall, 1.12 seconds behind Croteau Jr. with Troy Dorchester and Kirk Sutherland filling out the top four after 2 nights. Darcy Flad, who had been sitting in second place suffered a 1 second penalty and dropped to 5th place overall just 20 one-hundreds of a second out of fourth place.

There will be $60,000.00 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 take home the 2010 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Billy Melville

Croteau Jr. Fastest Again On Night 2 In Grande Prairie

News — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:43:23 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Bests All For The 2nd Consecutive Night In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 2 of the professional chuckwagon season ran Thursday night at the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Once again track conditions were good and the Grande Prairie chuckwagon fans witnessed some great top level chuckwagon racing.

For the second consecutive night Rae Croteau Jr. posted the top time of the night. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 5, Croteau Jr., driving the TOMCO Group of Companies outfit posted a time of 1:16.00 and placed first overall for the day by 1.17 seconds over Darcy Flad who placed 2nd overall for the second consecutive night. Kirk Sutherland, Cliff Cunningham and Chad Harden rounded out the top 5 for the night. Kurt Bensmiller again acted as a replacement driver for his brother Dave Bensmiller.

Rae Croteau Jr. leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2 day total time of 2:32.80. Darcy Flad is in second place overall, 2.1 seconds behind Croteau Jr. with Kirk Sutherland and Troy Dorchester filling out the top four after 2 nights. Cliff Cunningham, looking to qualify for his first ever sudden death final, is in 5th place overall just 4 one-hundreds of a second out of fourth place.

Billy Melville

Rae Croteau Jr. Takes First Place On Opening Night In Grande Prairie

News — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:32:41 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - First On First Night In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

The professional chuckwagon season kicked off on Wednesday night with the 33rd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Jason Glass came into this year’s event as not only the defending Grande Prairie champion, but is in search of his 3rd consecutive, and 4th career World Chuckwagon Championship.

After a heavy snowfall last week, weather conditions were ideal on the opening night of the professional chuckwagon season and Rae Croteau Jr. opened up 2010 with the top time on opening night. Track conditions were good, and outside of a few glitches in a few heats, some great races were seen by the Grande Prairie chuckwagon fans.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 5, Croteau Jr., driving the TOMCO Group of Companies outfit posted a time of 1:16.80 and placed first overall for the day by 93 one-hundreds of a second over Darcy Flad who placed 2nd overall for the night. Obrey Motowylo, Tim Haroldson and Troy Dorchester rounded out the top 5 for the night. Kurt Bensmiller acted as a replacement driver for his brother Dave Bensmiller.

Billy Melville

WPCA Heads to Dewberry June 4th, 5th and 6th, 2010

News — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:52:27 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s drivers will be heading to Dewberry, Alberta for a 3 day WPCA sanctioned no point show and family event on June 4th, 5th and 6th, 2010.

WPCA drivers may also have the opportunity to hook second wagons to complete 36 competitors based on the overall number of WPCA drivers competiting.

Dewberry Events Schedule:

Friday
7:00 p.m - Races

Saturday
1:00 p.m. - Gymkhana Events
3:00 p.m. - Stock Dog Trails
7:00 p.m. - Races
9:00 p.m. - Cabaret in the arena with “Warren Noyce and the Combine Pilots”

Sunday

*Beer gardens and booth on grounds all day
*Graham sisters trick riding will be on both Saturday and Sunday.
*Kids activities: pig catching, chuckwagons and wild pony races

Costs

Admission $15.00 per day (under 12 free)
$15.00 to attend the cabaret

Beyond the Half Mile - AVAILABLE NOW!

News — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:28:51 GMT

Beyond the Half Mile:

Authentic stories from the men of professional wagon racing,

written by Women of the Wagons

The much anticipated book, Beyond the Half Mile, is now available for purchase at select retail locations. Beyond the Half Mile is a book that was created by a volunteer group referred to as the Women of the Wagons in order to provide a unique opportunity to read first-hand accounts of the trails and triumphs of the chuckwagon community.

Enjoy the personal family photos and little known facts about these cowboys and their lifestyle; cowboys who all have the same dream - to go down in the history books as a champion!

Read humourous, heart-warming, and often passionate accounts of what it means to be a wagon driver. These stories provide unique perspectives on what it is like to be a part of the chuckwagon community. Through the words of the drivers, their families, outriders, barn crew, and supporters, you will experience the highs and lows of a sport that has captivated millions of viewers.

The book is dedicated to the countless number of individuals who have supported, promoted and participated in chuckwagon racing throughout our sport's rich eighty seven year history.

The drivers of the WPCA have offered a rare glimpse into their lives Beyond the Half Mile in order to support the World Professional Chuckwagon Benevolent Fund. Thank you for supporting these individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sport of professional chcukwagon racing.

Beyond the Half Mile retails for $30.00 and is available at:

Keddies on 132 AVe., Grande Prairie, AB
Shelly Profit ReMax, Re/Max West Real Estate, Cochrane, AB
Hoof & Nail Farrier Supplies Ltd., Bay 3, 343 Forge Road SE, Calgary
The Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear:
- Red Deer Store, 1959 Gaetz Avenue
- Ponoka Store
Henry's Western Wear, Rocky Mtn House, AB
McFeeds, Ponoka, AB
WPCA Benevolent Trailer (all WPCA Dodge Pro Tour locations)

THANK YOU TO THE BOOK ADVERTISERS:

Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

Located on the Siksika Nation, East of Calgary on the #1 Highway, South on Highway 842
Ph: 1.888.654.6274

Ponoka Stampede

Canada's Largest 7 Day Rodeo, 6 Nights of Pro Chuckwagons
Call 403.783.0100 for tickets

Dodge Truck Dealers of Alberta

Supporting our western heritage and leading the charge as the WPCA Tour Sponsor!

2010 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Shows Big Increase Over 2009

News — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:04:36 GMT

Obrey Motowylo
Defending Ponoka Champion Tops All At the 2010 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction
Photo By Paul Easton

The final chuckwagon canvas auction for 2010 took place for one of chuckwagon racing's premier events - the Ponoka Stampede - on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede grounds in Ponoka, Alberta.

$374,500.00 was bid on the 36 drivers that will compete at the 2010 Ponoka Stampede. This is up a whopping $110,000.00 over the 2009 total of $264,500.00. This year’s total makes the Ponoka Stampede the highest of all of the shows that will comprise the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Defending Ponoka Stampede Champion Obrey Motowylo and Troy Dorchester shared the high bid with each driver selling for $20,000.00, up $1,000.00 over 2009’s top bid of $19,000.00. The average bid was $10,402.78.78 up $3,055.56 from $7,947.22 in 2009, with the median bid being $8,500.00 up $2,500.00 from $6,000.00 in 2009. The low bid of $4,500.00 was up $500.00 over 2009’s low bid of $4,000.00.

Billy Melville

2010 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
Obrey Motowylo	H $ E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$20,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$20,000.00
Jason Glass	Cinch Jeans & Shirts	$18,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$18,000.00
Rick Fraser	Hellfires Suppression Services	$18,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$18,000.00
Chad Harden	Image Distributors	$18,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Racing	$18,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$18,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Racing Team	$18,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$12,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$11,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$10,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Red Deer Motors	$10,000.00
Layne MacGillivray	Deerfoot Inn & Casino	$10,000.00
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre	$10,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$9,500.00
Luke Tournier	Double W Ranches	$9,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$8,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technologies	$8,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$7,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Pidherney's From Start To Finish	$7,500.00
Barry Hodgson	Irvine Tack And Trailers	$7,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	$7,000.00
Darcy Flad	Juice Junkeez	$7,000.00
Shane Cartier	Ron May Consulting	$6,000.00
Mike Vigen	Nelson Brothers Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Brian Mayan	FL Bar Ranches	$6,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Busted Ladies Lingerie	$6,000.00
John Walters	Goodman Roofing	$5,000.00
Sean DeBolt	Uncle Ben's RV	$5,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Fedmet Tubulars	$5,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Triple K Oilfield Services	$4,500.00
Evan Salmond	Calnash Trucking	$4,500.00
Jordie Fike	Dwight Green Oilfield Consulting	$4,500.00
Dave Bensmiller	Calnash Trucking	$4,500.00

	TOTAL AMOUNT BID	$374,500.00

	AVERAGE BID	$10,402.78

	MEDIAN BID	$8,500.00

	HIGH BID	$20,000.00

	LOW BID	$4,500.00

WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Former Judge Marv Laye

News — Tue, 04 May 2010 22:01:05 GMT

Marv Laye
October 10, 1939 – April 26, 2010

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former chuckwagon judge Marv Laye on Monday, April 26, 2010 at the age of 70 years after a lenghty illness.

Marv got his first taste for chuckwagon racing in the 1960's helping his good friend - chuckwagon champion Dale Flett. He eventually became a chuckwagon judge at the Calgary Stampede in 1990 and judged until 1998 before joining the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) as a judge in 1999 and continuing until health problems forced him to retire in 2006. He was honored by the WPCA with the Active Supporter Award in 2001.

In addition to his involvement in chuckwagon racing, Marv was also well known as the Field Manager for fifteen years at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. He was a courageous entrepreneur who built a successful Western Wear Store, Trailer Distribution Company, Towing Company, and Gas Bar/Car Wash. He played a vital role in the success of the 1988 Olympic Speed Skating, with his role at the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary. Marv also spent three years as the Agricultural Co-ordinator for the Wesley Band and Manager of the Chief Goodstoney Arena. Most recently, his greatest success was the business he built with his son Jody - building Big Hill Services & Arena Supplies, and was a very successful Olympia Ice Resurfacer Dealer. Marv spent many years with the Cochrane Lions Club, Cochrane Agricultural Society, and Cochrane Roping Club. He also dedicated his life to rodeo as a contestant/ judge/ organizer/ and spectator.

Marv is survived by his two children, daughter Jacquie (Raymond) Winter; and son Jody (Sheri) Laye; his partner of ten years Leslie Noble McCleave; his sister Verna (Abe) Dyck; his grandchildren and many extended family and friends. Marv had a very full and rewarding life.

A Celebration of Marv’s Life will be held at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre - Main Arena, 800 Griffin Road E., Cochrane, on Friday May 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433.

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

Encana WPCA 4-H Mentorship Opportunity Deadline Approaching

News — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:20:34 GMT

Well known for its contributions to a variety of programs and resources that support rural lifestyles, cultural programs and economic development, Encana continues to preserve and strengthen rural heritage by working with organizations such as the WPCA and Alberta 4-H.

Through its sponsorship of the WPCA 4-H Mentorship Opportunity (since 2005), Encana provides the WPCA an outlet to showcase its equine knowledge as well as the ability to sustain itself by introducing young and new people to the sport that might not otherwise have the chance to experience it.

WPCA 4-H Mentorship Opportunity 2010

Currently, the WPCA 4-H Mentorship Opportunity is awaiting 4-H members with an interest in chuckwagon racing and their equine friends. Participating World Professional Chuckwagon Association drivers are beginning their preparation for the 2010 race season and can’t wait to meet their 4-H members to pass their equine and sport knowledge on to them. This program is brought to Alberta 4-H members by the support of Encana.

Alberta 4-H registered 4-H members age fourteen and older with an interest in learning more about horses and chuckwagon racing are encouraged to apply to participate. 4-H member s will be partnered with a WPCA driver in one of the Dodge Pro Tour stop location. This formed partnership between a 4-H member and a professional driver develops equine, chuckwagon knowledge while learning to do by doing. Members will actively participate behind the scenes with their WPCA mentor. Tasks such as feeding, harnessing, cooling down, grooming and cleaning up for the horses. 4-H members become one of the WPCA drivers family.

There will also be a new unique opportunity for selected participating 2010 members.

How do you get involved?

Fill out the application form and submit to the 4-H Foundation of Alberta prior to May 10, 2010. The application form can be found online at www.4h.ab.ca or in the Spring issue of the 4-H Magazine. For more information contact the 4-H Foundation of Alberta at 1-877-682-2153 or foundation@4hab.com, or the World Professional Chuckwagon Association at 403-236-2466 or office@wpca.com.

Wagon Women's Wild West Luncheon and Fashion Show

News — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:23:14 GMT

The ladies of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) have teamed together to host the Wagon Women's Wild West Luncheon and Fashion Show in order to raise funds for a variety of charities.

Twenty five per cent of the funds raised will go directly towards the World Professional Chuckwagon Asssociation Benevolent Fund. The other seventy five percent will be divided up and given back to each of the race communities the WPCA visits.

The idea behind this all will be women helping women. The wagon women will be picking a charity from each community to help. This may include women shelters, cancer groups, food banks, etc.

The Wagon Women's Wild West Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held in Ponoka, Alberta on Thursday, July 1, 2010. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m.

Everyone is invited to come and enjoy an entertaining afternoon with the ladies of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. There will be a live and silent auction, great food and fun games.

Tickets - $55/each

For more information regarding tickets, contact:

Dina Sutherland
Ph: 403.990.6834
Email: dina.sutherland@telus.net

How You Can Help:

Generous donations are being accepted now. For ideas on what to donate please click here.

2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction Results

News — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 06:56:45 GMT

The 3rd canvas auction of the year - the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour’s chuckwagon canvas auction took place on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, with satellite locations in Medicine Hat, Rocky Mountain House, Grande Prairie, Drumheller and Bonnyville. Shows up for sale included the Grande Prairie Stompede, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, North American Chuckwagon Championship, Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship, Badlands Dinosaur Derby, WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, Battle of the North and finally the Battle of the Rockies.

All but one show was up over 2009 totals. The overall total came in at $1,276,250.00 - up $93,000.00 over 2009 totals. The top selling show of 2010 for the 2nd consecutive year was the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. It totaled a very impressive $202,000.00 up $10,500.00 over its 2009 total of $191,500.00. The average bid came in at $5,611.11 with the median bid at $5,125.00. High bid of $19,500.00 went to local hero Rae Croteau Jr.

The 2nd highest total of the 2010 satellite auction was the Grande Prairie Stompede. It totaled $194,500, up $18,500.00 from $176,000.00 in 2009. The average bid came in at $5,402.78 with the median bid at $5,000.00. High bid of $10,000.00 went to Hugh Sinclair, Kirk Sutherland and Jason Glass.

The 3rd highest total of the 2009 satellite auction was the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore. It totaled $185,250.00, up $13,750.00 from $171,500.00 in 2009. The average bid came in at $5,145.83 with the median bid at $4,875.00. High bid of $9,500 went to Kelly Sutherland.

4th highest total was the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River. Although it totaled $155,000.00, it was the only show of the 8 auctioned off to be down in total from 2009. High River’s auction was down $2,500.00 from $157,500.00 in 2009. The average bid came in at $4,305.56 with the median bid coming in at $4,500.00. High bid of $8,000.00 went to Rick Fraser.

The 5th highest total was a new show - the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House which replaced the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship. The change of venue was a positive as the sale totaled $152,750.00, up $28,750.00 over Red Deer’s 2009 total of $124,000.00. The average bid came in at $4,243.06 with the median bid at $3,875.00. High bid of $9,500.00 went to Jerry Bremner.

6th highest total was the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek. It totaled $148,500.00, up $11,750.00 from $136,750.00 in 2009. The average bid came in at $4,125.00 with the median bid at $4,000.00. High bid of $8,000.00 went to Chad Harden.

7th highest total went to the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. It totaled $120,250.00, up $2,500.00 from $117,750.00 in 2009. The average bid came in at $3,340.28 with the median bid equaling the 2009 median bid at an even $3,000.00. High bid of $8,000.00 went to Troy Dorchester.

Finally, the Badlands Dinosaur Derby totaled $118,000.00, up $9,750.00 from $108,250.00 in 2009. The average bid came in at $3,277.78 with the median bid at $3,000.00. High bid of $6,250.00 went to Reg Johnstone.

The final auction of the year will be for the Ponoka Stampede which will take place on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. Last years Ponoka Stampede auction brought in a total of $264,500.00.

**Grande Prairie Stompede Canvas Auction Results**
Grande Prairie, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing	$10,000.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$10,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$10,000.00
Rick Fraser	Horizon Hauling	$9,250.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc	$8,500.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$8,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching	$7,500.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$7,000.00
Mike Vigen	Sundown Oilfield	$7,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$7,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$6,750.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$6,000.00
Barry Hodgson	GD Cornish Trucking Ltd.	$5,500.00
Colt Cosgrave	JV Contracting	$5,250.00
Brian Mayan	H & M Meats	$5,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$5,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kaydee Ranching	$5,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Pomeroy Inn & Suites	$4,750.00
Jerry Bremner	Kim Graham	$4,500.00
Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals	$4,500.00
Luke Tournier	Keddies Tack & Western Wear	$4,500.00
Sean DeBolt	Catwalk Compression	$4,250.00
Shane Cartier	Grande Equipment Ltd.	$4,250.00
Cody Ridsdale	Mad Logging	$4,000.00
Dave Bensmiller	Muddy Creek Rentals	$4,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Energy	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Evan Salmond	Debolt Contracting	$3,500.00
Tim Haroldson	All Peace Petroleum	$2,750.00
Reg Johnstone	Happy Trails RV	$2,500.00
John Walters	Drifters Casing	$2,250.00
Darcy Flad	Grande Prairie Stampede Association	$2,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$194,500.00

	Average Bid	$5,402.78

	Median Bid	$5,000.00

	High Bid	$10,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

**Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Medicine Hat, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$8,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Tri-Mak Electrical Inc.	$7,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$4,250.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$4,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Gunther's Masonry Construction Ltd.	$4,000.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Energy	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$3,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$3,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$3,000.00
Jason Glass	Porter and Maclean Livestock	$3,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kaydee Ranching	$3,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	L & S Farms	$3,000.00
Shane Cartier	Davis Buick GMC	$3,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$3,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	North Cariboo Air	$2,750.00
Rick Fraser	Medicine Hat New Holland	$2,750.00
Cody Ridsdale	Cameron & Associates Construction	$2,500.00
Darcy Flad	Target Excavating	$2,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Weir Construction Ltd.	$2,500.00
Mike Vigen	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	$2,250.00
Brian Mayan	Provident Energy Trust	$2,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Xtreme Oilfield Technologies	$2,000.00
John Walters	Alberta Pressure Testing	$2,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$2,000.00
Luke Tournier	Perlich Brothers Auction	$2,000.00
Barry Hodgson	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Dave Bensmiller	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Evan Salmond	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Sean DeBolt	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Tim Haroldson	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00

	Total Amount Bid	$120,250.00

	Average Bid	$3,340.28

	Median Bid	$3,000.00

	High Bid	$8,000.00

	Low Bid	$1,750.00

**Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Canvas Auction Results**
Drumheller, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Reg Johnstone	Norm's Oilfield	$6,250.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching	$5,500.00
Colt Cosgrave	E B A Engineering Consultants Ltd.	$5,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$5,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$5,000.00
Luke Tournier	Brass & Pocket	$4,500.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd.	$4,500.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc .	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$3,750.00
Kurt Bensmiller .	AIC Construction Ltd.	$3,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$3,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$3,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	L & S Farms	$3,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kaydee Ranching	$3,000.00
Jason Glass	High River Autoplex & RV	$3,250.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$3,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$3,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$3,000.00
Shane Cartier	Cartier's Neckyoke Bunch	$2,500.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Energy	$2,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Kim Graham Oilfield Consulting	$2,500.00
Darcy Flad	H & H Huxted Enterprises	$2,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	The Banditos	$2,500.00
Tim Haroldson	Susan Niehaus of Hometown Realty	$2,000.00
Rick Fraser	Riverside Packers	$2,000.00
Mike Vigen	Desert Sales Inc.	$2,000.00
John Walters	Drumheller Ag Society	$2,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Clay Mountain Environmental Products	$2,000.00
Sean DeBolt	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Evan Salmond	Drumheller Chamber of Commerce	$1,750.00
Dave Bensmiller	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Chance Bensmiller	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Brian Mayan	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00

	Total Amount Bid	$118,000.00

	Average Bid	$3,277.78

	Median Bid	$3,125.00

	High Bid	$6,250.00

	Low Bid	$1,750.00

**North American Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results**
High River, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Rick Fraser	JLT Construction Inc.	$8,000.00
Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse	$7,500.00
Mark Sutherland	Tri-Mak Electrical Inc.	$7,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$6,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$5,750.00
Kelly Sutherland	Gallery Homes	$5,500.00
Lincoln Douglas	Mortgage Wagon	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$5,250.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$5,000.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$5,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	North Cariboo Air	$5,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Gunther's Masonry Construction Ltd.	$5,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$4,500.00
Jason Glass	Condominium First Management Services Ltd.	$4,500.00
Luke Tournier	Chickwagon Foundation	$4,500.00
Barry Hodgson	Friends of Hodgson	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Brian Mayan	Good Time Party Rentals	$3,750.00
Jordie Fike	Wild Roses	$3,750.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$3,000.00
Shane Cartier	Peter Niemans Water Well Drilling	$3,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Okotoks Rentals	$2,750.00
Tim Haroldson	Chariot Express	$2,750.00
Chance Bensmiller	High River Home Hardware Building Centre	$2,500.00
Darcy Flad	Target Excavating	$2,500.00
Dave Bensmiller	Git R Down Drilling Ltd.	$2,500.00
Mike Vigen	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	$2,250.00
Sean DeBolt	VJV Foothills Livestock Auction	$2,000.00
Evan Salmond	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
John Walters	World Professional Chuckwagon Association	$1,750.00
Reg Johnstone	Mor-West Ventures Inc.	$1,750.00

	Total Amount Bid	$155,000.00

	Average Bid	$4,305.56

	Median Bid	$4,500.00

	High Bid	$8,000.00

	Low Bid	$1,750.00

**Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results**
Bonnyville, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$19,500.00
Luke Tournier	Tri-City Contracing Ltd.	$10,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Lakeland Homes	$8,750.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$8,500.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$8,500.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$7,500.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$7,500.00
Chance Bensmiller	Cougar Fuels Ltd.	$7,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$7,000.00
Brian Mayan	Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants	$6,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Trailblazer RV Centre	$6,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Bonnyville Chrysler Jeep	$6,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Moko Oilfield	$6,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Scorpion Industries	$6,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$5,750.00
Rick Fraser	Pride of the Lakeland	$5,750.00
Barry Hodgson	Bonnyville Neighbourhood Inn	$5,500.00
Shane Cartier	Xtreme Oilfield Technologies	$5,250.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$5,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Pipestone Carriers INC	$5,000.00
Mike Vigen	Hamel's Meat Market	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$4,750.00
Reg Johnstone	Kal Tire	$4,750.00
Hugh Sinclair	Town & Country Developments	$4,500.00
Dave Bensmiller	Overdrive Heavy Duty Supplies	$4,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kaydee Ranching	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Jason Glass	Tuboscope Canada	$3,750.00
Lincoln Douglas	DLM Enterprises	$3,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	Sign Solutions	$3,250.00
Jordie Fike	Triple T Greenery	$3,250.00
Darcy Flad	Horizon Mechanical	$2,750.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$2,000.00
Sean DeBolt	King Kans	$2,000.00
Evan Salmond	Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee	$1,750.00
John Walters	Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee	$1,750.00

	Total Amount Bid	$202,000.00

	Average Bid	$5,611.11

	Median Bid	$5,125.00

	High Bid	$19,500.00

	Low Bid	$1,750.00

**WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship & Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Strathmore, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Kelly Sutherland	Kay Dee Ranching	$9,500.00
Luke Tournier	Friends of Heritage Park	$9,000.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$8,000.00
Rick Fraser	JLT Construction Inc.	$8,000.00
Jerry Bremner	Wildflower Ranch - Cancorp Property Group	$7,250.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$7,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	North Cariboo Air	$7,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Canada Inc.	$7,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$6,750.00
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching	$6,500.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$6,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$6,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$5,500.00
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.	$5,250.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$5,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Brian Mayan	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.	$4,750.00
Shane Cartier	BlackJack Livestock Co.	$4,500.00
Jordie Fike	Chariot Express	$4,250.00
Barry Hodgson	Friends of Hodgson	$4,000.00
Jason Glass	Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer	$4,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	L & S Farms	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Affordable Barns	$4,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Rob Knight Trucklines	$3,750.00
Mike Vigen	Strathmore Station	$3,750.00
Sean DeBolt	Chinook Credit Union Ltd.	$3,750.00
Cody Ridsdale	Sobeys Strathmore	$3,250.00
Dave Bensmiller	Calgary Co-Op	$3,250.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$3,000.00
Evan Salmond	Strathmore Motor Products	$2,750.00
Darcy Flad	H & H Huxted Enterprises	$2,500.00
John Walters	DeAngelo Brothers	$2,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Dodge Trucks	$2,500.00

	Total Amount Bid	$185,250.00

	Average Bid	$5,145.83

	Median Bid	$4,875.00

	High Bid	$9,500.00

	Low Bid	$2,500.00

**Battle of the North Canvas Auction Results**
Dawson Creek, B.C.
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Chad Harden	EnCana/Hardcastle Developments	$8,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching	$7,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$6,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.	$6,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Barry Hodgson	GD Cornish Trucking Ltd.	$5,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$5,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kaydee Ranching	$5,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$5,000.00
Sean DeBolt	WN Oilfield	$5,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Pomeroy Inn & Suites	$4,750.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$4,500.00
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.	$4,250.00
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals Inc.	$4,250.00
Dave Bensmiller	Muddy Creek Rentals	$4,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Ditmarsia Holdings	$4,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	L & S Farms	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$4,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$3,750.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Energy	$3,500.00
Brian Mayan	H & M Meats	$3,250.00
John Walters	Arrow Insurance Agency Ltd.	$3,000.00
Rick Fraser	Horizon Hauling	$3,000.00
Troy Dorchester	VJV Dawson Creek Auction	$3,000.00
Luke Tournier	Happy Trails RV	$2,750.00
Cody Ridsdale	Cody Ridsdale	$2,500.00
Jerry Bremner	Kim Graham Oilfield Consulting	$2,500.00
Tim Haroldson	Affordable Barns	$2,500.00
Darcy Flad	S/S Ranch	$2,250.00
Evan Salmond	BLT First Aide Services	$2,250.00
Mike Vigen	Lakeside Oilfield Services	$2,250.00
Reg Johnstone	Michalchuk Bros. L Contractors Ltd.	$2,250.00
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$148,500.00

	Average Bid	$4,125.00

	Median Bid	$4,000.00

	High Bid	$8,000.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

**Battle of the Rockies Canvas Auction Results**
Rocky Mountain House, AB
Driver	Advertiser	Amount Bid
Jerry Bremner	W. Pidhirney Welding Ltd.	$9,500.00
Chad Harden	Spartan/EnCana/Image Dist./Source Energy	$8,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	JV Contracting	$7,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Eldorado Pressure	$7,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$6,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Pipestone Carriers INC	$6,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Rick Fraser	Neway Oilfield Services	$6,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Ltd	$5,750.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$5,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Quinn Contracting	$4,750.00
Hugh Sinclair	Desert Sales Inc.	$4,750.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	$4,500.00
Brian Mayan	Friends of Bryan Mayan	$4,250.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO Corporation	$4,250.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kay Dee Ranching	$4,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of Croteau Chuckwagon	$4,000.00
Shane Cartier	Westend Liquor Store	$4,000.00
Cody Ridsdale	Glover International Trucks Ltd.	$3,750.00
Jordie Fike	Penn West Energy	$3,500.00
Luke Tournier	JC Pressure Testing	$3,500.00
Barry Hodgson	Royal LePage Tamarack Trail Real Estate	$3,250.00
Jason Glass	Co-operators Insurance	$3,250.00
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service	$3,000.00
Dave Bensmiller	Henry's Western Wear	$3,000.00
Layne MacGilIivray	Wellmax Oilfield Ltd.	$3,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	L & S Farms	$3,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Spirit of the Rockies	$3,000.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Systems	$3,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Coles Auction Services	$2,750.00
Evan Salmond	Cadrain Family	$2,750.00
Sean DeBolt	Rocky Credit Union	$2,750.00
Mike Vigen	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	$2,250.00
Tim Haroldson	Busted Ladies Lingerie	$2,250.00
Darcy Flad	Target Excavating	$2,000.00
John Walters	Alberta Pressure Testing	$2,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$152,750.00

	Average Bid	$4,243.06

	Median Bid	$3,875.00

	High Bid	$9,500.00

	Low Bid	$2,000.00

Watch WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Chuckwagon Canvas Auction Live Online On Tuesday April 6, 2010 At 5:00pm

News — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:28:39 GMT

Tonight, April 6, 2010, prime advertising space on the tarps carried by the 36 best chuckwagon drivers in the world will be auctioned off for the bulk of the 2010 professional chuckwagon season.

8 shows on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour that will be up for sale tonight include the following:

Name of Event	Location	Dates	# of Days
Grande Prairie Stompede	Grande Prairie, AB	May 26 – 30	5 Days
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede	Medicine Hat, AB	June 11 – 13	3 Days
Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby	Drumheller, AB	June 18 – 20	3 Days
North American Chuckwagon Championship	High River, AB	June 24 – 27	4 Days
Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship	Bonnyville, AB	July 22 – 25	4 Days
WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship	Strathmore, AB	July 29-Aug 2	5 Days
Battle of the North	Dawson Creek, B.C	Aug 11 – 15	5 Days
Battle of the Rockies	Rocky Mtn House, AB	Aug 19 – 22	4 Days

The auction will also be carried live online via agrimart.ca where prospective buyers will be able to make their bids online. Online bidders must pre register.

To view the online auction video only go to: http://auctioncentral.tv.

To bid online and/or view as a guest got to: http://live.agrimart.ca/servlet/SelectAuction.do?auctionId=48.

There will be a reception at 4:30 pm, with the auction starting at 5:00 pm.

The main auction location will be at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino, 1000 35 Street SE in Calgary, with uplink hosting at the following venues:

- Wetlander Bar & Grill, Bonnyville, AB - contact Marty Michaud - 780.826.0488
- Dinosaur Downs Stampede Grounds, Drumheller, AB - contact Mike Hansen 403.820.0301
- Trade Exhibition and Conference Centre, Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie, AB - contact Willie Kempin 780.518.4642 or Connie Patterson 250.219.0791
- Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds, Medicine Hat, AB - contact Jim Tennant 403.527.1234
- Boomers Pub & Lounger, Rocky Mountain House, AB - contact Brad Smith 403.846.5919

There will be World Professional Chuckwagon Association drivers on location at each of the hosting venues.

For more information contact WPCA Marketing Manager Carmen Stone at 403 236-2466 or email: carmen.stone@wpca.com.

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Former Farrier Leo Hughes

News — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:55:12 GMT

Leo Hughes
April 8,1939 - March 17,2010

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former farrier Leo Hughes on on March 17, 2010, St. Patricks Day. Leo was a fixture around the Sutherland camp for nearly 30 years.

Leo came to Canada in 1967 from his native Ireland. He was well educated and a very interesting individual who was proud of his Irish heritage. He loved the west, and the cowboy way of life. A farrier by trade, Leo shoed horses for the Sutherland camp and many other drivers in the WPCA as well. Leo returned to Ireland a few years ago due to failing health where he passed away just last week.

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

Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships Canvas Auction Results

News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:00:25 GMT

World Champion Auctioneer Danny Skeels (L) and Track Announcer
Les McIntyre (R) At The 2010 Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships Canvas Auction
Photo By Billy Melville

The 2nd Chuckwagon canvas auction for 2010 took place on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Alberta Ballroom in Edmonton Expo Center at Northlands Park - 116 Avenue & Wayne Gretzky Drive in Edmonton.

$307,000.00 was bid on the 36 drivers that will compete at the WPCA Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships. This is up $21,500.00 over the 2009 total of $285,500.00.

Defending Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Champion Chad Harden was the high bid at $19,000.00, down $1,000.00 over 2009’s top bid of $20,000.00. The average bid was $8,527.78 up $597.22 from $7,930.56 in 2009, with the median bid being $7,750.00 up $250.00 from $7,500.00 in 2009. The low bid of $4,000.00 matched the low bid of 2009.

The 3rd Chuckwagon canvas auction for the year will be for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour chuckwagon canvas auction which on Tuesday, April 6, 2009. Shows up for sale included the Grande Prairie Stompede, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, North American Chuckwagon Championship, Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship, Badlands Dinosaur Derby, WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, Battle of the North and finally a new show – the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship is not on the 2010 WPCA schedule.

Billy Melville

2010 Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships Canvas Auction Results
(In Sale Order)
Driver	Advertiser	Sale Amount
Chad Harden	Ron May Consulting/Image Distributors	$19,000.00
Jason Glass	630 CHED Radio	$11,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$17,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Northwell Oilfield Hauling (2009) Inc.	$10,000.00
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre	$9,000.00
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO	$11,000.00
Troy Dorchester	Team Rig & Supply/Decarson Rentals	$10,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Ranching Crew Of DeWinton	$10,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Stahl Peterbilt	$8,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	$12,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Western Star Trucks	$10,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$11,000.00
Rick Fraser	Terra Energy Rentals	$13,000.00
Luke Tournier	Reliance Industrial Products	$10,000.00
Mike Vigen	Cell Bridge Commuinications Corp	$11,000.00
Reg Johnstone	Direct Horizontal Drilling	$9,000.00
Brian Mayan	NWT Safety Supplies	$6,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Crystal Kids	$7,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$10,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Friends of CCT	$7,000.00
Tim Haroldson	We Love Edmonton	$5,500.00
Troy Flad	Ironwood Building Supplies	$10,000.00
Cliff Cunningham	Micarna Oilfield	$5,000.00
Darcy Flad	Pentastar Transportation	$4,500.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$5,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	Tri-Service Oilfield Manufacturing Ltd.	$5,000.00
Layne MacGillivray	CISN Country 103.9 FM	$7,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	All Weather Windows	$4,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	McCuaig Desrochers LLP	$4,000.00
Shane Cartier	Canadian Western Bank	$6,000.00
Chance Bensmiller	Pennock Acheson Nielsen Devaney	$6,500.00
Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	$7,500.00
Evan Salmond	Debolt Contracting	$7,000.00
Jordie Fike	Blazer Insurance	$6,000.00
Sean DeBolt	High Line Contracting	$5,500.00
Dave Bensmiller	Tailor Made Insurance	$7,000.00

	Total Amount Bid	$307,000.00

	Average Bid	$8,527.78

	Median Bid	$7,750.00

	High Bid	$19,000.00

	Low Bid	$4,000.00

Edmonton Canvas Auction To Be Held On Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 6:00pm.

News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:38:46 GMT

The 2nd Chuckwagon canvas auction for 2010 will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Alberta Ballroom in Edmonton Expo Center at Northlands Park - 116 Avenue & Wayne Gretzky Drive in Edmonton. It will be for the WPCA Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships. The reception will start at 6:00pm, with the auction at 7:00pm. Everyone is invited to attend and try to be a successful bidder so to become part of a professional chuckwagon outfit.

Becoming a canvas sponsor is an opportunity for anyone to secure their back stage pass to one of the most entertaining sports in the world – WPCA Chuckwagon Racing. Canvas partners get the opportunity to be associated with World Class athletes in one of Alberta’s most watched sports. Last year’s canvas auction totaled $285,500.00 for the 36 participating drivers. Bidding will done live with online bidding available through www.halfmileofhell.com.

The WPCA Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships is the season ending event where the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, the World Champion Outrider, and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby champions will be all crowned. The event itself will run from September 1-5, 2010 at Northlands in Edmonton. Tickets will go on sale in May 2010.

For more information visit www.halfmileofhell.com or northlands.com.

Pete Mullaney Celebrates 90 Years

News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:20:42 GMT

Former driver Pete Mullaney proudly displays the western sculpture of a
racing chuckwagon to mark his 90th birthday

Former chuckwagon driver Pete Mullaney just celebrated his 90th birthday. To mark the occasion, a party was held on Saturday, March 6, 2010.

The event was well attended and saw many current and former competitors from both the chuckwagon and rodeo world in attendance. WPCA President Wayne Overacker presented Pete with a western sculpture of a racing chuckwagon to mark his milestone birthday.

Pete started his rodeo and chuckwagon career back in the 1940’s with Cliff Claggett. He competed for a number of years driving big wagons and pony wagons and eventually claimed the world pony chuckwagon championship. Two of Pete’s sons – Deryle and Dr. Doyle Mullaney went on to successful careers in the chuckwagon business. Pete was honored by the WPCA with it’s special tribute in 1995.

The WPCA would like to congratulate Pete and wish him a very happy 90th birthday once again.

Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction Results

News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:28:52 GMT

Dr. David Chalack - Calgary Stampede President & Chairman of the Board
Welcomes Everyone To the 32nd Annual Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction
Photo By Billy Melville

The first chuckwagon canvas auction of the year was for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby and held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the Archie Boyce Pavilion on Stampede Park in Calgary Alberta. $1,966,000.00 was bid on the 36 participating wagons, up $274,000.00. It was the 11th consecutive year the Calgary Auction crossed over the 1.5 million dollar mark, in addition to being the 5th highest total in the 32 year history of the event.

$1,447,500.00 of the total was bid on the 25 drivers that will represent the WPCA at this year’s Calgary Stampede, while $518,500.00 was bid on the 11 drivers representing the CPCA. Defending Calgary Stampede Champion Chad Harden was the high bid at $120,000.00, up $10,000.00 from 2009’s top bid of $110,000.00. WPCA drivers took 21 of the top 25 bids, including 8 of the top 10 bids. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $54,611.11 up $7,611.11 from $47,000.00 in 2009, with the median bid being $50,000.00 up $9,500.00 from $40,500.00 in 2009. Another bright spot in the 2010 Calgary auction was the low bid was $37,000.00 up $11,000.00 from the 2009 low bid of $26,000.00.

Billy Melville

**2010 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction Results**
Sale Order	Driver	Sponsor	Sale Price
1	Chad Harden	ATB Financial	$120,000.00
2	Tyler Helmig	Pidherney's From Start To Finish	$55,000.00
3	Mark Sutherland	Calgary Hotel Association	$75,000.00
4	Kelly Sutherland	Lucid Group of Companies	$65,000.00
5	Jason Glass	Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer	$70,000.00
6	Rae Croteau Jr.	Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino	$60,000.00
7	Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Ltd.	$75,000.00
8	Rick Fraser	The Chickwagon / Henninger Toyota	$44,000.00
9	Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$50,000.00
10	Luke Tournier	The Cowboy's Posse	$47,500.00
11	Neal Walgenbach	YYC Calgary International Airport	$45,000.00
12	Wayne Knight	Express Personnel Services and Ranches	$42,500.00
13	Hugh Sinclair	Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning	$42,500.00
14	Grant Profit	Thru Tubing Solutions	$50,000.00
15	Reg Johnstone	Matco Financial Inc.	$40,000.00
16	Roger Moore	Lynx Brand Fence/Stephens Fine Homes	$37,000.00
17	Grant Preece	Maxfield Inc.	$41,000.00
18	Gary Gorst	RE/MAX Realtors of Calgary	$47,500.00
19	Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$50,000.00
20	Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse	$55,000.00
21	Kirk Sutherland	Cam Clark Ford / Ranchman's Renegades	$90,000.00
22	Tim Haroldson	Darcy Simoneau's	$40,000,00
23	Kurt Bensmiller	WestJet	$52,500.00
24	Buddy Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park	$55,000.00
25	Ray Mitsuing	Cam Clark Ford	$42,500.00
26	Leo Tournier	Friends of the Mavericks	$47,500.00
27	Brian Laboucane	The Mavericks	$45,000.00
28	Barry Hodgson	Friends of the Calgary Food Bank	$50,000.00
29	Jerry Bremner	Legacy Asset Management Fund	$50,000.00
30	Jim Knight	Border City Oilmen	$65,000.00
31	Shane Nolin	BELL	$42,500.00
32	Troy Flad	BNL (1997) Ltd.	$52,500.00
33	Brian Mayan	Boot Hill Gallery	$50,000.00
34	Devin Mitsuing	1-800 Drywall Inc.	$53,000.00
35	Vern Nolin	BKDI Architects	$57,500.00
36	Mike Vigen	Cell Bridge Commuinications Corp.	$61,000.00

		Total Amount Bid	$1,966,000.00

		Average Bid	$54,611.11

		Median Bid	$50,000.00

		High Bid	$120,000.00

		Low Bid	$37,000.00

		WPCA Drivers (25)	$1,447,500.00

		CPCA Drivers (11)	$518,500.00

3rd Annual Bonnyville Cowboy Gala To Be Held On March 27, 2010

News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:10:53 GMT

The Bonnyvile Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association presents the 3rd Annual Cowboy Gala on March 27, 2010 at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre. Cocktails at 5:00pm, supper at 6:00pm with auction and dance to follow.

The Cowboy Gala is a fundraising dinner, dance and auction featuring WPCA radio commentator Billy Melville as the master of ceremonies and the music of CCMA award winning recording artist Lisa Hewitt. This year's fundraiser is for Phase II of the grandstands.

Round tables of eight are available for $800.00 as well as individual tickets at $100.00 each.

For more information contact Joanne Michaud at 780-826-0988 or 780-826-4779 or Ruby Ringuette at 780-826-0797.

First Canvas Auction Of The Year In Calgary On March 4

News — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:44:52 GMT

2009 Calgary Stampede Champion Chad Harden
Photo by Carol Easton

As every day passes we get closer and close to the start of the 2010 chuckwagon racing season. The chuckwagon canvas auctions are the unofficial start to the professional chuckwagon season, and the canvas auctions will take place in March, and before we know it the professional Chuckwagon racing season will begin with the first stop of the year in Grande Prairie.

The Calgary Stampede Auction returns as the first auction of the year and will be held on March 4, 2010 in the Boyce Pavilion on Stampede Park. 25 drivers that will compete on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be auctioned off along with 11 drivers that will run on the CPCA circuit in 2010.

Last years’ auction brought in a total of $1,692,000.00 with $1,176,000.00 being bid on WPCA drivers. Although the 2009 auction was down from 2008, it was the 10th consecutive year the Calgary Auction crossed over the 1.5 million dollar mark and the 7th highest total in the 31 year history of the event. Everyone is optomistic that prices will be up one again this year.

For more information on the 2010 Calgary Stampede Canvas Auction call 403.828.0226 or visit the Calgary Stampede website by clicking here.

Billy Melville

Bensmiller Heads to the Olympics to Represent Chuckwagon Racing

News — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:01:30 GMT

Kurt Bensmiller will be one of two cowboys heading out to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games in order to showcase and highlight our unique sport and Western culture.

He joins the Calgary Stampede family including Stampede Royalty, Harry the Horse, and second cowboy Ty Elliott in order to participate on two exciting activities: the Alberta Train and Alberta Day, on Feb 17. The train, carries media and VIPs between Vancouver and Whistler, and provides an unprecedented opportunity to market the Calgary Stampede and the sport of Chuckwagon racing to a ‘captive’ audience.

Hala Dehais from the Calgary Stampede will be blogging about the activities and experience on a regular basis. To learn more about Kurt’s Olympic journey read Dehais' bog here.

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Elaine McKay

News — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:01 GMT

Elaine McKay
July 20, 1941 – January 27, 2010

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Elaine McKay, mother of former Calgary Stampede Princess and Chuckwagon Committee Chairman Melissa McKay, on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the age of 68 years after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was predeceased by her husband William McKay, and is survived by her three children - Trent, Mark and Melissa. Elaine was actively involved with the Calgary Stampede Queens and Princesses and has been a strong protective chaperone of the past thirty plus Calgary Stampede Royal Trio.

A Celebration of Elaine’s Life will be held at McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca Street S.E.) on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. Thanks to everyone for their support during Elaine`s cancer journey but a special thank you to Carol Fyke.

The WPCA extends its sincere condolences to the McKay family.

1st Annual Chuckwagon Heritage Fundraiser - March 27, 2010

News — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:39:43 GMT

The Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation presents:

1st Annual Chuckwagon Heritage Fundraiser

Dinner, Dance, Auction
March 27, 2010
Location: 5 Mile Hall (located 3 miles East of Grande Prairie on 100th Ave. Turn N on Range Road 53. Hall is visible on corner.)

Cocktails: 6-7 p.m.
Catered Meal: 7:00 p.m.
Dance, silent auction, and draws to follow

Join us in celebrating our chuckwagon culture and heritage, with special recognition for past and current heritage foundation supporters. All persons attending will have a chance to win spectacular door prizes!

Our mandate is the preservation of 86 years of western chuckwagon heritage, supporting local charities, and working with other local and like minded organizations, such as the Grande Prairie Stompede, Chamber of Commerce, and chuckwagon groups, to promote chuckwagon racing and tourism revenue in our community.

In 2009, the founding year, the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation raised $62,000.00 with help from our 45 local sponsors. The money was used for a “$50,000.00 dollar Sunday”, with $3000.00 to PARDS. Through fundraising efforts we have also purchased a portable display that will be used to showcase the history of chuck wagon racing in our area.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

This event is open to members and invited guests and will sell out fast. Contact Patsy Smith, Event Chairperson, at (780) 538-3294 for more information.

Tickets: $40/each. Children under 10: free

Cheques, donations, or door prizes can be mailed to 5602 Taylor Way, Grande Prairie, AB. T8W 0H3, Attn: Patsy Smith. Cheques are payable to the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation.

Currently the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation is requesting Silent Auction items from any drivers or supporters that are able to contribute.

Special thanks to this year's 2010 "Dash for Cash" Deadline Advertiser:

HAPPY TRAILS RV INC.

"Truly the Home of Affordable Family Camping"

The WPCA is Going to Where Adventure Begins!

News — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:37:33 GMT

Rocky Mountain House is “Where Adventure Begins”!

That being said, the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), and the newly formed, Rocky Mountain House Chuckwagon Association are pleased announce that Rocky will be introducing another exciting adventure to its community and tourists.

The WPCA’s Dodge Pro Tour is expanding to include the first annual Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Championship, August 19 – 22, 2010. 36 of the best chuckwagon drivers – including 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion, Chad Harden and the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour and WPCA World Champion, Jason Glass – will be driving for the championship title. The top wagon in the show’s aggregate standings after four (4) days will win the Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Championship.

From a historical and cultural prospective, the town of Rocky Mountain House and the WPCA have a lot in common. Both want to promote their heritage and keep proud traditions while being fully modernized and relevant. The WPCA feels that the Town of Rocky Mountain House will share its vision, values and goals (showcase equine admiration and knowledge; provide an outlet to celebrate and showcase our western heritage; and support and develop high quality high profile grass root events) and become a prominent stop on the Tour.

Welcome aboard Rocky Mountain House to the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour!

When:

August 19 - 22, 2010
Thursday – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m., Sunday @ 2:00 p.m.

Where:

Rocky Rodeo Grounds – Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Do you think Fraser can dance?

News — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:46:24 GMT

Fans of Rick Fraser can find out if he can really bust a move this Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at the Pengrowth Saddledome. Fraser will be dancing during the half time show at the Calgary Flames game Saturday evening. Be there during the Battle of Alberta, where the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers will battle it out, in order cheer him on. Game starts @ 8:00 p.m. MT.

Send us an email and tell us what you thought of Rick’s dance moves: Email: carmen.stone@wpca.com, Subject: Dancing Rick.

Accepting Applications Now for WPCA Race Secretary

News — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:31:38 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is looking for a successful candidate in order to fill its current Race Secretary position. The WPCA is excited to offer this unique opportunity and is accepting applications until February 28, 2010.

The WPCA is looking for an organized, efficient and friendly personality to fulfill this position. As a race secretary you are expected to attend all race dates throughout Alberta and North-Eastern British Columbia. The Race Secretary collects comprehensive information and statistics related to the WPCA Chuckwagon races and disperses it as directed.

Are YOU interested in becoming the WPCA Race Secretary?

Duties of the WPCA Race Secretary:

Comprehends and tracks vital information pertaining to the WPCA Chuckwagon races
Keeps daily records of running times, demerits, protests, fines, entry fees etc.
Processes and records all fines, protests and transactions
Passes along all information and records to the Association’s Office Administrator
Compiles and produces official daily time sheets with daily fines for contestants after protest hour
Provides accurate information to drivers, outriders, judges, WPCA Officials and Track Announcers prior to, during and after the races
Administers the prize money pay out at the end of each race meet
Performs other duties as assigned

What you need to get the job done:

Applicants must be able to attend all WPCA race dates and be available prior, during and after the races
Applicants must be organized and efficient. All records must be kept in an accurate and professional manner. These records are considered official
Applicants must be computer literate and be able to operate Excel
Resume

What’s in it for you?

Competitive pay
The chance to experience the unique world of Chuckwagon racing
The chance to travel throughout Alberta and North-Eastern BC

Please apply by emailing kelly.carson@wpca.com or mail your resume to:

Kelly Carson
Operations Manager
RE: Race Secretary
World Professional Chuckwagon Association
#3A, 2828 - 18 Street NE | Calgary, AB | T2E 7B1
Ph: 403.236.2466

Application deadline: February 28, 2010

--------------

The WPCA would like to officially thank Norm Braybrook – the WPCA’s former Race Secretary of 16 years. We appreciate your passion and devotion to our sport! Your services and skill as a Race Secretary were highly appreciated! Best of luck to your in your future exciting adventures. Thank you Norm!

Classic Country AM 1060 - Official Radio Broadcaster of the WPCA

News — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:59:27 GMT

The WPCA is please to announce that Classic Country AM 1060 is now the official radio broadcaster of the WPCA!

Listen Friday mornings to Jimmy Hughes, Dan Butler and Billy Melville @ 7:40 a.m., all year round, for WPCA Chuckwagon programming. The first program feature will air Friday, January 8th, 2010. Live radio coverage of all of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s Dodge Pro Tour races can be heard on Classic Country AM 1060 or by streaming it online from the Half Mile of Hell website.

As well, the Classic Country Secret Sound brought to you by The WPCA is back for 2010! Listen weekdays to Classic Country Mornings with Jimmy Hughes and Dustin Collins in the Afternoon to play. When you hear the sound, be caller ten. You'll get one chance to guess the sound. If you're right, you win the cash jackpot. If you're wrong, Classic Country throws another $125 into the jackpot. Everyone who plays is entered to win two return tickets anywhere WestJet flies courtesy of The WPCA and WestJet.

Happy Holidays From The WPCA

News — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:12:25 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 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

The King Will Deliver

News — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:23:44 GMT

The Official Kick Off to the 2009 Grey Cup will have a special connection to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) as the WPCA's very own ten-time World Champion chuckwagon driver, Kelly Sutherland, will be involved in the opening ceremonies.

Sutherland is scheduled to make a special route via chuckwagon downtown Calgary tomorrow (Wednesday, November 25) in order to deliver the Grey Cup to the 2009 Grey Cup Festival Opening Ceremonies. CFL commissioner, Mark Cohon will also be in the chuckwagon with Sutherland. Upon arrival, the Grey Cup trophy will be presented to Calgary’s Mayor, Dave Broncronnier at Calgary City Hall – Municipal Plaxa.

For more information on the 2009 Grey Cup Festival or the chuckwagon route visit www.2009greycupfestival.com.

WPCA Award Winners Announced

News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:16:37 GMT

A night of celebration took take place at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on Saturday October 24, 2009. 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.

For the 2nd consecutive year Jason Glass was the top honoree this year as he captured both the World Chuckwagon Championship and won WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore earlier in the year. By winning the World Championship Jason tied his father, the legendary Tom Glass, who also won 3 world championships in his illustrious career. By winning the World Championship and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, he joins Reg Johnstone as the only other driver to claim both titles in the same year.

Chanse Vigen was this year’s World Champion Outrider. It was the 4th World Outriding Championship for Chanse Vigen, who equaled his father Mike Vigen for number of World Outriding championships won.

Mark Sutherland received the WPCA Clean Drive Award for taking just 3 seconds in penalties all season long, Ryan "Mad Dog" MacNeill was named the WPCA's Top Rookie Outrider Award, Chance Flad received the Rod Glass Memorial Award for most improved outrider, and Obrey Motowylo received the Most Improved Driver Award. The WPCA Special Tribute was given to the legendary Tom Dorchester.

The horses also shared in the awards through the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence. Obrey Motowylo's "Reno" was named the champion Right Leader, Jason Glass' "Highway" was named the champion Left Leader, Kelly Sutherland's "Money" was named the champion Right Wheeler and Grant Profit's "Johnny" was named the champion Left Wheeler. The champion Outriding Horses were Leo Tournier's "Phillip" and Chad Harden's "Granview."

Other award winners included Neil Brown, Justin Tidd and B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd. each received Active Supporter Awards, for the 2nd consecutive year the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship received the Top Race Committee Award, Billy Melville received the Media Award, Bernie Bensmiller received the Judging Award, and Teresa Mayan received the Ty Tournier Memorial Award.

With longtime WPCA Track Announcer Les McIntyre’s commitment to the Calgary Stampede, the WPCA was in search of a track announcer to fill in for a handful of stops along the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Applications were received and tryouts were taken at the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship and the Qualification Run-Off. The WPCA is pleased to announce that Tyson Pietsch (pronounced “PEACH”) from Buck Lake, Alberta has been selected as the announcer that will call a select number of WPCA shows starting in 2010.

Everyone Wins With WestJet

News — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:22:49 GMT

Now that the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour has officially come to an end, participants and fans alike can take time to vacation and travel. WestJet, the WPCA's official airline supplier, provides great western hospitality and service to over 55 destinations across Canada, the U.S. and several other vacation destinations such as the Carribean and Mexico. While on your next WestJet flight you could even spot some of the 2009 lucky WestJet winners.

Aside from getting the WPCA staff, sponsors and spectators from show to show throughout the race season, WestJet has been a continuous supporter of the sport of chuckwagon racing since 2000 and will be going into its sixth consecutive year as an official WPCA Tour Sponsor. WestJet has become an integral part of the WPCA and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour by developing the WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge and the WestJet Giveaway features.

The Corporate Flight Challenge has canvas sponsors that purchased three (3) or more canvases competing for a total of six (6) return flights by having the greatest total combined points. Points are derived upon from their team composed of personally selected chuckwagon drivers.

The 10 WestJet Giveaways, which occur along each of the official tour stop locations, are given away as fan incentives or sometimes as volunteer recognition rewards. Both features help to continue to make the sport of chuckwagon racing even more rewarding and gives back to those that are promoting and supporting grassroot community events.

Be sure to keep your eye out this travel season for one of 10 lucky 2009 WestJet winners!

Congratulations to all of the WestJet Giveaway feature winners, and the Corporate Flight Challenge Winners – LaFarge Northwest Division and Caradan Chemicals!

Grande Prairie Stompede

Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

North American Chuckwagon Championship,High River

Ponoka Stampede

Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

Badlands Dinosaur Derby, Drumheller

Strathmore Dodge Pro Tour Championship

Battle of the North, Dawson Creek

Red Deer Chuckwagon Chamiponship

WPCA Dodge World Chuckwagon Championship, Edmonton

Get Your WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Merchandise - Just In Time For Christmas!

News — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:08:59 GMT

The following official WPCA merchandise is available now!

Stormteach Jacket - tone on tone WPCA Dodge Pro Tour logo

Ladies - $115
Mens - $130
Available in birch, coal, pumpkin, cool blue, kiwi

Down Villed Vests - WPCA Dodge Pro Tour logo

Ladies - $80 - available in black, white or navy
Mens - $80 - available in black or navy

Yoga Style Jackets - Half Mile of Hell Logo - $70.00

Men's Wrangler Shirt - Assorted Colors & WPCA Logos - $45.00

Blue Paisley Print
Red Plaid
Rock 47 Grey Plaid

Unisex Hoodies - Assorted Colors - $40.00

T-Shirts - $15.00

Grey Athletic Print
Ladies Yellow Athletic Print
Black Flames Print
Brown Splat Print

Stuffed Horse with WPCA Bandanna - $15.00

Fleece Utility Blanket - $15.00

Stainless Steel Water Bottle - $10.00

To Order:

Email: carmen.stone@wpca.com
Phone: 403-236-2466

2009 Annual Banquet & Presentation Tickets Available

News — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:29:43 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Annual Banquet & Awards Presentation will be held on October 24, 2009 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta.

Every year the WPCA honors its top athletes, as well as those that have contributed to the sport of chuckwagon racing overall. Recipients of the Media Award, Race Committee Award, Chuckwagon Person of the Year Award, Ty Tournier Memorial Award, etc. will also be announced that night as well.

2009 Dodge Pro Tour Champion:
Jason Glass

2009 World Champion Driver:
Jason Glass

2009 World Champion Outrider:
Chanse Vigen

Past Member Recognition:
Tom Dorchester

Driver/ Outrider Pre-Sale: September 21, 2009
Public Sale: September 28, 2009

Tickets Only Reserved With Payment

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

Purchase Your Liquor Beverage Tickets Early

Avoid the line and pre-purchase your liquor tickets for the evening when you purchase your admission tickets.

*Group Rate Offered @ Deerfoot Inn & Casino before September 25th. To reserve your room by credit card call: 1-877-236-5225. Quote Group Code: GCWWPCA

Jordie Fike Wins First And Earns A Spot On The 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour

News — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:29:54 GMT

Jordie Fike - 1st Place Run Earns A Spot For 2010 On Day 4 In Bashaw
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

The final day of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off ran Sunday afternoon in Bashaw where 9 drivers were each looking to grab one of 6 available spots on the 2010 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.

Shane Cartier and Chance Bensmiller, who had clinched their spots for 2010 after Saturday’s run, placed 1st and 2nd overall with 30 and 25 points respectively. Former WPCA driver Stan Waddell and Evan Salmond, who was participating in his first qualification run off, tied for 3rd and 4th with 23 points each. Jordie Fike, thanks to the strength of a first place run on the final day of qualifying, placed 5th overall with 20 points, and Sean DeBolt grabbed the last spot with 17 points. Just missing the cut for 2010 are longtime WPCA drivers Dave Bensmiller who finished in 7th place with 16 points and Jason Johnstone, whose outfit was driven by Layne MacGillivray, in 8th place with 15 points. John Walters ended up in 9th place overall with 11 points.

A far as the day results go, Jordie Fike, driving the Alberta Pressure Testing Outfit, posted the fastest time of the 4 day event with a 1:03.65. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 2, Fike earned top points by just 1 one-hundred of a second over John Walters who placed 2nd for the day. Shane Cartier, Sean DeBolt, and Stan Waddell rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Billy Melville

Evan Salmond Takes First On Day 3 Of The WPCA Qualification Run Off In Bashaw

News — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:15:45 GMT

Shane Cartier - Leads The Run Off Standings
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 3 of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off ran Saturday afternoon in Bashaw, and Evan Salmond, driving the Clearview Glass outfit, posted the top time of the meet so far witjh a 1:03.70.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 1, Salmond posted the fast time of the night by 29 one-hundreds of a second over Stan Waddell who placed 2nd for the day. Sean DeBolt, Chance Bensmiller and Shane Cartier rounded out the top 5 for the night.

As far as the points race goes, Shane Cartier continues to lead the way with 23 points, followed closely by Chance Bensmiller in 2nd place with 22 points, Evan Salmond is now in 3rd place overall with 19 points, followed by Stan Waddell in 4th with 18 points, with Dave Bensmiller and Jason Johnstone tied for 5th and 6th with 14 points each. Jordie Fike and Sean Debolt are on the outside looking in after 3 nights, tied for 7th place with 11 points each. The top 6 in the run off standings after Sunday’s run will have all earned a spot on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

The action from Bashaw, Alberta concludes on Sunday with miniature bull riding starting at 3:00pm, followed by pony chuckwagon and pony chariot racing starting featuring members of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association, with the WPCA Qualification Run Off races scheduled to run immediately following the pony chuckwagon and pony chariot races.

Admission is $10.00 at the gate with free camping available with showers and washroom facilities on site. There will also be a 50/50 draw with proceeds to benefit the Alberta Cancer Society and the Bashaw Ag Society.

Billy Melville

Shane Cartier Posts 2nd Consecutive Top Time At The 2009 WPCA Qualification Run-Off In Bashaw

News — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:09:34 GMT

Shane Cartier - 2nd Consecutive 1st Place Run In Bashaw
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off ran Friday night in Bashaw, and for the 2nd consecutive night, Shane Cartier, driving the Cartier’s Neckyoke Bunch outfit, bested the field of 9 wagons with the top run of the night with a 1:04.65.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 3, Cartier posted the fast time of the night by just 15 one-hundreds of a second over Chance Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the second consecutive night as well. Evan Salmond was 3rd for the night followed by Jason Johnstone’s outfit driven by Layne MacGillivray and Dave Bensmiller who placed 4th and 5th respectively.

As far as the points race goes, Shane Cartier leads the way with 18 points, followed closely by Chance Bensmiller in 2nd place with 16 points, Dave Bensmiller is alone in 3rd place with 11 points, with a three way tie for 4th, 5th and 6th place overall between Stan Waddell, Jason Johnstone and Evan Salmond all with 10 points. Jordie Fike is on the outside looking in after 2 nights, sitting in 7th place with 9 points. The top 6 in the run off standings after Sunday’s run will have all earned a spot on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

The action from Bashaw, Alberta continues Saturday and Sunday with miniature bull riding starting at 3:00pm, followed by pony chuckwagon and pony chariot racing starting every day at 4:30pm featuring members of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association, with the WPCA Qualification Run Off races scheduled to run at 6:30pm right after the pony chuckwagon and pony chariot races.

Billy Melville

Shane Cartier Opens Up 2009 WPCA Qualification Run Off With A First Place Run

News — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:21:51 GMT

Shane Cartier - Tops All On Night 1 In Bashaw
Photo By Paul Easton

The annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off kicked off Thursday night in Bashaw, Alberta. 9 wagons are competing for 6 spots on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Shane Cartier, driving the Cartier’s Neckyoke Bunch outfit opened up the Run-Off with the top time of 1:04.52.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 2, Cartier posted the fast time of the night by just 10 one-hundreds of a second over Chance Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the night. Stan Waddell, Dave Bensmiller, Jordie Fike and Jason Johnstone’s outfit – handled by Layne MacGillivray make out the top 6 after night 1. All 9 drivers ran penalty free on opening night.

In addition to the Qualification Run Off, there will be pony chuckwagon and chariot racing starting every day at 4:30pm featuring members of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association, and on Saturday and Sunday there will be Miniature Bull riding starting at 3:00pm. Qualification Run Off races will run 6:30 every night right after the pony chuckwagon and chariot races.

Admission is $10.00 for Friday to Sunday with free camping available with showers and washroom facilities on site. There will also be a 50/50 draw with proceeds to benefit the Alberta Cancer Society and the Bashaw Ag Society.

The 2009 WPCA Qualification Run Off will also feature track Announcer try outs. Each night a new track announcer applicant will be announcing the races at the WPCA Qualification Run Off. There are now five applicants in contention, with the successful candidate looking to will replace current track announcer Les McIntyre at four official WPCA Dodge Pro Tour locations starting in 2010.

CLICK ON "RACE RESULTS" UNDER "STANDINGS"

Billy Melville

WPCA Qualification Run Off Set To Start Thursday

News — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:36:18 GMT

The annual WPCA Qualification Run Off is set for September 10 - 13, and will once again be held in Bashaw, Alberta. The top 30 wagons from the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour automatically qualify for the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. All other wagons who would like to earn the privilege to compete on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour must do so through the qualification run off.

This year's qualification run off will feature 9 drivers going for 6 spots. Among the 9 drivers are current WPCA drivers who failed to make the top 30 in 2009 including Dave Bensmiller, Jason Johnstone (injured but will be who will be replaced by Layne MacGillivray), Chance Bensmiller and Shane Cartier. They will be joined by former WPCA driver Stan Waddell who last competed on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour in 2008, Sean DeBolt, Jordie Fike and John Walters who spent the 2009 season on the CPCA circuit, and Evan Salmond who competed on the WCA circuit in 2009. Floyd Bradshaw who did not make the top 30 in 2009 has elected not to come back for 2010. Cody Ridsdale who finished in 31st in the 2009 World Standings, was moved up into the top 30 after 2002 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Tyler Helmig, like Bradshaw, elected not to return to the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour for 2010.

The top wagon on each day will receive 9 points on down to the last wagon receiving 1 point. A driver is limited to driving only one wagon, and there will be a re-draw after day number 1. After 4 days the top 6 wagons in the run-off point standings will have earned the privilege to compete on the 2010 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. No points are given for where the wagons place in overall aggregate time, however aggregate time will be used to break any ties.

In addition to the Qualification Run Off, there will be pony chuckwagon and chariot racing starting every day at 4:30pm featuring members of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association, and on Saturday and Sunday there will be Miniature Bullriding starting at 3:00pm. Qualification Run Off races will run 6:30 every night right after the pony chuckwagon and chariot races.

Admission will be FREE on Thursday, and $10.00 for Friday to Sunday. Free camping is available with showers and washroom facilities on site. There will also be a 50/50 draw with proceeds to benefit the Alberta Cancer Society & Bashaw Ag. Society.

The 2009 WPCA Qualification Run Off will also feature track Announcer try outs. Each night a new track announcer applicant will be announcing the races at the WPCA Qualification Run Off. There are now five applicants in contention, with the successful candidate looking to will replace current track announcer Les McIntyre at four of the official WPCA Dodge Pro Tour locations starting in 2010.

The track Announcer lineup will be as follows:
Thursday : Tyson Pietsch, Buck Lake, Alberta
Friday: Gary Gross, Ponoka, Alberta
Saturday: Mike LaBelle, Calgary, Alberta
Sunday: Darrel Johnston, Red Deer, Alberta

Brett Gardiner, of Sylvan Lake, Alberta is among the finalist, but it not schedulled to announce in Bashaw. He announced the 7th heat at the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship on Thursday night.

For more information on the 2009 WPCA Qualification Run Off and the other events this weekend in Bashaw, Alberta, contact Ron & Penny Shantz of the Bashaw Ag Society at 780-372-3087.

2009 WPCA Qualification Run Off - Day 1 Barrel Draw
Heat #	Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor
1	1	John Walters	John Walters Fencing
	2	Stan Waddell	Alert Trucking
	3	Evan Salmond	Clearview Glass
2	1	Chance Bensmiller	Alberta Flares Energy Services Ltd.
	2	Shane Cartier	Cartier's Neckyoke Bunch
	3	Jordie Fike	Alberta Pressure Testing
3	1	Jason Johnstone	Norm's Crude Oil Hauling
	2	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression
	3	Dave Bensmiler	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Wins The Season Ending Edmonton Championship Making It A Sweep Of Alberta's Largest Cities

News — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:21:33 GMT

2009 Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby Champions
(L-R): Driver Chad Harden, Outriders Reo King, Todd Goodley
Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby's Don Adams Presenting
Photo By Cori-Lynne Mercier

The 2009 professional chuckwagon racing season is in the books, and the final race of 2009 was an exciting finish to an outstanding season. Chad Harden, along with outriders Todd Goodley and Reo King, captured Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby at the season ending Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships for 2009. Harden now joins Hank Willard in 1954 and Ward Willard in 1995 as the only drivers to boast wins at both of Alberta’s biggest cities in a single year.

Coming off barrel position number 1 in the $50,000.00 sudden death championship final heat number 9, Harden won the 2009 Edmonton Championship with a penalty free run of 1:23.45, and won the heat by 81 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester who was runner up for the second consecutive year and came off barrel position number 2. Troy Flad from barrel position number 4 placed third in the sudden death final with 2009 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass, who crossed the finish line first just 8 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Harden, placed 4 in the sudden death final after being assessed a 5 second penalty for his wagon knocking a barrel.

Top time of the night went to Hugh Sinclair, driving the Western Star Trucks outfit with a time of 1:20.11 from barrel position number 2 in the opening heat. Barry Hodgson placed 2nd , Grant Profit was 3rd, while Mike Vigen and Luke Tournier rounded out the top 5 for the night. Injured driver Jason Johnstone’s outfit was driven by Layne MacGillivray

Congratulations to the 2009 World Champions, driver Jason Glass and outrider Chanse Vigen, and many thanks to all the corporate partners, support staff and chuckwagon fans all along the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Enjoy a safe and prosperous off-season, and we will see you all in 2010.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Wins 3rd World Championship, Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Sudden Death Final Is Set

News — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:23:15 GMT

Jason Glass - 2009 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver
Photo By Paul Easton

After all day rains on day 4 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships, but nothing would damper the spirits of Jason Glass who clinched his 3rd career World Chuckwagon Championship Friday night. Glass captured the World Chuckwagon Championship with 1,393.5 points; 68.5 points better than Obrey Motowylo who had his best career year so far. 10-time World Champion Kelly Sutherland ended up in 3rd place overall, with 3-time World Champion Jerry Bremner finishing in 4th place with Kirk Sutherland rounding out the top 5. Jason Glass has now equaled his father, the legendary Tom Glass for number of World titles won, and becomes only the second driver to win the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and the World Championship in the same year, joining Reg Johnstone who won both in 2005.

The sudden death championship final heat for Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby has now been set. Reigning Calgary Stampede Champion Chad Harden will be joined by Troy Flad who will be making his second appearance in a sudden death final, along with Troy Dorchester and newly crowned World Champion Jason Glass. The $50,000.00 sudden death final will be run Saturday night.

As far as nightly results go, night 4 of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby saw Chad Harden, driving the Spartan Controls outfit, win his second consecutive day money with a time of 1:23.16.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Harden won top money by 1.35 seconds over Troy Dorchester who placed 2nd for the night. Kurt Bensmiller, Tyler Helmig and Reg Johnstone rounded out the top 5 times on the night

The final day of the professional chuckwagon season will end in Edmonton on Saturday night starting at 7:00pm. Live coverage of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:00pm.

Billy Melville

Day 3 In Edmonton Sees Chad Hardern Win First On The Night, While Jason Glass Is One Step Closer To A 3rd World Championship

News — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:16:44 GMT

Chad Harden - Top Time On Night 3 In Edmonton
Photo By Carol Easton

Rains fell on day 3 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton, and Jason Glass is one step closer to clinching his 2nd consecutive and 3rd career World Chuckwagon Championship. Although he lost a little tonight, Glass leads the World Standings with 1,33.5 points; 50.5 points better Obrey Motowylo, with 10-time World Champion Kelly Sutherland 89 points behind the leader sitting in 3rd 1,244.5 points after 3 nights of running in Edmonton. The World Champion will be declared on Friday night, and barring disaster it looks as Jason Glass will once again emerge as the World Champion for 2009.

Night 3 of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby saw reigning Calgary Stampede champion Chad Harden, driving the ATB Financial outfit, break the post the fastest time of the race meet so far with a 1:19.99.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Harden won the day money by 72 one-hundreds of a second over Lincoln Douglas and Rick Fraser who split 2nd and 3rd for the night. Luke Tournier and Brian Mayan rounded out the top 5 for the night. Once again, Reg Johnstone drove for injured driver Jason Johnstone.

Troy Flad continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day total time of 4:05.37. Darcy Flad, Brian Mayan and Jason Glass make up the top 4, with day 3 winner Chad Harden just on the outside sitting in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

The World Champions will be crowned tomorrow night, and racing from the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton will continue Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00pm. Live coverage of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:00pm each and every night.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins First, Jason Glass One Step Closer To 3rd World Championship After Night 2 In Edmonton

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:15:41 GMT

Grant Profit - Top Time On Night 2 In Edmonton
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 2 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton ran Wednesday night under perfect weather conditions. Current world point’s leader Jason Glass once again extended his lead in the World Standings with 1,316.5 points; 58.5 points better Obrey Motowylo, with 10-time World Champion Kelly Sutherland sitting in 3rd place in the World Standings with 1,230.5 points after 2 nights of running in Edmonton. The World Champion will be declared on Friday night, with no points being awarded on Saturday.

Night 2 of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby saw former Edmonton finalist Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, post the fastest time over the 2 nights so far with a 1:20.86.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Profit won the day money by just 8 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester who placed 2nd for the night from the same heat number 7. World point’s leader Jason Glass placed 3rd, with Darcy Flad placing 4th and Troy Flad rounding out the top 5 for the night. Once again, Reg Johnstone drove for injured driver Jason Johnstone

Troy Flad now leads the aggregate standings with a 2-day total time of 2:42.71. Darcy Flad, Jason Glass and Grant Profit make up the top 4, with defending Edmonton champion Brian Mayan just on the outside sitting in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $50,000.00 and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship. Day 1 winner Léo Tournier ran into penalty trouble and has now fallen out of contention.

Racing from the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton will continue Thursday through Saturday starting at 7:30pm. Live coverage of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:00pm each and every night.

Billy Melville

Léo Tournier Places 1st, And Jason Glass Increases His Lead In The World Standings On Night 1 In Edmonton

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:34:54 GMT

Léo Tournier - 1st Place On 1st Night In Edmonton
Photo By Paul Easton

After 2 weeks off, the WPCADodge ProTour resumed with the final show of the year at the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton. Jason Glass, in search of his second consecutive and third career World Chuckwagon Championship increased his lead slightly in the World Standings with 1,282.5 points, 51.5 points better Obrey Motowylo, with 10-time World Champion Kelly Sutherland sitting in for 3rd place in the World Standings after night 1 in Edmonton. The World Champion will be declared on Friday night, with no points being awarded on Saturday.

In the race for Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby, former champion Léo Tournier, driving the High Quality Machine outfit, opened up the season finale with the top time of 1:20.96.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 2, Tournier placed first overall for the day by 30 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Flad who placed 2nd for the night. Defending Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Champion Brian Mayan placed 3rd, with Cliff Cunningham and Layne MacGillivray rounding out the top 5 for the night. Reg Johnstone drove for injured driver Jason Johnstone The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $50,000.00 and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

Racing from the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton will continue Wednesday through Saturday starting at 7:30pm. Live coverage of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:00pm every night.

Billy Melville

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:21:43 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The
Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Highway	Jason Glass	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Puck	Grant Profit
Prince	Grant Profit	Polite	Léo Tournier
Echo	Jason Glass	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Dream	Léo Tournier	Captain	Hugh Sinclair
Jerry	Reg Johnstone	Fry	Reg Johnstone
Five	Léo Tournier	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Fred	Chad Harden
Port	Luke Tournier	Whisper	Jerry Bremner
		Cajun	Luke Tournier
LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Johnny	Grant Profit	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Devil	Léo Tournier	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Stryker	Grant Profit
Cash	Obrey Motowylo	Alex	Jason Glass
Knight	Jason Glass	Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Brass	Luke Tournier	Tee	Léo Tournier
Ledbury	Jason Glass	Doc	Reg Johnstone
General	Reg Johnstone	Ryder	Luke Tournier
Quick	Jerry Bremner	Jive	Jason Glass
Cash	Chad Harden	Blazer	Rae Croteau Jr.

OUTRIDING HORSES
Horse Name	Owner
Steele	Léo Tournier
Blue	Luke Tournier
Benny	Obrey Motowylo
Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
Tee	Grant Profit
Yukon	Jason Glass
Fly	Grant Profit
Rahy	Jason Glass
Phillip	Léo Tournier
Victory	Jason Glass

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:50:49 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The
Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	6214
2	Caradan Chemicals #1	6108
3	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	6064.5
4	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #1	6020.5
5	Fountain Contracting Team #1	6004.5
6	H & E Oilfield Services #1	5966
7	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	5943
8	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	5895.5
9	JLT Construction #1	5735
10	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	5711.5
11	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	5709.5
12	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	5709.5
13	Image Distributors Team #1	5662.5
14	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	5651.5
15	Caradan Chemicals #3	5528.5
16	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	5492
17	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	5491
18	Birchcliff Energy	5473
19	Caradan Chemicals #2	5441
20	World Financial Group #1	5364.5
21	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	5325.5
22	Image Distributors Team #3	5251
23	H & E Oilfield Services #2	5119
24	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	5029.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #3	4965
26	Enerstar Inc.	4956.5
27	Image Distributors Team #2	4953
28	Image Distributors Team #4	4873
29	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	4863.5
30	Fountain Contracting Team #2	4858.5
31	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	4724
32	H & E Oilfield Services #4	4676
33	World Financial Group #2	4560
34	World Financial Group #3	4507.5
35	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	4426

Veteran outrider will “shave his lid for a kid”

News — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:27:50 GMT

Edmonton – In support of Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta, Wayne Wright, a veteran outrider for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), will be shaving his head at the WPCA Dodge World Championship Finals held at Northlands in Edmonton. Wright will “shave his lid for a kid” on September 4, 2009 following the chuckwagon races. Wright competes on a regular basis for the WPCA and currently is sitting fifth in the world outrider standings.

Wright has not cut his hair, which is approximately now 18 inches long, for five years. When asked why he’s doing this, Wright stated, “I obviously need a hair cut and this is an excellent cause!! Seriously, I love kids, their spirit and youthful exuberance. When you go to the Children's hospitals and cancer facilities and see that those kids still have that zest for life it is amazing. They just have such incredible attitudes considering the situation they are in and it is not right that they are in there when they are just kids.”

To check out Wright’s wild hair visit his blog at http://waynewright.blogspot.com/ and scroll down to the May 30/09 entry. Donations towards this worthy cause can be made at www.kidscancercare.ab.ca by clicking “pledge someone”, “shave your lid for a kid” and “Wayne Wright”. Pledges are also accepted at the WPCA Merchandise trailer which will be on-site during the duration of the championship.

The Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta (KCCFA) is a charitable organization that helps build bridges of hope and pillars of support for families fighting childhood cancer. The Foundation helps Alberta children and families by providing funding and programs in four areas: Camp & Community, Pediatric Oncology Research, Clinical Support and the Derek Wandzura Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Thanks to the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Supporters

News — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:36:27 GMT

The Red Deer Chuckwagon Committee would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers that helped to support the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship presented by the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Despite the track conditions and cancelled race days, the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship seen considerable crowds on the Thursday and Sunday.

Thanks to everyone that came out and continued to support the event and the Red Deer Community even in tough times.

The 1st Annual Calcutta Winners:

1st Place:

Blair Vold, Vold Jones Vold

Team: Troy Flad/ Doug Irvine

Total Combined Time: 5:12.94

2nd Place:

Don Adams, Jay-Co Welding

Team: Luke Tournier/ Buddy Bensmiller

Total Combined Time: 5:13.00

3rd Place:

Jerry Semens, Instinct Trucking

Team: Chad Harden/ Floyd Bradshaw

Total Combined Time: 5:13.35

The Red Deer Chuckwagon Committee has made the following donations to local charities:

Central Alberta Special Equestrians $300.00
Red Deer Foobank $920.00
Red Deer Kinsmen $500.00
STARS $500.00

Thank You!

To all Volunteers, Participants, Sponsors and Spectators!

2009 WPCA Official Tour Sponsors

Dodge, EnCana, Wrangler, Mannington, Kubota, WestJet

Meyers Norris Penny, UFA, Calgary Herald, Alberta 4-H

Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Tarp Sponsors

Alberta Pressure Testing
B & R Eckel’s Transport Ltd.
Bassnet Truck Service
Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Caradan Chemicals
EMCO
EnCana, Coneco, Spartan & Image Distributors
Extreme Oilfield Technologies
Friends of Sinclair Racing/ Specialized Tech Inc.
Glencoe Resources
H & E Oilfield Services
Hellfires Suppression Services
High River Autoplex & RV
Highwood Distillers
Impact 2000 Inc.
Ironwood Building Systems
Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
JLT Construction Inc.
Jones Boys Western Wear & Saddlery
LaFarge Northwest Division
Mark Sutherland Ranching
Norm’s Crude Oil Hauling
Omega Alpha/ Watts Projects
Pentagon
Pidherney’s From Start to Finish
Platinum Homes & Development & Goodman Roofing
R. Pollitt Oilfield Construction
Raider Rentals/ AIC Construction Ltd.
Southwest Contracting
T1 Services Group
Two Way Oilfield
Under Ground Oilfield Consulting Ltd.
World Financial Group

Heat Sponsors

CE Franklin
Ron May Consulting

Bronze Sponsors

Falcon Homes
Highwood Distillers
Storm Front Promotions Inc.

Copper Sponsors

Apex Distribution Ltd
Flame Production Testing Ltd.
KGH Mechanical Systems Ltd.
Pumps & Pressure Inc.

Equipment Sponsors

Big Country Energy Services LP
Communiications Group Ltd, Red Deer
Fraser Way RV
Future Ag
Jimbob Rentals
Keg Ag Ventures
Little Jons
Ponoka Stampede & Exhibition Association
Rai- Lynn Trucking
Reita Creek Scoreboards
Vold Audio
Volvo Rentals
Wellmax
Wills Welding

Official Hotel Supplier of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

Capri Centre

Media Supporters

CKGY
Chuckwagon Radio Network
Half Mile of Hell
Red Deer Advocate
Zed 99

Event/ Volunteer / Silent Auction Supporters

4-H Foundation of Alberta
Curtis Glencross – Calgary Flames
Bauer’s Countrywide Home Furnishings
Billy Bobs
Black Bull Golf Resort
Blackfoot Historical Crossing
Brian Heide –Veterinarian
Cal Carratt – Horse Ambulance
Candance Knull
Central A.B. Special Equestrian Group
DC Energy Services Ltd.
Dorchester Golf Course
Dorothy McKernon
Essential Spa & Wellness
Holiday Inn, 67th Street, Red Deer
Gord Akins – Veterinarian
Leanne Bauer
Oilfield Firefighting Specialists
Pollitt Construction
Red Deer 4-H District
Red Deer Kinsmen
Red Deer Kinettes
Red Deer Food Bank
Red Deer Rebels
Rogers Wireless Inc.
Savanna Well Servicing
Shadow Riders 4-H - Grand Entry
Sharon Wulff
STARS, Barb Young
Steve & Lynn Fountain
Steve Durbak
Stone Simmentals
Sobeys

Red Deer Chuckwagon Committee

Arnold McKernon
Brad Smith
Carmen Stone
Cindy Spence
Darrell Johnston
Lindsay Spence
Trent Taylor

CHICKWAGON! thanks the Women of the Wagons

News — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:22:01 GMT

CHICKWAGON! thanks the W-O-W -- Women of the Wagons -- at the Calgary Stampede for the gorgeous flower bouquet so graciously given to us for our Silver Tea held in the Barns in honor of Iris Glass. We humbly applaud your hard work and dedication to Chuckwagon Racing. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. We say WOW!!!

Sincerely,

CHICKWAGON! Foundation for Women

Celebrating 10 Years in PINK!

Second Consecutive Day Money Run Gives Jason Glass The Rain Shortened Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:52:12 GMT

2009 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Champions
Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Jason Lemieux & Todd Goodley, Brienne Hurlburt, Driver Jason Glass
Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Committee Chairman Brad Smith Presenting
Photo By Cori Lynn Mercier

After 2 consecutive rain-out days in Red Deer, The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship wound up on Sunday night under clear sunny skies. The championship was shortened to a 2-day event, and Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit, and along with outriders Todd Goodley and Jason Lemieux, emerged as the champions after posting the best 2 day aggregate of 2:33.53.

Thanks to the strength of two consecutive first place runs, Glass won his first Red Deer Championship by just 16 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed second overall after posting two second place runs, followed by Luke Tournier, Kelly Sutherland and Tim Haroldson.

Jason Glass closed the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship with the fast run on the final night with a 1:17.56. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit, won his second consecutive day money by a mere 4 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed second for the second consecutive night. Grant Profit placed 3rd for the night, followed by Kelly Sutherland who placed 4th despite a 1 second penalty, while Doug Irvine rounded the top five for the night. Kurt Bensmiller drove for injured driver Floyd Bradshaw.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now break for 2 weeks before reconvening in Edmonton for the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby running September 1 - 5, 2009, Tuesday – Saturday starting at 7:00pm. Live coverage of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships and Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 6:30pm every night.

Billy Melville

Red Deer Races Cancelled For the Second Consecutive Day

News — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:05:44 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association regret to announce that day 3 of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 7:00pm has been cancelled. It's the 2nd consecutive day the professional chuckwagon races in Red Deer had to be cancelled due to rains over the past 2 days that have made for unsafe race conditions and has not allowed the track maintenance team to get the racetrack prepared properly for racing.

According to WPCA Operations Manager Kelly Carson, "Existing racetrack issues combined with the rains that have fallen in Red Deer have made the track unusable. Conditions have not allowed the maintenance crew to get equipment onto the racetrack to fix the problems we are facing right now. We will re-evaluate the conditions at 8:00am on Sunday to make a decision on the status of Sunday’s races. If Sunday's races go, they will run at 6:00pm as opposed to the original scheduled time of 2:00pm.”

Tickets purchased for the Friday and Saturday performances will be honored for Sunday. Refunds for unused tickets and weekend passes will be available at the Agricentre on Westerner Park in Red Deer starting at 4:00pm on Sunday. Sunday's races have now been moved from the originally scheduled time of 2:00pm to 6:00pm if conditions permit.

Despite the cancellation on day 3, chuckwagon fans can still tune into the Chuckwagon Radio Network with host Dan Butler and Colour Commentator Billy Melville who will have an array of special guests and an inside look at chuckwagon racing live starting at 6:30pm. Guests could include the drivers and outriders that are in a tight fight and in the heat of World Championship battles.

Billy Melville

Day 2 Of The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Cancelled Due To Inclement Weather

News — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:54:39 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association regret to announce that day 2 of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship scheduled for Friday, August 14,at 2009 at 7:00pm has been cancelled.

Overnight rains have made for unsafe race conditions, and with the rains continuing throughout the day it has not allowed the track maintenance team to get the racetrack prepared properly for racing.Conditions will be constantly re-evaluated to determine whether Saturday’s races will go ahead as scheduled. Keep checking www.halfmileofhell.com for updates on the status of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship.

Despite the cancellation on day 2, chuckwagon fans can still tune into the Chuckwagon Radio Network with host Dan Butler and Colour Commentator Billy Melville who will have an array of special guests and an inside look at chuckwagon racing live starting at 6:30pm. Guests could include the drivers and outriders that are in a tight fight and in the heat of World Championship battles.

Billy Melville

World Points Leader Jason Glass Opens Up The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship With A Day Money Run

News — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:56:04 GMT

Jason Glass - Top Time On Day 1 In Red Deer
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a clean night of racing in Red Deer as only 2 of the 36 drivers incurred penalties at the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer, Alberta. For the second consecutive year, world points leader Jason Glass opened up the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship with the fast run on opening night after recording a 1:15.97.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit, won the day money by just 12 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed second on the night. Rae Croteau Jr., Luke Tournier and Lincoln Douglas rounded out the top five for the night. Dave Bensmiller drove for injured driver Floyd Bradshaw.

The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2008 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Friday and Saturday's races will go at 7:00pm, with the final run to go Sunday at 2:00pm in Red Deer, Alberta. Live radio coverage of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 6:30pm Thursday through Saturday with Sunday’s finals starting at 1:30pm

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Captures 5th Career Battle Of The North Championship

News — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:02:03 GMT

2009 Battle of the North Champions
Specialized Tech Inc./Friends of Sinclair Racing Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Hugh Sinclair, Outrider Shawn Calf Robe

The 2009 Battle of the North Championship is in the books and Hugh Sinclair, driving the Specialized Tech/Friends of Sinclair Racing outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Shawn Calf Robe, captured the championship and the Cascade Services $10,000.00 first place prize. It was the 5th time that Hugh Sinclair has won the Dawson Creek title.

Sinclair won the sudden death final with a penalty free run of 1:15.31 from barrel position number 2, 54 one hundreds of a second faster than Jason Glass who placed 2nd from barrel position number 4, followed by Chad Harden who placed 3rd from barrel position number 1, with Obrey Motowylo finishing 4th from barrel position number 3. Motowylo crossed the finish line in 2nd place, but a 2 second penalty dropped him to 4th in Sunday’s final.

As far as the day results go, Léo Tournier, driving the Happy Trails RV Outfit, won the day money after posting the top time of the day with a 1:15.13. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 1, Tournier placed first overall for the day by just 4 one-hundreds of a second of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the day running in the same heat number 1. Hugh Sinclair, Kelly Sutherland and Mark Sutherland rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Red Deer for the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship starting Thursday, August 13, 2009 and running through to Sunday, August 16, 2009. Racing will go Thursday through Saturday evenings starting at 7:00pm with Sunday’s finals starting at 2:00pm. Live radio coverage of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 6:30pm Thursday through Saturday with Sunday’s finals starting at 1:30pm

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair, Chad Harden, Obrey Motowylo and Jason Glass Will Compete For The 2009 Battle of the North Championship

News — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 22:14:43 GMT

Jason Glass - A Day Money Run On Saturday And A Spot In The Final On Sunday
Photo By Paul Easton

The final 4 that will compete in Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $10,000.00 and the 2009 Battle of the North Championship has now been set. 4-time Battle of the North Champion Hugh Sinclair will be joined by reigning Calgary Stampede Champion Chad Harden, reigning Ponoka Stampede Champion Obrey Motowylo and current world points leader and 1999 Battle of the North Champion Jason Glass.

Hugh Sinclair, driving the Specialized Tech/Friends of Sinclair Racing outfit, qualified for Sunday’s sudden death final after posting the best 3 day aggregate time of 5:03.32. Chad Harden qualified in 2nd place overall 52 one hundreds of a second behind the leader Hugh Sinclair, with Obrey Motowylo in 3rd place overall and Jason Glass who jumped from 7th at the start of the day into 4th overall to grab the final spot in Sunday’s final. 4-time Battle of the North Champion Kelly Sutherland placed 5th overall and missed a spot in Sunday’s final by 48 one-hundreds of a second. Grant Profit, who had been leading the standings after each of the first 3 nights, had a slow run and tumbled into 7th place overall.

As far as the day results go, Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit, not only posted the top time of the day, but walked off with a bonus cheque of $3,000.00 for winning the Herman Flad Memorial Dash for Cash presented by Arrow Insurance as well. Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Glass placed first overall for the day by 10 one-hundreds of a second of a second over Hugh Sinclair who placed 2nd for the day. Mike Vigen placed 3rd, with Chad Harden and Kelly Sutherland placing 4th and 5th for the night respectively.

The finals from the Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek will continue Sunday evening starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:00pm (MST).

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Posts The Fast Time Of The Week On Day 3 Of The Battle Of The North

News — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:48:27 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Top Time Of The Week On Day 3 Of Dawson Creek
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 3 of racing at the Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek is in the books, and 4-time Battle of the North Champion Kelly Sutherland took the day money with the fast run of the week so far.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Sutherland, driving the Rebel Rentals outfit placed first overall for the day by 19 one-hundreds of a second of a second over reigning Ponoka Stampede champion Obrey Motowylo who placed 2nd for the day. 2007 Battle of the North Champion Kurt Bensmiller placed 3rd, with Grant Profit and Doug Irvine placing 4th and 5th for the night respectively.

Thanks to the strength of 3 consecutive top 5 runs, Grant Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a 3 day combined time of 3:47.15. Obrey Motowylo jumped from 5th to start the day into 2nd place overall 67 one hundreds of a second behind the leader Grant Profit, with day 2 winner Hugh Sinclair in 3rd and Chad Harden sitting 4th overall. Kurt Bensmiller is in 5th place overall just 19 one-hundreds of a second out of a possible spot in Sunday’s sudden death final. 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 $10,000.00 and the 2009 Battle of the North Championship.

Racing at the Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek will continue Saturday through Sunday starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network every night starting at 7:00pm (MST).

Billy Melville

4-Time Battle Of The North Champion Hugh Sinclair Bests All On Night 2 In Dawson Creek

News — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:56:53 GMT

Hugh Sinclair - Best Tim oN Night 2 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Carol Easton

For the 2nd consecutive night, it was an outstanding night of racing at the Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek. 4 time Battle of the North Champion Hugh Sinclair didn’t disappoint as he walked away with the top time of night number 2 after posting a very rapid 1:15.30.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 7, Sinclair, driving the Friends of Sinclair Racing outfit placed first overall for the day by just a tenth of a second over 2008 Battle of the North finalist Léo Tournier, with Obrey Motowylo and Buddy Bensmiller placing 3rd and 4th respectively. Day 1 winner Grant Profit would have had day money for the 2nd consecutive night but a 1 second penalty dropped him into 5th place for the night.

Despite the 1 second penalty, Grant Profit sits first overall with a 2 day combined time of 2:31.78 after 2 runs in Dawson Creek. Hugh Sinclair sits 36 one hundreds of a second behind the leader Grant Profit, with Chad Harden and Buddy Bensmiller currently filling out the top four overall. Obrey Motowylo is in 5th place overall just 4 one-hundreds of a second out of the 4th place. 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 $10,000.00 and the 2009 Battle of the North Championship.

Racing at the Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek will continue Friday through Sunday starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network every night starting at 7:00pm (MST).

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Opens up The 2009 Battle Of The North With A Day Money Run

News — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:57:07 GMT

Grant Profit - First Place On First Night In Dawson Creek
Photo By Carol Easton

Track and weather conditions were ideal to start the 2009 version of the Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek. Grant Profit opened up the Battle of the North in the same fashion as he left last week’s Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede with the top time on opening night.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit posted a time of 1:15.71 - the only driver to better the 1:16 barrier on the night - and placed first overall for the 2nd time in as many runs for the day by 39 one-hundreds of a second over 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Chad Harden who placed 2nd for the night. Darcy Flad, Troy Flad, and Jason Glass rounded out the top 5 for the night.

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 $10,000.00 and the 2009 Battle of the North Championship. Racing will continue Thursday through Sunday starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network every night starting at 7:00pm (MST).

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Wins The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship For The 1st Time In His Career

News — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:04:44 GMT

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Champions
CMP Automotive Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Jason Lemieux, Martin Sobie of Dodge Presenting, Driver Jason Glass
Alberta Dodge Dealers Association's Jim McManes Presenting,
Bronc Stott of Dodge Presenting, Outrider Todd Goodley
Photo By Cori Lynne Mercier

After four days of running, Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner survived the playoff round and would participate in the sudden death championship final heat to declare the winner of the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Once again it was an exciting final heat witnessed by a capacity crowd, and when it was over the CMP Automotive outfit, driven by Jason Glass along with outriders Todd Goodley and Jason Lemieux, 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 3 barrel position, Jason Glass beat out Jerry Bremner who placed 2nd in the heat from barrel number 1, followed by Obrey Motowylo who placed 3rd from barrel number 4 and finally Kelly Sutherland placed 4th from barrel number 2, to capture his 1st career WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and drove off in a new Dodge Truck in Monday's sudden death final. It was the 1st victory for Jason Glass at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in his 6th trip to sudden death final.

Top time for the day went to Grant Profit driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Outfit. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Profit posted the fast time of the day with a 1:17.11, and won the day money by 8 one-hundreds of a seconds over Jason Glass who placed 2nd overall for the night. Kirk Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Troy Dorchester made out the top 5 for the night.

Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Logan James and Kris Flanagan, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title last night after posting the best 4-day aggregate time of 5:09.23.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves on to Dawson Creek, British Columbia for the Battle of the North Championship starting Wednesday, August 5, 2009 and running through to Sunday, August 9, 2009. Racing will run ever night starting at 7:00pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network every night starting at 6:30pm (MST).

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner Will Race For the Dodge Pro Tour Championship Monday Afternoon

News — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:22:32 GMT

2009 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champions
H & E Oilfield Services Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Logan James, Driver Obrey Motowylo, Outrider Kris Flanagan
Photo By Billy Melville

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool Final Standings
(Top 4 Qualify For Monday's Sudden Death Final)
Rank	Driver	Final Tour Total
1	Kelly Sutherland	32
2	Obrey Motowylo	31
3	Jason Glass	29
4	Jerry Bremner	24
5	Doug Irvine	22
6	Kirk Sutherland	17
7	Kurt Bensmiller	13
8	Mark Sutherland	12

After 4 days of running, the sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has been set. Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner will run for the Dodge Truck in Monday's sudden death final. Doug Irvine just missed the sudden death championship final heat by 2 points finishing in 5th overall in the playoff points standings, followed closely by Kirk Sutherland, Kurt Bensmiller and Mark Sutherland.

Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Logan James and Kris Flanagan, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title for having the best 4-day aggregate time of 5:09.23. Kelly Sutherland finished 2nd overall just 18 one-hundreds of a second behind Motowylo, with Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Lincoln Douglas rounding out the top 5 overall. It was Motowylo’s 2nd show win of the year and his career having first won the Ponoka Stampede earlier this past July.

Top time of the night went to Strathmore track record holder Hugh Sinclair after posting the fast time of the meet so far with a 1:15.87. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 6, Sinclair, driving the Denali outfit, took the top time of the night by just 3 one-hundreds of a second over 3-time Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champion Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the night. Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Kelly Sutherland filled out the top five for the night.

The finals of the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship will wrap up on Monday at 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network on Monday starting at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Takes Over The Lead At The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:14:32 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Everywhere On Day 3 In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool Day 3 Standings
(Top 4 After Sunday Qualify For Monday's Sudden Death Final)
Rank	Driver	3 Day Tour Total
1	Obrey Motowylo	21
2	Kelly Sutherland	18
3	Jerry Bremner	18
4	Jason Glass	15
5	Doug Irvine	14
6	Kirk Sutherland	9
7	Kurt Bensmiller	7
8	Mark Sutherland	6

Night 3 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore continued Saturday night, and for the second consecutive night Obrey Motowylo took the top time among the elite 8 in the playoff pool, and now sits atop the Tour Point Standings where the top 4 after tomorrows run will compete in Monday’s sudden death final. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 9, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit took the top time of the 8 drivers in the playoff pool with a 1:17.35, followed by Jerry Bremner, Jason Glass, Doug Irvine and Kelly Sutherland.

Motowylo now sits in first place in the playoff point pool with a 3 day total of 21 points. Kelly Sutherland and Jerry Bremner are currently splitting 2nd and 3rd while Jason Glass is holding on to the last qualifying spot with one run to go. Doug Irvine slipped to 5th overall in the playoff pool but is just a single point behind Jason Glass.

As far as the day results go, Obrey Motowylo’s 1:17.35 was also the fast time of the night, just 2 one one-hundreds of a second faster than Darcy Flad who placed second overall for the night. Shane Cartier was 3rd, followed by Lincoln Douglas and Jerry Bremner rounding out the top 5 for the night.

For the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, the day money run vaulted Obrey Motowylo to 1st place in the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day total time of 3:51.57. Lincoln Douglas sits second overall 1.49 seconds behind Motowylo, with Kelly Sutherland, Rick Fraser and Jerry Bremner filling out the top 5 overall after 3 days.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool after Sunday’s run will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing on Sunday will run at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network on Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Still Leads The Playoff Pool At The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship In Strathmore

News — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:23:47 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Still Number One in the Playoff Pool After 2 Nights In Strathmore
Photo By Carol Easton

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool
Rank	Driver	2 Day Tour Total
1	Kelly Sutherland	14
2	Obrey Motowylo	13
3	Jerry Bremner	11
4/5	Doug Irvine	9
4/5	Jason Glass	9
6	Kirk Sutherland	7
7	Mark Sutherland	5
8	Kurt Bensmiller	4

Night 2 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore continued Friday night, and Obrey Motowylo took the top time among the elite 8 gunning for a spot in Monday’s sudden death final. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:16.40, followed by Doug Irvine, Kelly Sutherland, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner.

Kelly Sutherland, twice a winner of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, continues to lead the playoff point pool with a 2 day total of 14 points. Obrey Motowylo sits alone in 2nd place with 13 points followed by Jerry Bremner in 3rd place with 11 points, while Doug Irvine and Jason Glass are tied for 4th and 5th overall in the playoff pool each with 9 points.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Rick Fraser, driving the Ralph’s Motorsports outfit, took the top time of the night and the fastest time of the meet so far with run of 1:15.90, 50 one one-hundreds of a second faster than Obrey Motowylo who placed second overall for the night, followed by Troy Dorchester in 3rd, while Doug Irvine, Tim Haroldson and Mike Vigen all tied for 4th place on the night. Haroldson and Vigen were involved in a dead heat in heat number 4.

Brian Mayan leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2-day total time of 2:33.44. 3-time Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champion and day 2 winner Rick Fraser sits second overall 42 one one-hundreds of a seconds behind Mayan, with Obrey Motowylo, Troy Dorchester and Kelly Sutherland filling out the top 5 overall after 2 days.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing will run Saturday and Sunday at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network Thursday through Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads The Playoff Pool On Night One Of The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:57:13 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Leads The Playoff Pool After 1 Night In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool
Rank	Driver	Tour Total
1	Kelly Sutherland	8
2	Jerry Bremner	7
3	Kirk Sutherland	6
4	Obrey Motowylo	5
5	Jason Glass	4
6	Mark Sutherland	3
7	Doug Irvine	2
8	Kurt Bensmiller	1

Kelly Sutherland, twice a winner of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, leads the playoff point pool by taking the top time among the 8 playoff contestants. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 8, Sutherland, driving the Kerridge Concrete outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:17.11, followed by Jerry Bremner, Kirk Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo and Jason Glass.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Cliff Cunningham, driving the Benevolent Pirates outfit took the top time of the night overall from barrel number 4 in heat 4 posting a penalty free run of 1:16.11, just one one-hundred of a second over Brian Mayan who placed second for the night and was hooked in the same heat number 4. Kelly Sutherland, Grant Profit and Barry Hodgson rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing will run Friday through Sunday at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network Thursday through Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Nominations for 2009 Year End Awards Banquet Now Being Accepted

News — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:29:52 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is now accepting award nominations for the 2009 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 sportmanship for over 28 years.

This year, the Year End Awards Banquet will be held on October 24, 2009 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta. All award nominations must be submitted by August 25, 2009.

For more information on each award and a nomination form please click here. Nominations can be submitted to:

Email: office@wpca.com

Fax: 403-279-2247

Mail: WPCA, #3A, 2828 - 18th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1

The WPCA still has some awards available for sponsorship. Please contact Carmen Stone (ph: 403-236-2466 or carmen.stone@wpca.com) if you'd like more information.

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:59:12 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial
Badlands Dinosaur Derby
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Jerry	Reg Johnstone	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Polite	Léo Tournier
Prince	Grant Profit	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Fry	Reg Johnstone
Dream	Léo Tournier	Puck	Grant Profit
Highway	Jason Glass	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Port	Luke Tournier	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Gold	Luke Tournier	Fling	Luke Tournier
Morning	Codey McCurrach	Cajun	Luke Tournier
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Regent	Codey McCurrach
Snip	Rae Croteau Jr.

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Devil	Léo Tournier	Stryker	Grant Profit
Cash	Obrey Motowylo	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Johnny	Grant Profit	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Doc	Reg Johnstone
General	Reg Johnstone	Tee	Léo Tournier
Brass	Luke Tournier	Alex	Jason Glass
Jerry	Codey McCurrach	Quick	Jerry Bremner
Ledbury	Jason Glass	Ryder	Luke Tournier
Cash	Chad Harden	Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Aloha	Hugh Sinclair	Copper	Luke Tournier

OUTRIDING HORSES
Horse Name	Owner
Cole	Luke Tournier
Rahy	Jason Glass
Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
Benny	Obrey Motowylo
Steele	Léo Tournier
Boo	Reg Johnstone
Group	Reg Johnstone
Blue	Luke Tournier
Tee	Grant Profit
Phillip	Léo Tournier

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:29:29 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial
Badlands Dinosaur Derby
Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Caradan Chemicals #1	4106.5
2	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	4087.5
3	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	4061
4	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	4058
5	H & E Oilfield Services #1	4043
6	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #1	4028
7	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	4018
8	JLT Construction #1	3937.5
9	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	3928
10	Image Distributors Team #1	3923.5
11	Fountain Contracting Team #1	3920.5
12	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	3910.5
13	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	3879.5
14	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	3879
15	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	3797.5
16	Caradan Chemicals #3	3773
17	Birchcliff Energy	3765.5
18	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	3715.5
19	Caradan Chemicals #2	3694.5
20	Image Distributors Team #3	3670.5
21	World Financial Group #1	3669.5
22	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	3611.5
23	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	3597
24	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	3596.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #3	3508
26	Fountain Contracting Team #2	3474
27	Image Distributors Team #4	3429
28	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	3400
29	Image Distributors Team #2	3397.5
30	Enerstar Inc.	3388.5
31	H & E Oilfield Services #2	3384.5
32	World Financial Group #2	3219.5
33	World Financial Group #3	3218
34	H & E Oilfield Services #4	3199
35	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	3106

"The King" Kelly Sutherland Captures The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby For First Career Drumheller Crown

News — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:48:30 GMT

2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champions
Gallery Homes Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chance Flad, Driver Kelly Sutherland, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Cori Lynn Mercier

After an overnight rain cooled down the Drumheller valley, a very comfortable day of chuckwagon racing was enjoyed by the Drumheller capacity crowd. Kelly Sutherland, driving the Gallery Homes outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Chanse Vigen captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller. It’s the first time in his career that Kelly Sutherland has won in Drumheller.

Sutherland started the day in 5th place overall, and thanks to the strength of a day money run, jumped to the top of the aggregate standings and won the championship after posting the best 3-day total time of 3:24.04. Jason Glass finished 2nd overall 67 one-hundreds of a second behind Sutherland, with defending Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Luke Tournier in 3rd place overall followed by 3-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jerry Bremner and Mark Sutherland who finished 5th overall.

As far as the day results are concerned, Kelly Sutherland also posted the fast time of the day with a 1:08.24. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 11, Kelly Sutherland, driving the Gallery Homes outfit, posted the top time of the day by just 8 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed 2nd for the day. Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner filled out the top five for the night.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede in Strathmore, Alberta starting on Thursday July 30, 2008 at 7:15pm. The top eight drivers in the World Standings prior to the start of the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, qualify for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship playoff round. Amongst the 8 playoff qualifiers, the first place wagon on each night receives eight points, and the eighth place wagon receives 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 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.

There will be a new winner of this year's WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship as the defending champion Hugh Sinclair failed to make the top eight in the World Standing coming out of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller.

Racing will run Thursday through Sunday at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network Thursday through Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kirk Sutherland Takes Day Money On Night 2 Of The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:15:41 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - 1st On The Night And 1st Overall In Drumheller
Photo By Carol Easton

It was another scorching hot day in the Drumheller valley, and another great day of chuckwagon racing was witnessed by a capacity crowd at the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. Day 2 saw Kirk Sutherland take the top time of the night.

Coming off barrel number 2 in an all Sutherland heat number 11, Kirk Sutherland, driving the EMCO outfit, posted the top time of the day with a run of 1:06.84, and won top money for the day by just 2 one-hundreds of a second over his brother Kelly Sutherland who was also competing in heat number 11. Troy Flad placed 3rd for the day with Grant Profit placing 4th and Reg Johnstone making out the top five for the night.

The day money run vaulted Kirk Sutherland to the top of the leader board where he sits in first place overall with a 2-day total time of 2:14.71. Grant Profit sits second overall 45 one-hundreds of a second behind Sutherland, with defending Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Luke Tournier in 3rd place overall followed by 3-time Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Rae Croteau Jr. and Kelly Sutherland who sits 5th overall. The top wagon in the aggregate standings after Sunday’s run will win the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby.

The finals of the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller will run on Sunday at 4:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on starting at 3:30pm.

Billy Melville

3-Time Badlands Dinosaur Derby Rae Croteau Jr. On Top After Night 1 In Drumheller

News — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:59:12 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Best Run On Night 1 In Drumheller
Photo By Carol Easton

The 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby opened up on a hot Friday night in Drumheller, and 3-time Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champion Rae Croteau Jr. took the top time on night number 1.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Croteau, driving the Ramada - Drumheller outfit, posted the top time of the day with a run of 1:07.42, and won the day money by 11 one-hundreds of a second over defending Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Luke Tournier who placed 2nd for the night. Jerry Bremner, Grant Profit and Kirk Sutherland filled out the top five for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate standings after Sunday’s run will win the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. Day 2 action from Drumheller will run Saturday night starting at 7:00pm, with the finals on Sunday at 4:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Saturday starting at 6:30pm, and again on Sunday at 3:30pm.

Billy Melville

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:43 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship
LEFT LEADER			RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner		Horse Name	Owner
Jerry	Reg Johnstone		Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo		Polite	Léo Tournier
Prince	Grant Profit		Puck	Grant Profit
Highway	Jason Glass		Fry	Reg Johnstone
Dream	Léo Tournier		Regent	Codey McCurrach
Morning	Codey McCurrach		Tycoon	Jason Glass
Gold	Luke Tournier		Cajun	Luke Tournier
Port	Luke Tournier		Fred	Chad Harden
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair		Captain	Hugh Sinclair
Snip	Rae Croteau Jr.		Reggie	Kelly Sutherland

LEFT WHEELER			RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner		Horse Name	Owner
Devil	Léo Tournier		Stryker	Grant Profit
Cash	Obrey Motowylo		Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Johnny	Grant Profit		Tee	Léo Tournier
General	Reg Johnstone		Doc	Reg Johnstone
Jerry	Codey McCurrach		Alex	Jason Glass
Ledbury	Jason Glass		Ryder	Luke Tournier
Cash	Chad Harden		Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Brass	Luke Tournier		Money	Kelly Sutherland
Aloha	Hugh Sinclair		Blazer	Rae Croteau Jr.
Slew	Kelly Sutherland		Quick	Jerry Bremner

	OUTRIDING HORSES
	Horse Name	Owner
	Cole	Luke Tournier
	Rahy	Jason Glass
	Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
	Benny	Obrey Motowylo
	Steele	Léo Tournier
	Boo	Reg Johnstone
	Group	Reg Johnstone
	Tee	Grant Profit
	Phillip	Léo Tournier
	Blue	Luke Tournier

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:27:54 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Caradan Chemicals #1	3571.5
2	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	3550.5
3	JaCo Welding & Consulting #1	3549
4	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	3537
5	H&E Oilfield Services #1	3535.5
6	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	3533.5
7	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	3511
8	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	3471.5
9	Image Distributors Team #1	3467
10	JLT Construction #1	3457.5
11	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	3426
12	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	3389
13	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	3364
14	Fountain Contracting Team #1	3363
15	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	3334
16	Caradan Chemicals #3	3307
17	Birchcliff Energy	3304.5
18	Caradan Chemicals #2	3284.5
19	World Financial Group #1	3229
20	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	3203.5
21	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	3188
22	Image Distributors Team #3	3166
23	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	3141.5
24	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	3131.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #3	3107
26	Fountain Contracting Team #2	3069.5
27	Image Distributors Team #4	3034.5
28	Enerstar Inc.	3016
29	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	2997
30	H & E Oilfield Services #2	2931.5
31	Image Distributors Team #2	2918.5
32	World Financial Group #3	2777
33	World Financial Group #2	2766.5
34	H&E Oilfield Services #4	2702
35	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	2667.5

Brian Mayan Wins The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship For 2nd Career Show Championship Win

News — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:40:07 GMT

2009 Bonnyville Chuckawagon Championship Champions
George Normand Memorial $15,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat
Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Reo King, Ryan McAleney, Driver Brian Mayan, Bobbi Normand Presenting
Photo By Cori Lynne Mercier

The 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship finished up on a sloppy tack on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and Brian Mayan, driving the Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Ryan McAleney, won the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat and the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship.

It was a penalty free heat and coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 12, Mayan won the sudden death final on a sloppy racetrack by 1.53 seconds over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd from barrel number 1, followed by Obrey Motowylo who placed 3rd from barrel number 2, 2.29 seconds behind the champion Brian Mayan. It was the 2nd career show championship win for Brian Mayan who captured the season ending Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby in 2008. Mayan also ended up with the best 4 day aggregate with a total time of 5:19.14, followed by Jerry Bremner, Rick Fraser, Kelly Sutherland and Kurt Bensmiller filling out the top 5 overall.

As far as day results are concerned, Mike Vigen, driving the Hamel's Meat Market outfit, win top money for the day with a run of 1:22.56. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 2, Vigen won top money by 9 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Glass who placed 2nd for the night, with Codey McCurrach, Kirk Sutherland and Tyler Helmig making out the top five for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Drumheller, Alberta for the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby starting Friday July 24, 2009 and running through to Sunday, July 26, 2009. Races will run Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals on Sunday at 4:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network running Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at 3:30pm.

Billy Melville

Léo Tournier Breaks Track Record In Bonnyville - $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Has Now Been Set

News — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:13:01 GMT

Léo Tournier - Track Record Run On Night 3 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

The 2nd running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat for the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship has now been set. Rick Fraser will be joined by Obrey Motowylo and Brian Mayan in Sunday’s final. Rick Fraser qualified in first place overall with a 3 day combined time of 3:54.66 just 34 one-hundreds of a second ahead of 2 day leader Obrey Motowylo, with Brian Mayan qualifying in 3rd place overall another 11 one-hundreds of a second behind Motowylo. Jerry Bremner, who was in last year’s Bonnyville final, just missed the final heat finishing in 4th place overall, 31 one-hundreds of a second out of Sunday’s final. Local favorite Kurt Bensmiller rounded out the top 5 overall. There will be a new champion in Bonnyville as 2008 champion Kelly Sutherland ended up in 7th place overall and missed the sudden death final by 1.46 seconds.

Day 3 also saw the track record fall for the 3rd consecutive day, Léo Tournier, driving the Cougar Fuels outfit, took the day money with a track record run of 1:15.27. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 7, Tournier won top money by 35 one-hundreds of a second over Cody Ridsdale, who placed 2nd for the night. Jerry Bremner, Kurt Bensmiller and Luke Tournier filled out the top five for the night.

The top 3 wagons in the aggregate standings will now compete in the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat where the winner will take home the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. The finals from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will run on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at beginning at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Jumps To First Place Overall After A Track Record Run On Night 2 Of The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:05:20 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First In All Categories After Night 2 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a hot sunny night on a fast track in Bonnyville, and for the second consecutive night the track record fell as 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion Obrey Motowylo posted bettered Lincoln Douglas’ mark set Thursday night by a full half second.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 12, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, established a new track record with a very speedy 1:16.69 and took the top time of the night by just 5 one-hundreds of a second over former 4-time Calgary Stampede Champion Hugh Sinclair. Luke Tournier, Reg Johnstone and Rick Fraser filled out the top five for the night. The top 3 wagons on night 2 all bettered the former track record time of 1:17.09 set by Lincoln Douglas on night number 1.

The track record run also vaulted Obrey Motowylo into first place overall with a 2 day combined time of 2:37.78. Floyd Bradshaw sits 2nd overall, 3 one-hundreds of a second behind Motowylo, with Rick Fraser holding on to that very valuable 3rd place overall. Hugh Sinclair and Brain Mayan currently fill out the top 5 overall.

The top 3 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday’s run will compete in the 15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat where the winner will take home the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. The chuckwagon races from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will continue Saturday evening starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at beginning at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

Lincoln Douglas Sets A Track Record Run On Night One At The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:03:50 GMT

Lincoln Douglas - Track Record Run On Night 1 In Bonnyville
Photo By Carol Easton

After a 10 day break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship and the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour resumed with the running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. There was a dark cloud hovering over the Bonnyville racetrack that dropped a large amount of rain on the Bonnyville racetrack in a short period of time. But after the rains subsided it turned out to be a pleasant evening that was enjoyed by all, and saw Lincoln Douglas, driving the Fountain Contracting & Management outfit, take his first career day money on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour with a track record run of 1:17.06.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 2, Douglas bettered Kelly Sutherland’s 2008 track record of 1:20.65 by more than 3 and a half seconds, and won top money for the day by 71 one-hundreds of a second over former Bonnyville track record holder Chance Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the night. Floyd Bradshaw, Cody Ridsdale and Layne MacGillivray filled out the top five for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will continue Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at beginning at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Captures First Career Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:47:05 GMT

2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champions
ATB Financial Outfit
(L-R): Calgary Stampede President and Chairman of the Board Dr. David Chalack presenting,
Outriders Eddie Melville, Jason Lemieux, Driver Chad Harden,
Outriders Jamie Laboucane, Chad Fike
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

The 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship is in the books, and Chad Harden, driving the ATB Financial outfit, and along with outriders Chad Fike, Jamie Laboucane, Jason Lemieux and Eddie Melville emerged from the all WPCA sudden death championship final heat as the champions and $100,000.00 richer. It is the first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship for Harden, and his second career victory having won first at the Ponoka Stampede in 2002.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Harden won the sudden death final by 19 one-hundreds of a second over Tyler Helmig who placed 2nd from barrel number 1, followed by Mark Sutherland who placed 3rd from barrel number 2 and Kelly Sutherland who was 4th from barrel position number 3. Mark Sutherland crossed the finish line first, but was assessed a 1 second penalty for creating a false start allowing Chad Harden to take the final.

As far as day results are concerned, Wayne Knight, driving the Express Employment Professionals outfit, record his second consecutive day money run with a very rapid 1:14.08. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Knight won top money by 3 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night, with Jason Glass, Luke Tournier and Kirk Sutherland making out the top five for the night.

Mark Sutherland received the Calgary Stampede’s Safe Drive Award for the second time in his career for being the least penalized driver over the first 9 nights of the Rangeland Derby. Sutherland was the only driver to run penalty free over the first 9 nights. Obrey Motowylo received the Orville Strandquist Award for Top Rookie Driver. Motowylo won the award for placing 7th overall with earnings of $41,400.00 bettering Barry Hodgson who placed 29th overall with earnings of $20,500.00 and Logan Gorst who tied for 32nd overall with earnings of $19,800.00.

Harden ended up in first place overall with total earnings of $137,900.00 followed by Tyler Helmig who finished 2nd, followed by Mark Sutherland in 3rd place overall with earnings of $45,700.00, Kelly Sutherland was 4th with total earnings of $44,250.00 plus a 2009 GMC Truck that he won for being the 2009 aggregate champion, with Jason Glass rounding out the top five with total earnings of $43,000.00.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now returns starting July 16 - 19, 2009 with the running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship in Bonnyville, Alberta. Races will run Thursday-Saturday starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network running Thursday – Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

4 WPCA Drivers To Compete In Sunday's Sudden Death Final For The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:07:14 GMT

The 2009 Calgary Stampede Sudden Death Finalists In Barrel Draw Order
(L-R): Tyler Helmig, Mark Sutherland, Kelly Sutherland, Chad Harden
Photos By Billy Melville

The sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship has now been set. Aggregate winner Kelly Sutherland will be joined by Tyler Helmig, Chad Harden and Mark Sutherland in Sunday’s final. It will be the 18th appearance in the final for Kelly Sutherland, the second for Tyler Helmig, while Chad Harden and Mark Sutherland will each be making their first appearance in the Calgary Stampede’s sudden death final. It will be the 11th consecutive year that all the wagons in the championship final have come from the World Professional Chuckwagon Association.

Penalties proved costly to 2008 Aggregate winner Jason Glass, as a 1 second pole out of box penalty cost him a spot in the final. With the penalty, Glass finished just outside the final four 51 one-hundreds of a second behind Mark Sutherland who grabbed the final spot. 3-time Calgary Stampede finalist Neal Walgenbach had a clean run but his time was not fast enough to earn a spot in the final, while big penalties in the barrels eliminated Rae Croteau Jr. and rookie driver Obrey Motowylo early in their respective heats.

The barrel draw for Sunday’s final was made on stage at the completion of the nights races and saw Kelly Sutherland drew position number 3, Tyler Helmig drew barrel position number 1, Chad Harden drew barrel number 4, leaving Mark Sutherland off of barrel number 2, A presentation prior to last night's races was also made to outrider Jamie Laboucane who received the inaugural Calgary Stampede Outstanding Outrider award.

Day 9 also saw Wayne Knight, driving the Express Employment Professionals outfit, record the fast time of the show with a 1:14.05. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Knight won top money by 71 one-hundreds of a second over defending champion Hugh Sinclair who placed 2nd for the night despite a 1 second late outrider penalty. Rick Fraser, Kelly Sutherland and Tyler Helmig filled out the top five for the night.

The finals from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm on Sunday, July 13. Coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads The Class Of Semi Finalists By Capturing 6th Career Calgary Stampede Aggregate Title

News — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:17:31 GMT

2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award Winners
Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champions
Kay-Dee Ranching Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Chanse Vigen, Chance Flad, Driver Kelly Sutherland
Outriders Reo King, Dale Gray Missing: Outrider Dave Bensmiller
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

The final eight have been set for Semi Final Saturday at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass, Chad Harden, Rae Croteau Jr., Neal Walgenbach, Tyler Helmig and Mark Sutherland will all go into Semi Final Saturday looking to emerge as one of the final four in Sunday’s $150,000.00 sudden death championship final heat where the winner will be crowned the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion and walk away with $100,000.00. Rick Fraser just missed the semi finals by one tenth of a second, with Doug Irvine back another 24 one-hundreds of a second and placed 10th overall.

Kelly Sutherland, driving the Kay-Dee Ranching outfit, and along with outriders Dave Bensmiller, Chance Flad, Dale Gray, Reo King and Chanse Vigen, captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winner. Sutherland posted the best 8 day time of 10:11.53, and won the aggregate by 2.68 seconds over Calgary Stampede rookie driver Obrey Motowylo, with 2008 Aggregate Winner Jason Glass in 3rd place overall, with Chad Harden and Rae Croteau Jr. filling out the top 5 overall. Rick Fraser and Hugh Sinclair, who were in the top 8 at the start of the day, succumbed to penalties and fell out of the running. It was a record 6th time that Kelly Sutherland has won the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Title.

Day 8 also saw Rae Croteau Jr., driving the Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning outfit, record the fast time of the night with a 1:15.18.Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 9, Croteau won top money by 30 one-hundreds of a second over 1998 Calgary Stampede finalist Wayne Knight, with Doug Irvine, Tim Haroldson and Neal Walgenbach filling out the top five for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night starting on Friday, July 3 and continuing until Sunday, July 13. Coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm all ten days.

Billy Melville

Darcy Flad Wins First Career Show Championship At The Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster

News — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:11:58 GMT

Darcy Flad - 2009 Colonial Days Fair Champion
Photo By Paul Easton

The finals of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster wrapped up on Friday night and a new champion emerged from the sudden death final. Darcy Flad, driving an outfit sponsored by Randy Sanders, Kim Larson & Keith Boomhauer, and along with rookie outriders Scott Guenther and Jared Cardinal, and vetran outrider Lanson Gaudry, won the sudden death championship final heat and his first Colonial Days Fair Championship. It was the 4th time Flad had qualified for the sudden death final at the Colonial Days Fair, and the first career show championship win for Darcy Flad.

Coming off barrel position number 1, Flad won the sudden death final by 1.92 seconds over Todd Baptiste who placed 2nd with a one-second late outrider penaltyf rom barrel number 2, with day 2 winner Chance Bensmiller having to settle for third and also had a one-second late outrider penalty from the 3 barrel. Darcy Flad also cleaned up on all the Colonial Days Fair race awards. In addition to winning the show championship, he was the aggregate winner with the fastest 3-day aggregate time of 3:57.29, and took home the Clean Driver and the Fast Time awards. Rookie outrider Jared Cardinal won the High Point Outrider at the show as well.

As far as day results are concerned, Darcy Flad also mon day money with a rapid run of 1:16.23. Flad won top money for the day over Todd Baptiste who placed 2nd, with Ross Knight, Vern Nolin and Chance Bensmiller rounding out the top 5 for the night.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

"The King" Kelly Sutherland Finds First Place On Night 7 Of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:21:39 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Increases Lead After Night 7 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

There will be just one run to go for those hoping to qualify for Semi Final Saturday. Day 7 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby once again saw the top 8 shuffled a little, with overall leader Kelly Sutherland, driving the Opportunity International outfit, posting the best time of the night with a 1:15.53.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 9, Sutherland won top money by 29 one-hundreds of a second over 2-time Calgary Stampede Champion Luke Tournier who placed 2nd for the night. Chad Harden, Wayne Knight and Doug Irvine filled out the top five for the night.

The day money run allowed Kelly Sutherland to increase his lead atop the overall aggregate standings with a 7 day total of 8:55.13, followed by Obrey Motowylo, Rick Fraser and Jason Glass filling out the top 4, with Chad Harden, Hugh Sinclair, Mark Sutherland and Neal Walgenbach making up the ever so important top 8 for Semi-Final Saturday. Tyler Helmig sits outside the top 8 one-hundreds of a second behind Neal Walgenbach with Rae Croteau Jr. in 10th place overall just 24 one-hundreds of a second outside of 8th place overall.

The aggregate winner will be declared tomorrow night and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday. The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday will go into the sudden death championship final heat on Sunday, July 12. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Billy Melville

Chance Bensmiller Wins First Place On Night Two At The Colonial Days Fair In Lloydminster

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:18:51 GMT

Chance Bensmiller - 1st Place On 2nd Night In Lloydminster
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster featuring 26 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA. Saw Chance Bensmiller, driving the Border Driver Education Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:19.79.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 4, Bensmiller took the top time of the night by 66 one-hundreds of a second over Elton Magee who placed second on the night. Darcy Flad, Todd Baptiste and Layne Bremner rounded out the top five for the night.

Darcy Flad leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day combined time of 2:41.06, and will be joined by day 2 winner Chance Bensmiller and Todd Baptiste in Friday’s sudden death championship final heat for the Colonial Days Fair Championship. Jordie Fike ended up in 4th place overall and just missed the sudden death final by 1.02 seconds, with Elton Magee rounding out the top 5 overall after 2 days. Day 1 winner Kelly Morin knocked over a barrel and was taken out of contention.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2009 Calgary Stampede. Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Wins 2nd Consecutive Day Money On Night 6 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:13:46 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - 2nd Consecutive Day Money Run On Night 6 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 6 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby saw heavy rains drench the track, and once again penalties played a major role in the shake up of the leader board. For the second consecutive night, rookie driver Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:17.74.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Motowylo won top money by 32 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night. Roger Moore, Kelly Sutherland and Grant Profit, despite a 1 second penalty, filled out the top five for the night.

Kelly Sutherland moved to the top of overall aggregate with a 6 day total of 7:39.60, followed by Obrey Motowylo, Rick Fraser and Jason Glass filling out the top 4, with Mark Sutherland, Tyler Helmig, Neal Walgenbach and Chad Harden making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday. Untimely penalties knocked Rae Croteau Jr., Doug Irvine and Buddy Bensmiller out of the top 8 for now.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 10, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday. The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday will go into the sudden death championship final heat on Sunday, July 12. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Billy Melville

Kelly Morin Opens Up The Colonial Days Fair With A Day Money Run

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:09:59 GMT

Kelly Morin - Top Time On Openiing Night In Lloydminster
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

26 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA embarked on Lloydminster for the Colonial Days Fair. Opening night saw Kelly Morin, driving the Ritchie Construction Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:20.28.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 6, Morin took the top time of the night by 22 one-hundreds of a second over Darcy Flad who placed second on the night. Todd Baptiste, Jordie Fike and Chance Bensmiller 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. The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2009 Calgary Stampede. Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

Rookie Driver Obrey Motowylo Wins Day Money On Night 5 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:04:45 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Rookie To Win A Day Money Since 1993
Photo By Paul Easton

After the heats and drivers were reshuffled, the second half for qualifying for Semi Final Saturday took place on day 5 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. The track was in great condition, and the night saw rookie driver Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, post the top time of the night with a 1:14.61. It’s the first time a rookie has won day money at the Rangeland Derby since Mike Vigen in 1993.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Motowylo won top money by 83 one-hundreds of a second over overall leader Jason Glass who placed 2nd for the night. Chad Harden, Rae Croteau Jr. and Kelly Sutherland made out the top five for the night.

Jason Glass is still hanging on to lead the overall aggregate with a 5 day total of 6:20.49, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland filling out the top 4, with Obrey Motowylo, Buddy Bensmiller, Rick Fraser and Doug Irvine making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

Billy Melville

Mark Sutherland Survives The Mud On Day 4 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:56:35 GMT

Mark Sutherland - Bests All On A Muddy Day 4 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a cool night and rains fell earlier on Day 4 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. The track was a little slow, and the night saw Mark Sutherland, driving the Bull Moose Capital outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:17.13.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Sutherland won top money by 10 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night. Rae Croteau Jr. was 3rd, while Doug Irvine and Layne MacGillivray split 4th and 5th for the night.

Jason Glass continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 4 day total of 5:05.05, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Doug Irvine and Mark Sutherland filling out the top 4, with Rae Croteau Jr., Reg Johnstone, Buddy Bensmiller and Rick Fraser making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

There will be a new format for determining the Rangeland Derby champion this year. The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 10, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday. The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday will go into the sudden death championship final heat on Sunday, July 12. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Billy Melville

Chuckwagon Pioneer Jim Ross Named To The Calgary Stampede's Pioneers Of Rodeo

News — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:09:11 GMT

Jim Ross - 3-Time Calgary Stampede Champion And Newest Member
Of The Calgary Stampede's Pioners Of Rodeo
Billy Melville Collection

The Calgary Stampede handed out it's prestigious Pioneer's of Rodeo Awards July 6, 2009 at the Rotary House on Stampede Park. the class of 2009 included champion rodeo cowboys Jack Daines and Bob Robinson, as well as chuckwagon legend Jim Ross. The honor for Jim Ross marked the 50th anniversary of his passing, and recognized his contributions as a competator, promotor and mentor, and in helping to make the Calgary Stampede the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Jim's daughter Gwen Renouf accepted the award on her father's behalf.

The legend of Jim Ross began in 1925 when he and partner Bayse Collins entered the chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede for the first time. That year the Collins & Ross outfit, with Jim Ross at the reins, captured the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship in just his first attempt. In subsequent years, and thanks in part to outriders Scotty Cameron, Albert Ross, Jack Escott and Bud Snell, Jim would win the Rangeland Derby Championship twice more, in 1929 and again in 1932.

In the pioneering days of chuckwagon racing, Jim established himself as one of the sport's earliest superstars. Between 1925 and 1945 he compiled a very impressive record, winning the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby 3 times and placing in the top 5 overall 6 times, including a runner-up finish in 1927.

Following his victory in 1932, Jim felt he needed more speed on the track and thought thoroughbreds were the way to go, so he sold his outfit to ayoung driver named Dick Cosgrave. It was a move that would haunt Jim the rest of his life as he watched his horses carry Dick Cosgrave to several Calgary Stampede Championships over the following years.

Jim Ross was also a big promotor of chuckwagon racing and the Calgary Stampede in general. He was one of the first chuckwagon drivers to jump on board and participate in the early pancake breakfasts. Jim even enlisted the services of a young ranch hand and part time outrider who played guitar and sang. He felt a little music from off his chuckwagon would be a welcome addition to the many tourists who had flocked to Calgary for the Stampede. Now who would think that singing on Jim Ross' chuckwagon would be a life-altering experience; but it was, and that's how Jim helped launch the career of Wilf Carter. In return, Jim Ross was forever immortalized in Wilf Carter's 1935 song "The Calgary Round-Up."

In the twilight of his competative career, Jim employed a truck driver to haul his horses from wagon race to wagon race. At the end of the 1945 season, he hadn't done so well and the truck driver took 2 horses, a set of harness and a cart in lieu of wages earned. This was how Bill Greenwood, who was a recipient of the Calgary Stampede's Pioneers of Rodeo Award in 2008, got his start in the chuckwagon business.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate the family of Jim Ross, as well as Jack Daines and Bob Robinson for receiving this very prestigious honor.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Posts The Fastest Time Of The Week On Day 3 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:08:03 GMT

Chad Harden - Best Time Of The Meet On Day 3 Of Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 3 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby was another great day for chuckwagon racing as track and weather conditions were once again ideal, but penalties took their toll on a few drivers. The night saw Chad Harden, driving the ATB Financial outfit, posted the top time of the meet so far with a 1:14.44.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 3, Harden won top money by 80 one-hundreds of a second over Doug Irvine, with Grant Preece, Jim Nevada and Jason Glass rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Jason Glass now leads the overall aggregate with a 3 day total of 3:47.14, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Neal Walgenbach and Chad Harden filling out the top 4, with Obrey Motowylo, Reg Johnstone, Jim Nevada and Doug Irvine making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

Billy Melville

Rae Croteau Jr. Posts The Top Time Of Night 2 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:46:05 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Big Run On Day 2 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a little cool and a little rain fell on Day 2 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, but conditions were very good nonetheless. Rae Croteau Jr., driving the Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:15.21.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Croteau won top money by just 2 one-hundreds of a second over 10-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Kelly Sutherland. Neal Walgenbach, Troy Dorchester and Gary Gorst rounded out the top 5 for the night. WPCA drivers took 8 of the top 10 times on the night.

Kelly Sutherland leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:30.90, followed by Gary Gorst, with day 1 winner Jason Glass and Rae Croteau Jr. filling out the top 4, with Grant Profit, Neal Walgenbach, Luke Tournier and Hugh Sinclair making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Takes Top Honors On Opening Night Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:39:35 GMT

Jason Glass - Opens Up The 2009 Calgary Stampede With The Top Time
Photo By Paul Easton

The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth kicked off on Friday night in Calgary with the running of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It was a perfect night for racing with ideal track and weather conditions, and the day saw 2008 Calgary Stampede Aggregate winner Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer outfit, open the 2009 Rangeland Derby with the top time of 1:15.17.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Glass won top money by just 10 one-hundreds of a second over the defending Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Hugh Sinclair. Gary Gorst, Kelly Sutherland and Ray Mitsuing rounded out the top 5 for the night. WPCA drivers took 12 of the top 15 times on opening night in Calgary.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Sweeps The 2009 Ponoka Stampede Championship

News — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:27:25 GMT

2009 Ponoka Stampede Champions
H & E Oilfield Services Outfit
(L-R): Larry Seaman of H & E Oilfield Services, Outriders Shawn Calf Robe,
Ryan McAleney, Driver Obrey Motowylo, Angie Motowylo,
Outriders Logan James, Kris Flanagan
Photo By Billy Melville

The finals of the Ponoka Stampede Championship wrapped up on Wednesday night and a new champion emerged from the sudden death final. It was a spectacular chuckwagon race and Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Kris Flanagan, Shawn Calf Robe, Ryan McAleney and Logan James won the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat and his first Ponoka Stampede Championship. It was also the first career show championship win for Motowylo.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Motowylo won the sudden death final by 15 one-hundreds of a second over Léo Tournier who placed 2nd from barrel number 2, followed by Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 3rd from barrel number 4 and Mark Sutherland who was 4th from barrel position number 3. All 4 drivers in the sudden death final ran penalty free. Motowylo also posted the fastest 6-day aggregate time of 7:26.55.

As far as day results are concerned, Cliff Cunningham, driving the Basnett Truck Service outfit, won his first career day money with a rapid run of 1:13.02. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 5, Cunningham won top money by 20 one-hundreds of a second over eventual Ponoka Stampede champion Obrey Motowylo and 2-time Ponoka Stampede Champion Jerry Bremner who split 2nd and 3rd on the night. Léo Tournier and Reg Johnstone rounded out the top 5 for the night placing 4th and 5th respectively.

Outrider Jason Lemieux received the inaugural Dallas Dorchester Memorial Outrider Ambassador Award. The award was presented to the outrider who represents the qualities that Dallas Dorchester portrayed such as integrity on and off the racetrack, good public relations, accessability and respectability for the betterment of the sport, dress, appearance and horsemanship. Chuckwagon driver Kelly Sutherland received the Bill Kehler Memorial Award given to the rodeo or chuckwagon competitor who portrays sportsmanship, dedication to the media, ambassador for the sport, showmanship and performance in the arena.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now takes a break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night starting on Friday, July 3 and continuing until Sunday, July 12. Coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm all ten days.

Billy Melville

Defending Champion Doug Irvine Takes Top Honors On Day 5 In Ponoka

News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:50:40 GMT

Doug Irvine - Top Time On Day 5 At Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

The final 4 wagons that will compose the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat at the Ponoka Stampede have been set. Obrey Motowylo, Léo Tournier, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland will compete in Wednesday’s sudden death final to determine the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion. There will be a new champion this year in Ponoka as none of the drivers in Wednesday’s final have ever won the Ponoka Stampede.

Obrey Motowylo qualified for the sudden death final in first place overall with a 5 day total time of 6:13.35, 26 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Léo Tournier, with Rae Croteau Jr. holding on to 3rd place overall, and Mark Sutherland who climbed up into 4th place overall and grabbed the final spot in Wednesday’s sudden death final. Tyler Helmig, who ended up in 5th place, just missed qualifying for the sudden death championship final heat by just 7 one-hundreds of a second.

As far as day results are concerned, defending Ponoka Stampede champion Doug Irvine, driving the B & R Eckel’s Transport Ltd. outfit, won top money for the day after posting a time of 1:14.26. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 3, Irvine won top money by 34 one-hundreds of a second over 3-time Ponoka Stampede who placed 2nd on the night. Then a pile of Sutherland’s filled out the top 5 overall as Kelly Sutherland placed 3rd, Kirk Sutherland was 4th and Mark Sutherland ended up in 5th place for the night.

The finals of the Ponoka Stampede will run at 6:00pm on Wednesday, and can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 5:30pm. Television coverage of the Ponoka Stampede chuckwagon finals can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 10:30pm.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Tops All For The 2nd Consecutive Night At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:35:00 GMT

Leo Tournier - 2nd Consecutive Day Money Run On Day 4 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

The rains came on a cold night 4 at the Ponoka Stampede, and for the 2nd consecutive night Leo Tournier, driving the Wolf Creek Golf Resort outfit, walked away with top money for the day after posting a with a 1:14.23.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Tournier won top money by just 1 one-hundred of a second over Tim Haroldson who placed 2nd on the night. Jason Johnstone placed 3rd, Darcy Flad was 4th despite a 1 second penalty, with Obrey Motowylo rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Obrey Motowylo regained the overall aggregate lead with a 4 day total time of 4:56.26, 53 one-hundreds of a second over Leo Tournier, with Rae Croteau Jr. holding on to 3rd place overall, and Tyler Helmig who has now moved up into 4th place overall. Mark Sutherland now moves up into in 5th place overall 19 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th. Jason Glass, who was the top wagon after 3 days, knocked a barrel and fell to 14th place overall. The top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Tuesday’s run will go into Wednesday’s Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death final will be named the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm every night and 5:30pm on the Wednesday finals. Television coverage of the Ponoka Stampede chuckwagon races can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 9:30pm every night and 10:30 on the Wednesday finals.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Takes A Big Jump With A Day Money Run On Day 3 At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:47:53 GMT

Leo Tournier - Bests All on Night 3 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

It was moving day at the Ponoka Stampede, and day 3 saw Leo Tournier, driving the Wolf Creek Golf Resort outfit, post the fast time of the night, and the meet to date, with a 1:13.05.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Tournier won top money by 30 one-hundreds of a second over 6-time Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd on the night. Former Ponoka Stampede Champion Mike Vigen placed 3rd, Mark Sutherland was 4th, with Day 2 winner Jason Glass rounding out the top 5 for the night. Outrider Jeff Blatz was injured during heat number 5 with a suspected fractured ankle, but no further details are available at this time.

Jason Glass now leads the overall aggregate with a 3 day total time of 3:41.41, 52 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo, with Rae Croteau Jr. in 3rd place overall, and Leo Tournier who moved up into 4th place overall. Brian Mayan moves up into in 5th place overall 45 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th. The top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Tuesday’s run will go into Wednesday’s Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death final will be named the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Takes The Day Money On Night 2 In Ponoka

News — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:54:42 GMT

Jason Glass - Number 1 On Night 2 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

It was another perfect night in Ponoka, and some of the best chuckwagon racing of 2009 was witnessed by the Ponoka Stampede fans. Day number 2 saw Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Services Ltd. outfit, win the day money with the fastest time of the meet so far.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Glass won top money by a mere 13 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the 2nd consecutive night. Former Ponoka Stampede Champions Jerry Bremner and Reg Johnstone placed 3rd and 4th respectively, with Day 1 winner Obrey Motowylo rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Obrey Motowylo leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total time of 2:27.25, just 5 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner make up the top 4 right now, with Lincoln Douglas in 5th place overall just 42 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th. The top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Tuesday’s run will go into Wednesday’s Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death final will be named the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm on Friday. Television coverage can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 9:30pm every night and 10:30 on the Wednesday finals.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Continues His Hot Run With Another Day Money Run On Nigh1 1 In Ponoka

News — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:03:22 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - Top Time On Day 1 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

One of the biggest shows in chuckwagon racing kicked off on Friday night in Ponoka with the running of the Ponoka Stampede. It was a cool night, but track and weather conditions were once again perfect, and the day saw Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, continue his winning ways by taking top money on opening night in Ponoka.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Motowylo won top money by just 42 one-hundreds of a second over 2008 Ponoka Stampede finalist Rae Croteau Jr. Jason Glass, Lincoln Douglas, and Grant Profit rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network every night at 7:00pm and 6:00pm on the Wednesday finals. Television coverage can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 9:30pm every night and 10:30 on the Wednesday finals.

Billy Melville

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:52:18 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The North American Chuckwagon Championship
Sponsored By Import Tool Corp. Ltd.

LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Prince	Grant Profit	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Puck	Grant Profit
Jerry	Reg Johnstone	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Highway	Jason Glass	Fry	Chad Harden
Amber	Brian Mayan	Fred	Chad Harden
Cajun	Luke Tournier	Bride	Brian Mayan
Snip	Rae Croteau Jr.	Gold	Luke Tournier
Dream	Léo Tournier	Polite	Léo Tournier
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Ledbury	Jason Glass	Doc	Reg Johnstone
Johnny	Grant Profit	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Cash	Obrey Motowylo	Stryker	Grant Profit
Brass	Luke Tournier	Alex	Jason Glass
General	Reg Johnstone	Ryder	Luke Tournier
Cash	Chad Harden	Prince	Brian Mayan
Born	Brian Mayan	Blazer	Rae Croteau Jr.
Devil	Léo Tournier	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Coug'd It	Chad Harden
Fancy Bru	Rae Croteau Jr.	Aloha	Hugh Sinclair
Ciano	Hugh Sinclair	Earl	Léo Tournier
		Googles	Codey McCurrach
		Super	Tim Haroldson

OUTRIDING HORSES
Horse Name	Owner
Blue	Luke Tournier
Granview	Chad Harden
Tee	Grant Profit
Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
Benny	Obrey Motowylo
Boo	Reg Johnstone
Group	Reg Johnstone
Jack	Grant Profit
Rahy	Jason Glass
Abby	Rae Croteau Jr.
Cole	Luke Tournier

David Bensmiller Needs A Haircut - And YOU Can Help

News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:27:40 GMT

WPCA Chuckwagon driver David Bensmiller is in desperate need of a haircut. Wagon Buddies for Cancer - David Bensmiller's sponsor at the Ponoka Stampede, are collecting donations for the Cancer Society. If they raise enough money David has agreed to cut his hair on Wednesday, July 1, 2009!

Show your support by making a donation at the WPCA Merchandise Trailer which will be on-site at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds starting Friday, June 26, 2009. You may also email cancer@tiessenmedia.com to arrange for a donation.

Proceeds raised will be donated to the Cancer Society. David Bensmiller will also donate his hair to be used in the making of wigs for cancer patients.

Every person who makes a donation will be able to enter for a chance to win a framed Bernie Brown print of the "Half Mile of Hell" which has been donated by the Bensmiller families.

Please show your support. David really needs a haircut.

Former Outrider Monty McLaughlin Passes Away

News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:51:38 GMT

Monty McLaughlin
June 11, 1969 - June 20, 2009

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the sudden passing of former outrider Monty McLaughlin in Grande Prairie on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the age of 40 years as the result of an automobile accident.

Monty outrode in the early/mid 1990's and outrode for Hugh Sinclair's first ever show championship win at the Kamloops Rangeland Derby in 1993. After he retired from outriding, Monty was still active in chuckwagon racing as a member of the Sinclair Racing Team.

He leaves to mourn his parents, Brian and Colleen McLaughlin, brothers, Bradley McLaughlin (Tracy, Riley & Colby), and Reid McLaughlin, son Russell McLaughlin (Perry & Lenka) and grandmother Kathleen Thorpe, as well as Erika Nolan, Danny Nolan, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A celebration of Monty’s life will be held at the Grovedale Community Hall on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Oliver’s Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a trust fund for his son Russell at Scotiabank, downtown Grande Prairie. Monty will be missed by all in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, and we extend its sincere condolences to the McLaughlin family.

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:33:49 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The North American Chuckwagon Championship

Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	2111
2	Fountain Contracting Team #1	2046
3	H & E Oilfield Services #1	2042
4	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	2014.5
5	Caradan Chemicals #1	2010.5
6	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	1988.5
7	JaCo Welding & Consulting #1	1976
8	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	1964
9	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	1951
10	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	1924.5
11	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	1923.5
12	Image Distributors Team #1	1913
13	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	1898.5
14	Image Distributors Team #3	1868.5
15	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	1859
16	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	1836
17	JLT Construction #1	1835.5
18	Caradan Chemicals #3	1804.5
19	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	1803.5
20	Birchcliff Energy	1796.5
21	World Financial Group #1	1777
22	Caradan Chemicals #2	1770
23	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	1708
24	Image Distributors Team #2	1701.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #2	1683.5
26	H & E Oilfield Services #3	1658.5
27	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	1650
28	Enerstar Inc.	1629
29	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	1581.5
30	Fountain Contracting Team #2	1575
31	World Financial Group #2	1561
32	Image Distributors Team #4	1542.5
33	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	1525.5
34	H & E Oilfield Services #4	1522
35	World Financial Group #3	1483

Jerry Bremner Captures 2nd Career North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:41:37 GMT

2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champions
Chariot Express Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Jerry Bremner,
Outrider Chad Fike, Bruce Larway of Chariot Express
Photo By Billy Melville

The North American Chuckwagon Championship wrapped up on a spectacular Sunday in High River. Track and weather conditions were once again perfect, and the day saw Jerry Bremner, driving the Chariot Express outfit, and along with outriders Chad Fike and Reo King take the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship. It was the 2nd North American title for Jerry Bremner who had captured it for the first time in 2006, and it was the second time Chariot Express was part of the winning outfit having celebrated their first title with Grant Profit exactly 10 year ago in 1999.

Jerry Bremner won the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship with a 4 day total of 5:09.53, 1.65 seconds faster than runner-up Obrey Motowylo and the H & E Oilfield Services outfit. Jason Glass, Kelly Sutherland and Chad Harden made up the balance of the top 5 overall. Day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, who started the day in 2nd place overall just a tenth of a second behind eventual champion Jerry Bremner, had to settle for 8th place overall after a slow time thanks to a 3 wide trip around the High River Racetrack.

As far as the day results go, Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit posted the fast time of the show with a 1:15.80. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Motowylo won top money for the 2nd time in the 4 day by just 14 one-hundreds of a second over 5-time High River Champion Kelly Sutherland. Jerry Bremner, Hugh Sinclair and Rae Croteau Jr. rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The WPCA now moves to Ponoka, Alberta for the Ponoka Stampede which will start on Friday, June 26, 2009 and run through Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The chuckwagon races will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm on Friday.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Posts The Fast Time Of The Show On Night 3 At The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:50:20 GMT

Grant Profit - Tops The Field On Night 3 In High River
Photo By Carol Easton

On a cloudy but comfortable Night 3 at the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River, former North American Champion Grant Profit took top honors with the fastest time of the meet so far on another ideal night of racing in High River.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 8, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit ran a 1:16.26 and took the top money for night 3 by 79 one-hundreds of a second over Tyler Helmig and Chad Harden who split 2nd and 3rd for the night. Kirk Sutherland ended up in 4th while Barry Hodgson rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, driving the Shriners Hospital for Children moved into first place overall with a 3 day total of 3:53.32. Haroldson holds 61 one-hundreds of a second lead over 1981 North American Champion Kirk Sutherland who sits 2nd, with Chad Harden, Troy Dorchester and Barry Hodgson rounding out the top 5 overall with just one run to go.

The wagon with the best aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Sunday’s races will run at 4:30pm with live coverage of the final day from High River via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Tim Haroldson Scores Big With A Day Money Run On Night 2 of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:44:28 GMT

Tim Haroldson - Top Time On Night 2 In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

Night 2 of the North American Chuckwagon Championship saw Tim Haroldson win his first day money as a WPCA member on a perfect night of racing in High River.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Haroldson, driving the The Shriners Hospital for Children outfit posted a time of 1:16.93 and took the day money by 76 one-hundreds of a second over 2-time North American Champion and local hero Jason Glass. Jerry Bremner, Tyler Helmig and Luke Tournier rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Thanks to the strength of 2 top five runs, Jerry Bremner, driving the Chariot Express outfit, sits in first place overall with a 2 day total of 2:35.75. Bremner is just 11 one-hundreds of a second over day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, with defending North American champion Luke Tournier in third, day 1 winner Obrey Motowylo in fourth with 5 time High River Champion Kelly Sutherland in fifth.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 4 runs will be declared the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Saturday's races will run at 8:00pm with the final day scheduled on Sunday at 4:30pm. Live coverage of the final chuckwagon races in High River can be heard via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Takes The Early Lead At The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:37:19 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Place On First Night In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

The start of the North American Chuckwagon Championship saw perfect weather and track conditions, and a fantastic night of WPCA chuckwagon racing was enjoyed by the High River fans. Obrey Motowylo, who won top money on the final night of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede last week, picked up right where he left off by taking his second consecutive day money in as many runs on opening night of the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, posted a time of 1:16.76 and took the day money by 54 one-hundreds of a second over 2-time North American Champion Rick Fraser. Kelly Sutherland, Chad Harden and Jerry Bremner rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 4 runs will be declared the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Friday and Saturday's races will run at 8:00pm with the final day scheduled on Sunday at 4:30pm. Live coverage of the final chuckwagon races in High River can be heard via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

The "Bashaw Flash" Reg Johnstone Hangs On To Win The 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:12:17 GMT

2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champions
Blue Wave Energy Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Wade "Butch" Stewart, Driver Reg Johnstone, Outrider Wayne Wright
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede's Leray Pahl Presenting
Photo By Jessica Melville

It came down to the wire and it looked as though penalties would play a role in determining the champion, but Reg Johnstone, driving the Blue Wave Energy outfit and along with outriders Butch Stewart and Wayne Wright, captured the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede For the 2nd time in his career.

Despite 2 seconds in penalties on his final run, Johnstone won the 2009 Medicine Hat Championship by posting the best 3 day aggregate time of 3:10.50. He bested runner-up Leo Tournier by 90 one-hundreds, while Cliff Cunningham, Kirk Sutherland and Obrey Motowylo filled out the top 5 overall after an outstanding weekend of racing in Medicine Hat. It was the 2nd time in his career Reg Johnstone has won the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, his first one coming in 2005.

As far as the afternoon goes, Obrey Motowylo posted the top time of day number 3. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit posted the top time of the day with a 1:02.67. Luke Tournier was 2nd best for the day 47 one-hundreds of a second behind the day leader, with Grant Profit, Cliff Cunningham and Kelly Sutherland filling out the top 5 on the final day in Medicine Hat.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves into High River for the North American Chuckwagon Championship starting on Thursday night at 8:00pm. Live coverage of the final chuckwagon races in High River can be heard via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:30pm.

Billy Melville

The "Bashaw Flash" Reg Johnstone First On Day 2 And First Overall In Medicine Hat

News — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:20:55 GMT

Reg Johnstone - First In All Categories in Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

For the 2nd consecutive night it was a ideal conditions for racing at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. Weather and track conditions were once again perfect, and 2005 Medicine Hat champion Reg Johnstone won day money and took over the aggregate lead after 2 days.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 11, Reg Johnstone, driving the Blue Wave Energy outfit posted a time of 1:02.65 which is the top time for the meet so far. Luke Tournier placed 2nd for the night 15 one-hundreds of a second behind Johnstone, with Hugh Sinclair, Obrey Motowylo and Cliff Cunningham filling out the top 5 for the night.

Reg Johnstone also takes over the lead in the aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:06.35. Day 1 winner Leo Tournier is in 2nd place overall 1.24 seconds behind Johnstone, while Brian Mayan, Hugh Sinclair and Kirk Sutherland round out the top 5 after 2 days. The top wagon in the aggregate after 3 runs will be declared the 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion. Live coverage of the final day of racing at the 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 1:30pm on Sunday.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Steals The Top Time On Night 1 Of The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:04:46 GMT

Leo Tournier - Fast Man On Day 1 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a perfect night for racing on the opening night of the 2nd stop along the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. Weather and track conditions were perfect, and the night saw Leo Tournier open up the show with a first place run.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 6, Leo Tournier, driving the Gunther’s Masonry Construction Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:03.10 which held up as the top time for the day by 22 one-hundreds of a second over Brian Mayan who placed 2nd for the night. Reg Johnstone, Barry Hodgson and Doug Irvine rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 3 runs will be declared the 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion. Saturday's races will run at 7:00pm with the final day schedulled on Sunday at 2:00. Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 6:30pm on Saturday and 1:30pm on Sunday.

Billy Melville

Buddy Bensmiller Heads The Class of 2009 At Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame

News — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:25:22 GMT

It's official, Buddy Bensmiller will be inducted into Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame on September 11, 2009. With the announcement, Bensmiller joins Orville Strandquist as the only other Canadian chuckwagon driver to be inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame.

Bensmiller, who won the Cheyenne championship competed at the Cheyenne Frontier Days 15 times between 1981 and 1995 during his days with the Northern Professional Chuckwagon Association. He won the Cheyenne Championship a record nine times.

Joining Buddy is four-time PRCA announcer of the year and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Hadley Barrett, 1928 Cheyenne Frontier Days Saddle Bronc Champion Charles "Sharkey" Irwin, as well as local Cheyenne Frontier Days builders Shirley Churchill, Floyd and Diane Humphrey, Ned Murray and Phil Van Horn.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate Buddy Bensmiller on his induction into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame.

Billy Melville

Spotlight – One on One with Troy Dorchester

News — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:46:29 GMT

Troy Dorchester is a 3rd generation chuckwagon driver with one of the greatest last names in chuckwagon history. Aside from having a famous grandfather (Tom), father (Garry) and uncle (Dallas), who were all Calgary Stampede champions, Troy is also known for being one of the most colourful and entertaining characters on the tour.

In order to get to know the wagon man off of the track, we've turned the spotlight on Troy and had him answer a few questions.

Q: What is your favourite/fondest childhood chuckwagon memory?

Watching my Uncle Dallas win the Calgary Stampede for the first time in 1994. I will never forget it or what an outfit he had.

Q: Who's your favourite chuckwagon legend and why?

I would have to say my Grandpa Tom. He won a lot of big shows and a lot of small ones too but he never thought he was any better than anyone else.

Q: Do you ever feel any pressure coming from a long lineage of chuckwagon drivers in your family?

I have so much family that have been involved in the sport and they know how tough it can be so they are very supportive.My dad is great and he doesn't like saying too much. When (and if) he does he always has good points.
Uncle Dallas was also great for support. He always would tell me "man you horses look good". He would also always watch the new ones drive before we would leave in the spring and tell me what he would think after. That always made me feel good and supported.

Q: How do you stay competitive year after year?

It is hard to stay running good but I try to get three to eight new horses every year and replace two or three older ones in order to stay competitive.
I also like to drive my new horses as much as I can. I start them in January and try to get 10 days of driving them along with a work horse. After that I like to get them into fours by the middle of March.

Q: What's your favourite chuckwagon tour stop?

Ponoka Stampede.

Q: Most embarrassing moment to date?

When my outfit balked on barrel four in Grande Prairie in 1994 and Jake Friesen was on barrel three. Jake was also balked. The other two drivers had a hell of a race off barrel one and two! I was so mad but I couldn't say or do anything because I was facing the crowd!

Q: After a bad loss how do you recover?

It can be hard when you have a bad race. I just block it out and try to do better the next race. If you're having bad luck it will turn around sometime...it always does in anything you do.

Q: What do you absolutely have to have with you when you race around the track?

I don't like to lose my hat. It has to stay on!

Q: Are you superstitious?

I just always harness in a certain order.

Q: In the off season what do you do to pass the time?

I like to play hockey and curl in the off season. Now that we have our children, Haley and Connor, in hockey that takes up the rest of our time. But we wouldn't have it any other way - we love it.

Q: Aside from chuckwagon racing what's your favourite sport? If you were a player what team would you play for?

Hockey - NHL Oilers.

Q: What's your best golf score?

My best golf score was 42 at my uncle's course - Dorchester Ranch.

Q: Where did you meet your wife?

Playing cards in Strathmore, AB in 1997. I knew she was the one because I won the card game.

Q: What do you like most about being a dad?

Being able to spend as much time with my family as I can. Chuckwagon racing is a great sport to travel as a family and I love answering questions for my kids.

(Troy's Family, left - right: Jen, Haley, Troy, Conor and Emily)

Q: Who do you take after more - your mom or your dad?

I think my Mom because I don't like waiting for anything. But I guess I take a little after my Dad too because I won't say anything most of the time.

Q: What are you scared of?

Having to stop racing wagons for some reason before I'm ready to stop.

Q: If you weren't a chuckwagon driver what would you do for a profession?

I would be a motivational speaker...just kidding. I have never wanted to do anything else.

-------------------------

Got your own Spotlight - One on One question(s) for a WPCA driver?

Send them to carmen.stone@wpca.com and you might find out the answer in the next spotlight!

Bring Your Family And Pack the Wagon in Medicine Hat!

News — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:41:21 GMT

The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Committee is asking everyone to bring a non-perishable food item to "Pack the Wagon" each evening at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour chuckwagon races which run June 12 - 14, 2009. All the food items will be dropped in the chuckwagon and then later donated to the Medicine Hat Food Bank!

In addition to helping to "Pack the Wagon" your family is invited to the very first Family Day Event on Sunday, June 14, 2009. The Family Day Event will be taking palce at Pioneer Village at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds. Moms, Dads, and kids will be able to get their pictures taken with chuckwagon drivers, receive autographed posters and win prizes while learning all about chuckwagon racing and history.

For more information regarding either of these events please contact:

James Tennant

Corporate Development - Marketing

Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

PO Box 1298, 2055 - 21st Avenue SE

Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7N1

403-527-1234 ext. 6909

jtennant@mhstampede.com

EnCana Continues to Support Rural Lifestyles and Heritage

News — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:10:11 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is looking forward to another successful season with its second largest sponsor, EnCana. EnCana, a leading North American unconventional natural gas and integrated oil company, has been a major sponsor since 2005.

Well known for its contributions to a variety of programs and resources that support rural lifestyles, cultural programs and economic development, EnCana also continues to preserve and strengthen rural heritage by working with organizations such as the WPCA.

Through its sponsorship of the WPCA 4-H Mentorship Program, EnCana provides the WPCA an outlet to showcase its equine knowledge as well as the ability to sustain itself by introducing young and new people to the sport that might not otherwise have the chance to experience it.

The WPCA 4-H Mentorship Program, sponsored by EnCana, has been a popular hit among the numerous summer programs offered by Alberta 4-H and has been expressed by one 4-H mentorship participant as a "life changing opportunity". By pairing 4-H youth members with chuckwagon drivers at each stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, members are given the chance to learn firsthand what goes into the sport of chuckwagon racing. This year, 12 professional chuckwagon drivers will be matched up with 4-H members across Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia.

Thanks to EnCana's support the WPCA and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour is able to continue to build a solid foundation in which to promote and sustain chuckwagon racing and its rural heritage. The WPCA is looking forward to nurturing this relationship for many years to come.

About EnCana

EnCana is a leading North American unconventional natural gas and integrated oil company, providing energy for communities across North America. More than 80 percent of EnCana's production is clean-burning natural gas. EnCana is also a technical and cost leader in the recovery of oil through steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD).

As the largest natural gas producer in North America, EnCana produced 1.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2008 - that's enough to heat nearly 11 million homes for one year.

EnCana strives to be a trusted contributor in the communities where it operates and where its employees work and live conducting its business in an ethical and socially responsible manner, so it can fulfill its mission - providing energy for people.

Did You Know?

Many of the items in your home or business are made possible because of natural gas and oil producers like EnCana. Visit EnCana's website to find out more: www.encana.com.

Jason Glass Captures 1st Career Grande Prairie Stompede Championship

News — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:52:02 GMT

2009 Grande Prairie Stompede Champions – Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): , Outrider Jason Lemieux, Driver Jason Glass, Outrider Todd Goodley, Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation's Justin Tidd
Photo By Billy Melville

Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Todd Goodley and Jason Lemieux, captured the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship and the $10,000.00 bonus for the first time. It was the first career WPCA Dodge Pro Tour show championship for outriders Goodley and Lemieux.

Coming off barrel position number 1 in the sudden death championship final heat number 9, Glass won the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede with a penalty free run of 1:15.60, and won the heat by 35 one-hundreds of a second over runner-up Grant Profit who came off barrel position number 2 and was assessed a 1 second penalty for causing a false start. Rae Croteau Jr. from barrel position number 4 placed third in the sudden death final with Chad Harden coming in third from barrel position number 3.

Glass also posted the top time of the night, followed closely by Grant Profit, with Reg Johnstone, Kirk Sutherland and Mark Sutherland rounding out the top 5 for the night.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta starting on Friday June 12, 2009 at 7:00pm. Kelly Sutherland is the defending Champion. Live radio coverage for the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede will air on the Chuckwagon Radio Network beginning at 6:30.

Billy Melville

Near Track Record Vaults Grant Profit Into First Place At The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:06:37 GMT

Grant Profit - Tops All Categories On Night 4 in Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

There will be a brand new Grande Prairie Stompede Champion in 2009. Grant Profit, Rae Croteau Jr., Jason Glass and Chad Harden will go into Sunday's sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Despite a one-second late outrider penalty and a near track record, Grant Profit posted the best time of the night. His running time of 1:14.43 would have bested Edgar Baptiste’s 1993 track record of 1:14.83, but the penalty took the record away. However, Profit – driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, came off barrel number 1 in heat number 7 - had a 1:15.43 total time and was still the best of night 4. Codey McCurrach placed 2nd on the night, with Reg Johnstone, Rick Fraser and Brian Mayan filling out the top 5 for the night.

Grant Profit is the top wagon in the aggregate and will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award. His 4 day combined time of 5:03.37 was nearly one and a half seconds ahead of Rae Croteau Jr. who sits 2nd overall, with Jason Glass and Chad Harden making up Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat. It was originally thought that and Codey McCurrach would be in Sunday's final and Rae Croteau Jr. was out, however after the judges reviewed the films a penalty originally given to Rae Croteau Jr. was removed giving Croteau 2nd place overall and a spot in the Sunday final. McCurrach ended up in 5th place overall just one one hundreth of a second behind Chad Harden who grabbed the last spot in the sudden death final. Jerry Bremner, in search of his 3rd consecutive Grande Prairie Stompede crown just missed the final heat by 45 one-hundreds of a second and finished in 6th place. The $50,000.00 final day at the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:15 mountain time.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Posts The Fastest Time Of The Week So Far At The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:59:16 GMT

Chad Harden - Fast Time Of The Week On Night 3 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 3 of the 32nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship saw a big shake up at the top of the leaderboard. Some drivers came back into contention with some rapid runs while other drivers knocked themselves out of contention with penalties and slow runs. Track and weather conditions were once again ideal for the chuckwagon races in Grande Prairie.

2005 Grande Prairie Stompede finalist Chad Harden posted the best time of the meet so far with a 1:15.08. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Harden, driving the Spartan Controls outfit won top money for the day by just 58 one-hundreds of a second over overall leader Rae Croteau Jr. Day 1 winner Grant Profit placed third on the night with Jason Glass and Darcy Flad rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Rae Croteau Jr. continues to lead the overall standings with a 3 day total time of 3:47.39. Grant Profit moved into 2nd place overall, with Jason Glass and Chad Harden filling out the top 4 after 3 nights. Defending Jerry Bremner sits just 54 one-hundreds of a second outside the final 4 in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and $50,000.00 added to the final day at the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Places 1st On Day 2 In Grande Prairie

News — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:45:39 GMT

Jason Glass - Places First On Second Night In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

It was another great night of racing at the 32nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. Once again track conditions were perfect and a number of very competitive chuckwagon races were enjoyed by the fans up in Grande Prairie.

2008 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass recorded the best time of the night. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:15.44 and won top money for the day by just 6 one-hundreds of a second over former Grand Prairie Stompede champion Reg Johnstone. Rae Croteau Jr. and Barry Hodgson placed 3rd and 4th respectively, while Jerry Bremner and Kelly Sutherland split 5th place for the night.

Rae Croteau Jr. vaulted to the top of the overall standings with a 2 day total time of 2:31.73. Reg Johnstone sits 2nd overall followed by day 1 winner Grant Profit with Kelly Sutherland holding down 4 place overall. Just on the outside of the final four is Jason Glass. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and $50,000.00 added to the final day at the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins First On First Night Of The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour

News — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:39:49 GMT

Grant Profit - Day Money Run On Night 1 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

The professional chuckwagon season kicked off on Wednesday night with the 32nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Jerry Bremner came into this year’s event in search of his 3rd consecutive Grande Prairie championship and the 4th of his career on a cool cloudy night in Grande Prairie.

Grant Profit opened up the chuckwagon season with the top time on opening night. Track conditions were fast, and outside of a few glitches in the first few heats, some great races were seen by the Grande Prairie chuckwagon fans.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit posted a time of 1:15.09 and placed first overall for the day by 63 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Johnstone who placed 2nd for the night. Doug Irvine, Codey McCurrach and Chad Harden rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Once again there will be $50,000.00 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 take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Billy Melville

Grande Prairie Stompede Established As One Of The Top "Dash For Cash" Events

News — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:21:10 GMT

The Grande Prairie Stompede has now been established as one of the top "Dash for Cash" events on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Thanks to the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation, $50,000 will now be awarded in prize money at the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation is a not for profit group of dedicated volunteers that promotes the preservation of Alberta's number one sport, professional chuckwagon racing. In addition to helping establish the "Dash for Cash" the foundation's main objective is to preserve our western heritage.

The concept for the foundation was developed as a result of a need to recognize the importance and cultural significance that chuckwagon racing has had on our community for the past 86 years. The foundation has helped to recognize that Grande Prairie is home to some of the greatest chuckwagon competitors, both pas and present, including several generations of Sutherland, Vigen and Sinclair, and showcases photos, race memorabilia and information for access by the general public.

The impact that the foundation has, and will continue to have, on the sport of chuckwagon racing has not gone unfounded by the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). The WPCA recognizes that the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation and its bountiful "Dash for Cash" event will be monumental in helping to attract greater competition and increased fan attendance to the Grande Prairie Stompede.

"The tremendous support this foundation and its sponsors have provided not only showcases our unique sport but it helps to confirm that chuckwagon racing is a credible competitive sport with competitive dollars" stated Carmen Stone, Marketing Coordinator of the World Professional Chuckwagon Asssociation. "With foundations such as the Grande Prairie Hertiage Foundation, we can be sure that professional chuckwagon racing will be around for many more years to come".

For more information on how you can help preserve our western heritage and support the Grande Prairie Stompede, email gpchucks@telus.net.

Thank you to the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation for making the "Dash for Cash" event possible!

Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation Board of Directors:

Pres: Justin Tidd; Vice-Pres: Barry Smith; Treas: Lori Sinclair; Vice-Treas: Patsy Smith; Sec: Carolyn Sinclair; Board Members: Ron Bates, Garth Lawrance, David Glenn, Kelly Sutherland, Hugh Sinclair; Volunteers: Danny Ireland, Julie Lawrance

Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation "$50,000 Dash for Cash" Sponsor Levels:

Dash of Platinum ($10,000)

Dash of Gold ($5,000)

First Choice Pipehandlers Ltd.
Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.

Dash of Silver ($3,000 - $4,000)

Drifters Casing Service Ltd.
High Gear Water Services
Peter-Lane Concrete Ltd.
Phoenix Oilfield Rental Ltd.
Velocity Oilfield Rentals
Windsor Ford

Dash of Bronze ($2,000)

BarrPats
All-Star Masonry
Bermar Rewind Ltd.
Derrick Husky
Magnum Electric
Rees NDT Inspections Services Ltd.
Ritchie Bros Auctioneers
Sheldon Hannah Insurance Services Ltd. - The Co-operators

Demin Supporters ($500 - $1,000)

Big Rig (GP) Ltd.
Bob Banser Water Hauling
Bruce Power Ltd.
Capstan Hauling Ltd.
Charles Auto Body and Collision
Executive Answering Service
First Choice Electrical Supply Ltd.
Golden Star Restaurant
Great Northern Casino
J&L Bit Supply-Dennis Robinson
Fletcher Mudryk & Company
Neufeld Petroleum & Propane Ltd.
North Side Collision Sandblasting & Painting
Northern Metallic Sales (GP) Ltd.
Overhead Door
Regulators Oilfield Hauling
Risely Steel Services
Ross Mather
Stahl Peterbilt Ltd.
The Lawrance Family - In Memory of Rick Lawrance
Vector Communications Ltd.
Wapiti Gravel Supplies Ltd.
Zydeco Tank Truck Services

Gift in Kind

Sportswear Plus
Menzies Printers
Baron Oilfield Supply
Sunburst Graphics Ltd.
Grande Prairie Stompede
Meyers Norris & Penny

Note: PARDS will be receiving a portion of the monies raised as a result of the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation's fundraising effort and will be presented with a donation during the Stompede.

Meyers Norris Penny Helps Keep the WPCA On Track

News — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:38:06 GMT

Meyers Norris Penny (MNP), the seventh largest chartered accountancy and advisory firm in Canada, has been a proud sponsor of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) since 2007. Throughout the sponsorship years, Meyers Norris Penny has continued to provide straight-up business advice and specialized expertise when crunching the WPCA's official numbers.

In addition to supporting the WPCA through accounting services, MNP is once again the offical sponsor of the Dodge truck that tows the WPCA Benevolent Trailer. The truck can be seen this race season travelling from one end of the province to the next, making sure the merchandise trailer is present at every WPCA Dodge Pro Tour location. Proceeds from the WPCA Benevolent Trailer go to support chuckwagon drivers or their families in the event that they are severally injured.

MNP's commitment to the communities in which it operates and the WPCA demonstratees the high level of corporate citizenship they continue to exhibit.

About MNP

MNP has grown to become the seventh largest chartered accountancy and advisory firm in Canada with more than 75 locations across the country. Since MNP was founded in 1945, MNP has helped the agriculture community, business owners, oil & gas service companies, and individuals achieve their goals. As an MNP client, you receive straight-up business advice each and every time. That's because MNP takes the time to udnerstand where you are coming from - and where you want to go. The MNP team has specialized expertise working with a ride range of clients, including:

Aboriginals
Agriculture & Food
Business Owner Services
Credit Unions
Entrepreneurs
Forest Industry
Healthcare
Hutterian Brethren
Manufacturing
Not-For-Profit
Oilfield Services
Public Companies
Public Sector

MNP provides world-class expertise, in-depth knowledge and personalized service to find the right solution for every client, every time. MNP is committed to knowing your vision, your business and you.

Former Chuckwagon Judge Mary Anne Hammer Passes Away

News — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:40:43 GMT

Mary Anne Hammer
January 08, 1946 - May 07, 2009

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former chuckwagon judge Mary Anne Hammer on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the age of 63 after a valiant struggle with ALS. Mary Anne started her juding career with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) prior to moving to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) where she judged for five years prior to retiring after the 2004 season.

Mary Anne is survived by her three children, Robert Hammer and his wife, Elaine; and Danny Hammer, all of Calgary; Brandee Fossen and her husband, Wayne of New Sarepta; three brothers, Wayne Dagg and his wife, Diane of Melfort, Saskatchewan; Larry Dagg of Toronto, Ontario and Kevin (Carol) Dagg of Killam; six grandchildren, Jamie, Kyleigh, Leighton, Jordon Anne, Mason and Kaycee. A Memorial service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. from the Killam Community Hall with Reverend Steve Haughland officiating. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Clinic 8315 – 114 St. Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7. FEE & SONS FUNERAL SERVICE OF KILLAM, ALBERTA IN CARE OF ARRANGEMENTS. PHONE 780-385-3642.

Mary Anne will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Hammer Family.

2009 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Results

News — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:10:13 GMT

Chad Harden - 2002 Ponoka Stampede Champion & High Bid of 2009
Photo By Paul Easton

The final canvas auction of 2009 was for the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Championship was held on Friday May 8, 2009 at the new Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede grounds in Ponoka, Alberta. The auction brought in a very respectable $264,500.00, down $40,000.00 from 2008 totals.

Chad Harden and Jason Glass tied for the high bid at $18,000.00, down $7,000.00 from last year’s high bid of $25,00.00 for Kelly Sutherland and Mark Sutherland. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $7,347.22 down $1,111.11 from $8,458.33 in 2008, with the median bid being $6,000.00 down just $1,000.00 from $7,000.00 in 2008. Only 1 of the 36 drivers sold for less than $4,000.00, as compared to 5 in 2008.

The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Will begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

2009 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Results

Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd./ Cinch Jeans & Shirts/ John Scott Productions/ Western Financial Group
Kelly Sutherland	Red Deer Motors
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Geometric Pipeline Solutions
Luke Tournier	Cow Camp Bobcat Services
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Reg Nitschke Vacuum Truck Service
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Ltd.
Mark Sutherland	Land Core Technologies
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	ATB Financial/ Conoco Phillips Supporting Farm Safety/ EnCana/ Image Distributors/ Spartan Controls/ Team Rig Supply
Tyler Helmig	Pidherney's From Start To Finish
Léo Tournier	Wolf Creek Golf Resort
Rick Fraser	Double W Ranches
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Inc.
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Service Plus Inns & Suites
Dave Bensmiller	Wagon Buddies For Cancer
Barry Hodgson	McLean Construction
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	FL Bar Ranches
Mike Vigen	Longscore Saloon
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Friends Of Troy Flad
Chance Bensmiller	Alberta Flares Energy Services Ltd.
Tim Haroldson	Busted Ladies Lingerie
Darcy Flad	Communications Consulting Fiber & Copper
Jason Johnstone	Irvine Tack And Trailers
Cody Ridsdale	Frontier Energy
Floyd Bradshaw	Calnash Trucking
Lincoln Douglas	Anchor R Ranch Equine & Wellness Centre

Total Amount Bid	$264,500.00

Average Bid	$7,347.22

Median Bid	$6,000.00

High Bid	$18,000.00

Low Bid	$3,500.00

Final Auction Of 2009 For The Ponoka Stampede To Take Place On Friday

News — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:42:39 GMT

The final chuckwagon canvas auction of 2009 will take place on Friday, May 8 in Ponoka, Alberta. This will be the last chance for advertisers to get their name on a wagon at what is arguably the biggest and most prestigious stop along the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour - the Ponoka Stampede.

The auction will be held at the new Stagecoach Saloon located on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. There will be a reception: 5:00 p.m followed by the auction at 6:30pm. You can RSVP and book your bid card by calling 403-783-3120 or 403-783-6088. The auction will be carried live over the internet at cslauction.com.

The Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction will coincide with the grand opening of the new Stagecoach Saloon which has replaced the old Beer Gardens at the east end of the grandstand. There will be a dance to follow featuring the Tera Lee Band, and tickets can be purchased at Jones Boys Western Wear for $10.00.

Billy Melville

Buddy Bensmiller On Shortlist For Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame

News — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:44:02 GMT

Cheyenne, WY – The nominations for Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) Hall of Fame Class of 2009 are in, and chuckwagon driver Buddy Bensmiller is on the shortlist. Buddy competed at Cheyenne from 1981 to 1995 winning a record nine championships along the way. Chuckwagon racing was discontinued at the Cheyenne Frontier Days after 1998.

Other notables that also made the shortlist include vetran rodeo announcer Hadley Barret and World Champion roper Dean Oliver, with a host of other local Cheyenne heroes. If successful, Buddy would join Orville Strandquist as the only other Canadian chuckwagon driver to be inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame. Others who have had this honor bestowed on them include such dignitaries such as Johnny Cash, Jim Shoulders, George Strait, Casey Tibbs and Harry Vold just to name a few.

Nominations to the CFD Hall of Fame are open to the public, but only members of the CFD Old West Museum at the Associate Level or above will be eligible to vote. All ballots must be received by May 15, 2009.

The CFD Hall of Fame celebrates the history of individuals, livestock, and organizations whose distinctive contribution over the past 113 years has grown Cheyenne Frontier Days into the world’s largest rodeo and western celebration.

For more information about voting for the 2009 Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame, contact Christina Bird at (307) 778-1490 or visit www.oldwestmuseum.org.

Billy Melville

Are You The Next Les McIntyre?

News — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:09:34 GMT

Les McIntrye, the long time World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Track Announcer, was given the opportunity of a lifetime when he took over for legendary Joe Carbury as the new voice of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. This exciting announcement will in turn bring some changes to the WPCA and its Dodge Pro Tour.

In 2010, a new announcer will be attempting to fill some large shoes by calling chuckwagon races at a number of WPCA Dodge Pro Tour locations. The WPCA is excited to offer this unique opportunity to anyone that is interested in submitting their application.

The WPCA is looking for a passionate, experienced, motivated announcer to call chukwagon races at a minimum of five (5) WPCA Dodge Pro Tour stop locations in 2010. Being a track announcer for the WPCA, however, is much more than just calling a chuckwagon race. Les McIntyre is an all-round ambassador for the sport of chuckwagon racing and manages to entertain and inform at the same time. The WPCA is looking for an individual that will benefit the sport and their tour in all capacities.

Are YOU interested in becoming a track announcer for the WPCA?

What you'll be doing:

Announcing the chuckwagon races live in front of thousands of spectators
Entertaining, informing and giving colourful commentary on tour sponsors, canvas sponsors, chuckwagon drivers, outriders and many other supporters
Representing the sport of chuckwagon racing and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour

What you need to apply:

Experience as an announcer or auctioneer
Resume
Sample(s) of work (if available)
Enthusiasm
Passion for the sport of chuckwagon racing

What's in it for you:

Competitive salary
The chance to experience the unique world of chuckwagon racing
The chance to travel throughout Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia

Please apply by emailing carmen.stone@wpca.com or mailing your resume to:

Carmen Stone

Marketing Coordinator

RE: ANNOUNCER

World Professional Chuckwagon Association

#3A, 2828 - 18 Street NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7B1

Once the WPCA has narrowed down successful candidates, selected candidates will be asked to announce at one of the 10 tour stop locations during the 2009 race season.

Application deadline: May 31, 2009

UFA Celebrates 100 Years All Summer Long

News — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:21:35 GMT

Founded in 1909, we’re celebrating 100 years of business success, an
unwavering commitment to our communities, and a passion for rural life.

And we want to recognize the very people who helped build and sustain one
of Canada’s largest and most successful co-operatives: you.

So, thanks to all of our members and customers, employees, petroleum
agents, elected officials, retirees, and business partners who have contributed
to our success and continue to make us stronger.

View Celebration Poster

Bensmiller Boys Win Allan Cup With The Bentley Generals

News — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:54:23 GMT

(L-R): Kurt Bensmiller and Chance Bensmiller
Champions on the Track, Champions on the Ice
Photos By Billy Melville

Over the last few years chuckwagon drivers Kurt and Chance Bensmiller have proved themselves to be champions on the racetrack. Both drivers won their first career show championships at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek - Kurt in 2007 and Chance last year in 2008. Now the two popular World Professional Chuckwagon Association chuckwagon drivers can sport championship rings to go with their championship buckles as members of the Bentley Generals hockey club that won the 2009 Allan Cup - symbolic of Canadian Senior AAA Hockey Champions in Steinbach, Manitoba on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

The Bentley Generals captured the Allan Cup by defeating Manitoba's South East Prairie Thunder 4-3 in double overtime. Kurt Bensmiller recorded 2 assists in the final game, including one on the overtime winner. Kurt was also tied for number one spot in tournament scoring with 7 points (3 goals, four assists) in four games. Also part of the Bentley Generals winning team was Riley Lang, who spent many years traveling the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour as an integral part of Kurt Bensmiller's professional chuckwagon outfit. The Generals triumph in this year's Allan Cup marks only the 5th time an Alberta team has won the championship in its 100 year history joining the Stony Plain Eagles in 1999, the Drumheller Miners in 1966, Edmonton Flyers in 1948 and the Calgary Stampeders in 1946. Now the Bensmiller boys will concentrate on getting their chuckwagon outfits primed for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour which begins on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate Kurt, Chance, Riley and the rest of the Bentley Generals on your tremendous accomplishment this year at the Allan Cup.

Billy Melville

The Calgary Herald Continues To Promote All Things Western Including The WPCA

News — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:49:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Colleen DeNeve, Calgary Herald

The Calgary Herald is once again the official newspaper supplier and sponsor of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Dodge Pro Tour. With their renewed commitment, fans and spectators alike can continue to expect the trusted editorial coverage that the Calgary Herald has become known for on a national basis. The Calgary Herald is the official voice of record for the local chuckwagon community based on the exceptional coverage it has provided throughout the years.

For more than 100 years, the Calgary Herald has been a proud supporter of promoting all things Western - from wranglers and wagons to belt buckles and mutton busting. Community is at the heart of what the Calgary Herald does every day and that is why as an official tour sponsor the Calgary Herald is such an appropriate fit for promoting and supporting the WPCA’s family orientated western cultural events.

Enthusiastic fans and curious newcomers to the sport should be sure to pick up a copy of the Calgary Herald today for all the highlights and complete coverage of the sport of chuckwagon racing. A copy of the Calgary Herald newspaper will also be found at the doorstep of all trailers and barns during this year’s Calgary Exhibition and Stampede from July 3 – 12, 2009.

About the Calgary Herald

The Calgary Herald's mission is to provide its readers with the highest quality news and information about their city and their world, delivered with accuracy and integrity.

The Calgary Herald is proud of initiatives such as the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund, the annual Raise-a-Reader literacy campaign, and the recent Sandy Beach Riverbank Rescue Project. The Calgary Herald also lends their support to many individuals, organizations and charities that perform admirable work on their community’s behalf. Together with the community, the Calgary Herald is making Calgary the best place to live, work and play.

Experiencing Life As Part Of A Chuckwagon Team

News — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:08:36 GMT

The WPCA 4-H Mentorship Opportunity, sponsored by EnCana, is returning again this year. The program provides a life changing opportunity for 4-H youth members. By pairing 4-H members with chuckwagon drivers at each stop on the tour, members are given the opportunity to experience life as part of the chuckwagon team. 4-H participants get a chance to learn first hand what goes into the sport of chuckwagon racing.

For more information regarding this program visit the Alberta 4-H website here. The deadline for 4-H members to get their application in is April 15, 2009.

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Satellite Auction Results

News — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:33 GMT

In a year of economic uncertainty, the price for chuckwagon tarps on the professional chuckwagon circuit were down 11% over the same shows in 2008. While 7 of the 8 shows sold were down over their 2008 totals. The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship saw the only increase over 2008 up $12,500.00. The greatest decrease came at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, which saw their sale fall $38,500.00 over 2008.

The total for 2009 was $1,183,250.00 down $126,250.00 from the 2008 total of $1,309,500.00. The following are the detailed results of the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Satellite Canvas Auction:

2009 Grande Prairie Stompede Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Twilight Oilfield Hauling/Ken Sargent Pontiac Buick GMC
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing
Luke Tournier	Keddies Tack & Western Wear
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Blue Wave Energy
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Inc.
Mark Sutherland	EnCana/Northern Bridge & Mat Rentals/Triple J Pipelines
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Image Distributors/Spartan Controls/Source Energy/EnCana/ATB
Tyler Helmig	The Wild Bunch
Leo Tournier	Happy Trails RV
Rick Fraser	Swede's Wildhorse Consulting
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	Basnett Truck Service
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Muddy Creek Rentals
Barry Hodgson	GD Cornish Trucking
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Pentagon Optimization Services Inc.
Brian Mayan	H & M Meats
Mike Vigen	Sundown Oilfield
Cliff Cunningham	Smash & Sons Contracting
Colt Cosgrave	Dukes Country Club
Troy Flad	TriStar Contracting
Chance Bensmiller	S & R Rentals
Tim Haroldson	All Peace Petroleum Maintenance
Darcy Flad	Mayne Towing & Transportation Services
Jason Johnstone	Pomeroy Inn & Suites Inc.
Floyd Bradshaw	Hellfires Suppression Services
Cody Ridsdale	Teepee Creek Stampede
Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Construction

Total Amount Bid	$176,000.00
Average Bid	$4,888.89
Median Bid	$4,250.00
High Bid	$14,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Porter & MacLean Livestock Management
Kelly Sutherland	United Way Park City Toyota
Jerry Bremner	Park City Toyota
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	GeoForce / Val's Drilling
Luke Tournier	Perlich Brothers Auction
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Blue Wave Energy
Rae Croteau Jr.	Highwood Distillers
Mark Sutherland	Stirling Trailers
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls
Tyler Helmig	Medicine Hat New Holland
Leo Tournier	Medicine Hat Exhibition
Rick Fraser	Integra Safety
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	Medicine Hat Exhibition
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	DA Electric
Brian Mayan	Provident Energy Trust
Mike Vigen	Swede's Wildhorse Consulting
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Enerstar Inc.
Chance Bensmiller	Affordable RV
Tim Haroldson	The Shriners
Darcy Flad	Millendale Directional Drilling
Jason Johnstone	Weir Construction
Floyd Bradshaw	Hellfires Suppression Services
Cody Ridsdale	D & E Excavating
Lincoln Douglas	HKS Aggregate Management

Total Amount Bid	$117,500.00
Average Bid	$3,270.00
Median Bid	$3,000.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Condominium First Management Services Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Chariot Express
Buddy Bensmiller	World Fincial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Deerfoot Inn & Casino
Luke Tournier	Anchor Ridge Enterprises
Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse
Reg Johnstone	The Town of High River
Rae Croteau Jr.	Highwood Distillers
Mark Sutherland	Trimac Electrical
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Tex Inc./Spartan Controls
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	JLT Construction Inc.
Rick Fraser	Peter Niemans Water Well Drilling
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	Affordable RV
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	High River Home Hardware
Mike Vigen	T1 Services Group
Cliff Cunningham	Canada Diagnostic Centers
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Lifestyle Homes
Chance Bensmiller	Okotoks Country Living & Garden
Tim Haroldson	The Shriners Hospital For Children
Darcy Flad	Half Mile of Fusion/ Diamond Optical & Associates/ E.Murphy Enterprises/ Millandale Directional Drilling
Jason Johnstone	Dice Plant Maintenance
Floyd Bradshaw	Denny Bradshaw
Cody Ridsdale	Okotoks Rentals
Lincoln Douglas	The Mortgage Wagon

Total Amount Bid	$157,500.00
Average Bid	$4,375.00
Median Bid	$4,000.00
High Bid	$10,500.00
Low Bid	$1,750

2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Gen-Mec Construction Co Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Bear Slashing Ltd.
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Bonnyville Voyageurs Football Club
Luke Tournier	Tri-City Contracing Ltd.
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Kal Tire
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Ltd.
Mark Sutherland	DLM Enterprises
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Source Energy/Spartan Controls
Tyler Helmig	Bonnyville Chrysler
Leo Tournier	Cougar Fuels
Rick Fraser	Extreme Oilfield Technologies
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	Pride of the Lakeland
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Moko Oilfield
Dave Bensmiller	Town & Country Developments
Barry Hodgson	Bonnyville Neighbourhood Inn
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	CE Franklin
Brian Mayan	Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants
Mike Vigen	Hamel's Meat Market
Cliff Cunningham	Lakeland Homes
Colt Cosgrave	Apex Distribution & Valve Service Inc.
Troy Flad	DLN Enterprises
Chance Bensmiller	Overdrive Heavy Duty Supplies
Tim Haroldson	Tomco Production Services
Darcy Flad	Canwest 2000 Inc.
Jason Johnstone	The Player's Lounge
Floyd Bradshaw	Silver Concrete Ltd.
Cody Ridsdale	Sign Solutions
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$191,500.00
Average Bid	$5,319.44
Median Bid	$5,000.00
High Bid	$13,000.00
Low Bid	$2,500.00

2009 Badlands Dinosaur Derby Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Riverside Packers
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources
Buddy Bensmiller	Git R Down Drilling Ltd.
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.
Luke Tournier	Brass and Pocket
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	KJ'S Klan
Rae Croteau Jr.	Ramada - Drumheller
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	EnCana/Spartan Controls/Chariot Express
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	Drumheller Stampede Association
Rick Fraser	Cartiers Neck Yoke Bunch
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Wild Roses
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	McLean Construction
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	ChemServ Products Inc.
Mike Vigen	T1 Services Group
Cliff Cunningham	The Banditos
Colt Cosgrave	Dinosaur Campground & RV Park
Troy Flad	Enerstar Inc.
Chance Bensmiller	Trojan Safety Services
Tim Haroldson	Drumheller Chamber of Commerce
Darcy Flad	H & H Huxtsted
Jason Johnstone	Drumheller Stampede Association
Floyd Bradshaw	NuWay Oilfield
Cody Ridsdale	The Track Builders
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$108,250.00
Average Bid	$3,006.94
Median Bid	$2,250.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede & WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	CMP Automotive
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Wildflower Ranch - Cancorp Property Group
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Denali
Luke Tournier	Harman Holdings
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Chariot Express
Rae Croteau Jr.	Strathmore Sobey's
Mark Sutherland	MS Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	EnCana/Spartan Controls/ATB Financial/Tex Inc.
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	JLT Construction Inc.
Rick Fraser	Ralph's Motorsports
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Lundgren & Young Insurance Ltd.
Barry Hodgson	Affordable RV
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Bumper to Bumper
Brian Mayan	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.
Mike Vigen	Dodge Trucks
Cliff Cunningham	Benevolent Pirates
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Lifestyle Homes
Chance Bensmiller	Strathmore Station
Tim Haroldson	Friends of Heritage Park
Darcy Flad	Strathmore Ag Society
Jason Johnstone	Home Hardware
Floyd Bradshaw	Denny Bradshaw
Cody Ridsdale	Breaker Ranch & Farm
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$171,500.00
Average Bid	$4,763.00
Median Bid	$4,000.00
High Bid	$10,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Battle of the North Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.
Luke Tournier	Keddies Tack & Western Wear
Troy Dorchester	VJV Dawson Creek Auction
Reg Johnstone	Near North Ventures
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Ltd.
Mark Sutherland	MS Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Bill Streeper/EnCana
Tyler Helmig	Wildman
Leo Tournier	Happy Trails RV
Rick Fraser	Blue Wave Energy
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	Basnett Truck Service
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Muddy Creek Renntals
Barry Hodgson	Pomeroy Inn & Suites
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.
Mike Vigen	K & C Oilfield Hauling Ltd.
Cliff Cunningham	Arrow Insurance
Colt Cosgrave	Dukes Country Club
Troy Flad	Tri Star Construction
Chance Bensmiller	Trojan Safety Services
Tim Haroldson	Lonestar Oilfield
Darcy Flad	Dawson Creek Fall Fair
Jason Johnstone	Michalchuk Bros. L Contractors Ltd.
Floyd Bradshaw	Dawson Creek Fall Fair
Cody Ridsdale	Pentagon Optimization Services Inc.
Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Construction

Total Amount Bid	$136,750.00
Average Bid	$3,798.61
Median Bid	$3,250.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing
Luke Tournier	Glencoe Resources
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Rae Croteau Jr.	Highwood Distillers
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Image Distributors/Spartan Controls/Coneco/EnCana
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	JLT Construction Inc.
Rick Fraser	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	ChemServ Products Inc.
Mike Vigen	T1 Services Group
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Enerstar Inc.
Chance Bensmiller	Git-R-Down Drilling
Tim Haroldson	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Darcy Flad	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Jason Johnstone	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Floyd Bradshaw	Mervin Pidherney
Cody Ridsdale	Pentagon Optimization Services Inc.
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$124,000.00
Average Bid	$3,444.44
Median Bid	$2,750.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships Canvas Auction Results

News — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:55:07 GMT

Brian Mayan - 2008 Edmonton Champion
Photo By Paul Easton

In an uncertain economic year, the 2009 Dodge World Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction in Edmonton brought in a very respectable $285,500.00, down $44,500.00 from 2008 totals.

Mark Sutherland was the high bid at $20,000.00, down $5,000.00 from last year’s high bid of $25,00.00 for Kelly Sutherland, while the low bid was up $1,500.00 to $4,000 as compared to just $2,500.00 from 2008 as well. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $7,930.56 down $1,236.11 from $9,166.67 in 2008, with the median bid being $7,500.00 down just $500.00 from $8,000.00 in 2008.

Billy Melville

**2009 Dodge World Championships Canvas Auction Results**
**In Auction Order**
Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
Brian Mayan	FL Bar Ranches	$8,500.00
Jason Glass	Springwood Developments	$9,500.00
Kelly Sutherland	Chili's Restaurant	$9,250.00
Jerry Bremner	Cohos Evamy/Clark Builders	$9,250.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$12,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Western Star Trucks	$6,500.00
Luke Tournier	The Brass and Pocket	$9,500.00
Troy Dorchester	Team Rig & Supply	$10,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Direct Horizontal Drilling	$5,250.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield	$11,500.00
Mark Sutherland	York Realty	$20,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	$6,500.00
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls/EnCana/Big West/Image Distributors	$10,000.00
Tyler Helmig	Friends of the Eastern Slope	$6,500.00
Léo Tournier	High Quality Machine	$6,000.00
Rick Fraser	Terra Core Rentals	$6,500.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$11,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Stahl Peterbuilt	$8,500.00
Shane Cartier	Cartier's Neckyoke Bunch	$10,000.00
Layne MacGillivray	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park	$6,000.00
Dave Bensmiller	Tailor Made Insurance	$8,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Howard's Transport Service	$6,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	Emco	$8,750.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$8,000.00
Mike Vigen	KMC Oilfield Hauling	$5,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Mashak Sales & Rentals	$6,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	McCuaig Desrochers LLP	$5,500.00
Troy Flad	NWT Safety Supplies	$6,750.00
Chance Bensmiller	Pennock Acheson Nielsen Devaney	$8,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	We Love Edmonton	$5,250.00
Jason Johnstone	Blazer Insurance	$5,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management	$7,000.00
Darcy Flad	Commercial Solutions	$4,000.00
Floyd Bradshaw	Mustang Controls	$4,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Westeel / Northern Steel	$5,000.00

Total Amount Bid		$285,500.00

Average Bid		$7,930.56

Median Bid		$7,500.00

High Bid		$20,000.00

Low Bid		$4,000.00

The Canvas Auction For The Richest Stop On The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Set For Tuesday

News — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:52:31 GMT

The best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world will be up for auction on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in Salon 1 & 2 at Northlands Agricom, in Edmonton, Alberta. This is canvas auction for the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships which are schedulled for September 1 - 5, 2009 at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta. This year's event runs from Tuesday through to Saturday, and this is a prime opportunity for advertisers to get premium advertising space on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour's season ending event.

The Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships are a 3 part event where the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, the World Champion Outrider, and Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby Champion are all crowned. The World champions will be crowned on the Friday night, with the exciting sudden death championship final heat to determine Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby champion slated to go on Saturday.

The World Champions are declared through a point system where as the Chuckwagon Driver and Outrider who have accumulated the most number of points over the course of the entire WPCA race season will be named the World Champion. Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby Champion is declared through a sudden death championship final heat opn the fifth and final night of racing in Edmonton, where the driver posting the best total timeof the sudden death final is awarded the top prize. The sudden death is made up of the four drivers who have posting the best aggregate time over the first four night of racing in Edmonton.

This will be the 2nd consecutive year the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships have been held in Edmonton as the season's final event. Last year Jason Glass and Chad Cosgrave emerged as the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, the World Champion Outrider respectively. Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby has traditionally been the richest stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Brian Mayan captured last year's event, winning his first championship as a chuckwagon driver, and cashing the $50,000.00 winners cheque as well.

Billy Melville

2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Canvas Auction Results

News — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:29:30 GMT

2008 Calgary Stampede Sudden Death Finalists
(L-R): Hugh Sinclair, Kelly Sutherland, Jason Glass, Kirk Sutherland
Photo By Billy Melville

It wasn’t the auction that it was in 2008, but with 2009 an uncertain economic year, the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Canvas Auction brought in its 7^th highest total in the 31 year history of the event.

$1,692,000.00 was bid on the 36 participating wagons. It was the 10^th consecutive year the Calgary Auction crossed over the 1.5 million dollar mark. $1,176,000.00 of the total was bid on the 23 drivers from the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, $516,000.00 was bid on the 13 drivers scheduled from the CPCA Circuit. WPCA drivers made up 9 of the top 10 bids. Kelly Sutherland was the high bid at $110,000.00, down $100,000.00 from last year’s record total of $210,000.00. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $47,000.00 down from $69,888.89 in 2008, with the median bid being $40,500.00 down from $42,750.00. One bright spot was the low bid was $26,000.00 up from the 2008 low bid of $15,000.00.

Billy Melville

2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby
Canvas Auction Results
In Auction Order - WPCA Drivers Indicated In ***Bold***
Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
Hugh Sinclair	Baron Oilfield Supply	$65,000.00
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching	$110,000.00
Jason Glass	Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer	$67,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	Cam Clark Ford / Ranchman's Renegades	$47,000.00
Buddy Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park	$74,000.00
Luke Tournier	Friends of SAIT Chuckwagon Team	$60,000.00
Mark Sutherland	Marauders Chuckwagon Team	$44,000.00
Grant Profit	Thru Tubing Solutions	$35,000.00
Neal Walgenbach	The Cowboy's Posse	$39,000.00
Brian Laboucane	The Mavericks Chuckwagon Team	$35,000.00
Gary Gorst	BKDI Architect	$26,000.00
Reg Johnstone	YYC Calgary International Airport	$41,000.00
Ray Mitsuing	Flat Iron Restaurant & Bar	$28,000.00
Jerry Bremner	LVP Corp.	$60,000.00
Grant Preece	Maxfield Inc.	$27,000.00
Wayne Knight	Express Personnel Services and Ranches	$46,000.00
Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse	$60,000.00
Rick Fraser	The Chickwagon / Henninger Toyota	$41,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	WestJet	$70,000.00
Léo Tournier	Friends of the Mavericks	$34,000.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning	$45,000.00
Chad Harden	ATB Financial	$45,000.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$40,000.00
Shane Nolin	Ironhorse Oil & Gas Inc.	$35,000.00
Tyler Helmig	Pidherney's From Start To Finish	$39,000.00
Roger Moore	MBN Mortgage Ltd.	$28,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Friends of Heritage Park	$35,000.00
Jim Knight	Border City Oilmen	$100,000.00
Dave Bensmiller	Git-R-Down Drilling	$40,000.00
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals	$36,000.00
Logan Gorst	RE/MAX Mountain View	$34,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Alberta Development Partners, LLC	$35,000.00
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.	$37,000.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$50,000.00
Jim Nevada	BELL Canada	$45,000.00
Ryan Preece	Olympia Trust Company	$38,000.00

Total Amount Bid		$1,692,000.00

Average Bid		$47,000.00

Median Bid		$40,500.00

High Bid		$110,000.00

Low Bid		$26,000.00

It's Official: The Ponka Stampede Has Changed It's Auction Date to May 8th

News — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:28:25 GMT

The Ponoka Stampede & Exhibition Association has announced that it will be moving its Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction to Friday, May 8^th, 2009.

The Canvas Auction will now coincide with the grand opening of the new Stagecoach Saloon at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. The brand new facility will replace the old beer gardens and will provide more space as well as a more user-friendly set up. Interested canvas purchasers will have a chance to explore the new facility and as well as purchase a world professional chuckwagon driver.

Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction
Stagecoach Saloon, Ponoka Stampede Grounds
Friday, May 8
Reception: 5:00 p.m.
Auction: 6:30 p.m.
RSVP: 403-783-3120

More Details: Rick Wierzba 403-785-6088

As a canvas purchaser of the Ponoka Stampede you will receive:

Live radio coverage
Pass to sponsor lounge
2 all performance ticket packages
Promo dance tickets
Invitation to the Ponoka Stampede Association Press Conference
Sponsor BBQ

More information regarding the tarp auction and the grand opening will be made available at www.ponokastampede.com.

Former Competitor Russell Swain Passes Away

News — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:39:51 GMT

Russell Swain
May 18, 1918 - February 27, 2009

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former competitor Russell Swain at the age of 90 years on Friday, February 27, 2009 after a lengthy illness.

Russell Swain made a life out of working with horses. He was a former outrider, chuckwagon driver, and thoroughbred trainer.As an outrider, Russell competed throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s. In 1948, Russell, along with his brother Joe, won the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby championship as outriders for the J.J. Swain chuckwagon outfit from Innisfail which was driven by their brother Johnnie Swain. Russell was the last surviving member of the Swain family that triumphed at the 1948 chuckwagon championship in Calgary.

As a chuckwagon driver, Russell drove in the mid 1950’s. He mostly competed at smaller shows, but drove at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1956.Russell spent the remainder of his career racing thoroughbreds in Calgary and Edmonton. Russell was an accomplished horseman and well known in thoroughbred racing in Alberta.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 4304 - 49 Avenue in Innisfail at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at the Innisfail Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to METCALF FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4200 - 49 Avenue, Innisfail. Telephone: 1-403-227-3123.

Our sincere condolences go out to the Swain family. Russell will be missed by all in the WPCA.

Billy Melville

Track Announcer Les McIntyre Succeeds Joe Carbury As the Voice Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:45:44 GMT

Retired Calgary Stampede Track Announcer Joe Carbury (L)
Passes The Microphone To His Successor Les McIntyre (R).
Photo By Billy Melville

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is proud to announce that long time WPCA Track Announcer Les McIntyre is the new voice of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. McIntyre takes over from the legendary Joe Carbury who retired after 45 years and called his last Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby this past year in 2008.

"This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime," says McIntrye. "Since I was a child, my dream has been to be involved in the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The Rangeland Derby is the pinnacle of chuckwagon racing, and I look forward to bringing the action to fans, not only in the Grandstand every night, but also to people listening and watching around the world."

Les has called well in excess of 10,000 chuckwagon races in his career which is nearing 20 years. The majority of his race calls have been on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, but he has announced a few shows on the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) circuit as well. He was named the WPCA's Chuckwagon Person of the Year in 1998, and for the past six years he is has been the professional voice of the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton.

"Les is an outstanding ambassador for both the sport of chuckwagon racing and the sport of rodeo," says Paul Rosenberg, Calgary Stampede vice president. "With his experience as both a competitor and announcer, we know that our fans will be professionally entertained and informed every heat and every night at this year’s Stampede and for years to come."

McIntrye will officially begin his new role by participating in the 2009 Rangeland Derby Canvas Auction, March 19, 2009, in the Boyce Theatre on Stampede Park and will make his debut as the voice of the Rangeland Derby at this year’s Calgary Stampede, July 3-12.

Billy Melville

The WPCA Welcomes Back Kubota

News — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:12:41 GMT

Kubota Canada Ltd., the leading distributor of compact diesel tractors & construction equipment in Canada, is back in partnership with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) for its fifth consecutive year.

Originally, Kubota contributed to the WPCA as a canvas sponsor of professional chuckwagon driver Shane Cartier. After a rewarding experiencing with Cartier, Kubota choose to increase its sponsorship role in order to become an Official Tour Sponsor of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

“Our involvement in the WPCA has been paramount in networking with the drivers, sponsors and fans of the WPCA and helping to promote our products throughout Alberta” said Don McClughan, Regional Sales Manager Alberta, Kubota Canada Ltd.

Kubota will provide direct support and supplies for the official Kubota WPCA Judging Committee again this season. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Kubota Canada Ltd. back for a fifth year” stated Carmen Stone, Marketing Coordinator of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. “Kubota’s continued support means we can continue to train and attract the most qualified chuckwagon race officials to our tour. Overall, this sponsorship means a safer, more entertaining sport for the drivers, horses and fans alike”.

Be sure to catch the excitement of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour and the Kubota WPCA Judging Committee at one of the 10 official tour locations across Alberta and Northeastern BC this summer.

About Kubota Canada Ltd.

• As one of the 22 world affiliates of Kubota Corporation, based in Osaka, Japan, Kubota Canada is able to offer world leading technology rooted in over 118 years of experience.

• Kubota Canada, now offers over 50 different models of compact diesel tractors.

• A world leader in compact construction equipment, Kubota offers a full line of mini excavators and wheel loaders.

• With three regional distribution centres, in Delta, British Columbia, Drummondville, Quebec and its head office in Markham, and over 150 dealerships located across the country, Kubota Canada is in constant contact with its customers, able to anticipate and fill their needs.

• Worldwide , Kubota Corporation employs 20,000 people in 20 plants and annually sells in excess of 9.5 billion U.S., including engines, one of its hallmark lines.

WPCA Past President Receives "Sportsman of the Year" Honors From The Calgary Booster Club

News — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:24:42 GMT

Wilf Kaiser (R) - The 2009 Calgary Booster Club's Sportsman of the Year
shown here in 2004 receiving the George Normand Lifetime Builder's Award
from B.J. Normand (L).
Photo By Paul Easton

Wilf Kaiser, a past president of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, has been honored as the 2009 Sportsman of the Year by the Calgary Booster Club. This honour is bestowed upon an individual who has contributed in a major way to sport in the City of Calgary.

"It's fantastic," explains Kaiser, "I don't think I've actually found the words yet to explain how I really feel."

Kaiser is a former president of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), and continues to dedicate his time to the WPCA by administering the equine testing procedures for the WPCA. Wilf has worn many hats in the world of chuckwagon racing from a fan, sponsor and longtime WPCA board member. Wilf was honored by the WPCA in 2004 with the George Normand Lifetime Builders Award.

In addition to his work with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, Kaiser has been an active minor football volunteer in the city for 37 years and continues to donate his time to the Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Grey Cup Committee.

"It's such an honor when I look back at the people the Booster Club has honored over the past fifty plus years," says Kaiser, "To be considered equal with them is more than a dream come true because you never even dream about something like this. It's an overwhelming experience for me."

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to thank Wilf for his continued service to the WPCA, and congratulate him and his family for receiving this well earned honor.

Billy Melville

2009 GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Canvas Auction

News — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:11:46 GMT

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Place: Boyce Theatre on Stampede Park
Time: Drinks at 3:30 p.m. Bidding begins at 5:00 p.m.
RSVP: 403.261.0107 chuckwagons@calgarystampede.com

Be a part of the WORLD’S GREATEST chuckwagon Auction THURSDAY, MARCH 19.
When you successfully bid on a 2009 GMC Rangeland Derby canvas, you get a chuckwagon canvas that will showcase your logo, wow the crowds and allow your business to shine.

Get ready. Set. START BIDDING.
The excitement starts when corporate Calgary goes head to head in the famous GMC Rangeland Derby Canvas Auction. Last year’s auction saw canvas prices range from only $15,000 to $210,000 per chuckwagon. And with the caliber of drivers up for grabs, this year’s bidding should be just as fierce. You can bid on a canvas alone or partner with up to 9 other companies to share the cost and the exposure.

Call 403.261.0107 to reserve your bid card before March 19th.

Because without a bid card, you’ll be out of the race before it even starts.

As a chuckwagon advertiser, you will get:
Your brand displayed prominently on a chuckwagon at the Calgary Stampede
Exposure to 15,000 live fans each night, plus over 2 million television viewers nationwide
A comprehensive advertiser package that includes special seating, barn access passes, gate admissions and preferred parking.
One of a kind hosting opportunities to impress your clients, employees or partners.

2009 Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Drivers in auction order

1) Hugh Sinclair
2) Kelly Sutherland
3) Jason Glass
4) Kirk Sutherland
5) Buddy Bensmiller
6) Luke Tournier
7) Mark Sutherland
8) Grant Profit
9) Neal Walgenbach
10) Brian Laboucane
11) Gary Gorst
12) Reg Johnstone
13) Ray Mitsuing
14) Jerry Bremner
15) Grant Preece
16) Wayne Knight
17) Troy Dorchester
18) Rick Fraser
19) Kurt Bensmiller
20) Leo Tournier
21) Rae Croteau Jr.
22) Chad Harden
23) Doug Irvine
24) Shane Nolin
25) Tyler Helmig
26) Roger Moore
27) Tim Haroldson
28) Jim Knight
29) David Bensmiller
30) Shane Cartier
31) Logan Gorst
32) Barry Hodgson
33) Layne MacGillivray
34) Obrey Motowylo
35) Jim Nevada
36) Ryan Preece

For more info: www.calgarystampede.com/canvasauction

Grab hold of your mouse and click your way to the chuckwagon races?!

News — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:03:59 GMT

Alberta –The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be making an appearance at venues across Alberta this upcoming summer. This year, however, the WPCA wants you to grab hold of your mouse instead of your cowboy hat and get in on the action early. Rather than waiting for the official WPCA Dodge Pro Tour to start, the WPCA is inviting everyone to join in the fun by participating in their annual canvas auction which will start in February online at their halfmileofhell.com website prior to the live auction taking place at various venues on April 7, 2009.

The online component of the annual canvas auction is a new and exciting addition for the WPCA. Each driver and show will be listed online and anyone including: new comers to the sport; chuckwagon enthusiasts; or companies looking for ways to promote their business and support local communities can click and bid on a chuckwagon canvas. “By starting our auction online we are hoping to shorten the duration of the live auction and make the canvas sponsorship process much more exciting, interactive and accessible,” said Kelly Carson, Operations Manager, World Professional Chuckwagon Association. “No matter where you are in the world you can now bid on a World Professional Chuckwagon Association driver”.

The proceeds raised from the canvas auctions are dispersed between the official tour venues and the professional chuckwagon drivers in order to cover their travel expenses and the costs associated with caring for their athletes [horses]. Successful bidders help to build and sustain high profile community events and receive the opportunity to have their name and logo on their selected chuckwagon; meet their professional chuckwagon driver; and many more exclusive opportunities and promotional items such as event tickets and networking opportunities.

Check out the online auction at www.halfmileofhell.com or join the WPCA and their professional drivers at their live auction on April 7, 2009 for a chance to secure your backstage spot to one of the most entertaining professional sports in the world!

The purpose of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is to enhance chuckwagon racing as an original western heritage sport and make Chuckwagon racing sustainable, more exciting and safer for fans and drivers alike. More information regarding the canvas sponsorship auctions and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association is available online at www.halfmileofhell.com.

For more information contact:

Kelly Carson
Operations Manager
World Professional Chuckwagon Association
Phone: 403-236-2466
Cell: 403-923 -9722
kelly.carson@wpca.com

2009 Chuckwagon Canvas Auctions

Rangeland Derby Canvas Auction
Boyce Theatre, Stampede Park, Calgary
Thursday, March 19
Drinks: 3:30 p.m.
Auction: 5:00 p.m.
RSVP: chuckwagons@calgarystampede.com or 403-261-0107

WPCA Dodge World Championships Canvas Auction
Salon 1&2, Northlands Agricom, Edmonton
Tuesday, March 24
Bid Online: www.halfmileofhell.com
Reception: 6:00 p.m.
Auction: 7:00 p.m.
RSVP: kbehm@northlands.com or 780-471-7378

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Canvas Auction
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009
Reception: 4:30 p.m.
Auction Starts: 5:00 p.m.
RSVP: office@wpca.com or 403-236-2466

LIVE FROM:

Deerfoot Inn & Casino
1000, 11500 – 35 Street S.E., Calgary, AB

WITH UP LINKS AT:

Wetlander Bar & Grill
5709 50 Avenue, Bonnyville, AB

Drumheller Stampede Grounds
Highway 9 South, Drumheller, AB

Dukes Country Club
9929 -101 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB

Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grandstand
2055 21st Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB

Capri Centre
3310 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB

ONLINE AT:

www.halfmileofhell.com*
www.cslauction.com

* Half Mile of Hell Bidding Closes: Monday, April 6, 2009 @ 5

Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction
Stagecoach Saloon, Ponoka Stampede Grounds
Friday, May 8
Reception: 5:00 p.m.
Auction: 6:30 p.m.
RSVP: 403-783-3120

Professional Cowboys and Chuckwagon Drivers will compete for the 3rd Annual Horseshoe Cup

News — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:26:16 GMT

Big Valley – Members of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) will be facing off again this year for the winning rights to the 3rd Annual Horseshoe Cup. Each year, the professional cowboys and chuckwagon drivers get together for some friendly competition in order to raise money for each of their associations.

Spectators can expect some good entertainment and tough competition this year with the CPRA members working to win the Horseshoe Cup for the first time in the history of the competition. The action will get underway at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Following the game will be a dance and silent auction.

When:

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Game @ 7: 00 p.m.
Dance & Silent Auction to Follow

Where:

Big Valley Agriplex
700 – 1 Ave S
Big Valley, AB

Cost:

Game: $5.00
Dance & Silent Auction: $10.00

Note:

Association members are encouraged to bring an item for the silent auction
Association members interested in playing on the team please contact your listed representative

For more information contact:

Tom Cassidy
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
Phone: 403-876-2594
Cell: 403-740-6575

Shawn Calfrobe
World Professional Chuckwagon Association
Cell: 403-607-3976

The WPCA Mourns The Passing Of Joe Laverty

News — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:11:33 GMT

Joe Laverty
1931 - 2009

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the sudden passing of Joe Laverty on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the age of 77 years.

Joe was the recipient of a WPCA Active Supporter Award in 2007. For many years Joe was an integral part of WPCA chuckwagon racing, making countless hay deliveries to the grounds and often times having to talk his way through people at the gates to get in. His role is very important to the well being of the horses, the drivers depended dearly on him, and there was none more reliable than Joe.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his family; wife Anne of 54 years, 3 sons; Michael (Erika), Gene (Jennefer) and Jim. 2 daughters; Joanne and Kathy. 11 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossfield Community Center, 900 Mountain Avenue on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations in Joe's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #200, 119 - 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6. Arrangements made through Personal Alternative Funeral Services - 12 East Lake Way NE, Airdrie, Alberta, (403) 216-5111 & (403) 912 - 0307.

Our sincere condolences go out to the Laverty family. Joe will be missed by all in the WPCA.

Happy Holidays From The World Professional Chuckwagon Association

News — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:59:46 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 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Dorothy McIntyre

News — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:36:54 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Dorothy McIntyre, mother of track announcer Les McIntyre, on Monday December 15, 2008 at Vulcan Continuing Care Centre at the age of 82 years.

Dorothy was the wife of the late Everett McIntyre and the loving mother of three sons Doug (Brenda), Les (Artha), Keith (Laura), seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister Goldie Larkins, a brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Vulcan Evangelical Missionary Church, 529 Center Street, with Pastor Peter Campbell officiating. Interment Vulcan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, tributes in Dorothy's memory can be made to Vulcan Evangelical Missionary Church, Box 669, Vulcan, T0L 2B0. Arrangements in care of VULCAN FUNERAL HOME. Telephone: 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.

The WPCA extends its sincere condolences to the McIntyre family.

Photos From The 2008 WPCA Awards Banquet

News — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:27:48 GMT

Members, friends, fans, and sponsors all gathered at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on October 25, 2008 to honor professional chuckwagon racing's best at the annual WPCA Awards Banquet. The following are the awards that were handed out. (All photos courtesy of Paul & Carol Easton)

2008 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver

(L-R):WPCA President Wayne Overacker, Martin Sobie of DODGE, 2008 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass and Bronc Stott of DODGE proudly display the World Championship hardware.

Trophy Watch Sponsored by: Jim & Denise Bottomley

Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: WPCA

Trophy Bronze Sponsored by: WPCA

Dodge Truck Sponsored by: Dodge Chuckwagon Program & Alberta Dealers Advertising Association

2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Champion

(L-R): Bronc Stott of DODGE, 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Champion Hugh Sinclair and Martin Sobie of DODGE proudly display the Dodge Pro Tour Championship hardware.

Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: Town of Strathmore

Trophy Bronze Sponsored by: WPCA

Dodge Truck Sponsored by: Dodge Chuckwagon Program & Alberta Dealers Advertising Association

2008 World Champion Outrider

WPCA President Wayne Overacker (R) presents the Championship Bronze Trophy to 2008 World Champion Outrider Chad Cosgrave (L).

Trophy Watch Sponsored by: Alberta Janitorial

Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: Loree Quarter Horses

Trophy Bronze Sponsored by: WPCA

Champion Truck Presented by: Jason Lemieux

2008 Chuckwagon Person of the Year

Caley Wallace (L) Of UFA Co-Operatives Presents A Bronze Trophy To 2008 WPCA Chuckwagon Person Of The Year Eddie Melville (R).

Trophy Bronze Sponsored by: UFA

White Hat Ceremony and Special Thank-You To Joe Carbury

A special “White Hat” ceremony from Tourism Calgary and a special award from the WPCA was given to retiring Calgary Stampede Track Announcer Joe Carbury. (L-R): 2008 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass, Chuckwagon Radio Network’s Billy Melville, Joe Carbury, Tourism Calgary’s Marge Gudmundson.

“A Racing Moment” Sponsored by: Paul & Carol Easton
White Hat Sponsored by: Tourism Calgary

2008 Active Supporter Awards

WPCA Marketing Consultant Steve Fountain (C) Presents Active Supporter Awards to Brad Smith (L) and the Bonnyville Nouvelle’s Dave Hutton (R).

Lifestyle Bronze “Headed to the Office” Presented by: WPCA

2008 Top Rookie Driver

WPCA Officer Brad Smith (L) Presents A Trophy Buckle To The 2008 WPCA Top Rookie Driver Cliff Cunningham (R).

Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: WPCA

2008 Top Rookie Outrider

WPCA Officer Arnold McKernon (L) On Behalf Of Greg Hitchner Of The Olson Silver Company Presents A Trophy Buckle To The 2008 WPCA Top Rookie Outrider Award Recipient Chance Flad (R).

Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: Olson Silver Co. Ltd.

2008 Most Improved Driver

(L-R) Troy Flad and Shannon Flad Present A Trophy Buckle in Memory of Herman Flad To 2008 WPCA Most Improved Driver Award Recipient Chance Bensmiller.

“A Racing Moment” Sponsored by: Paul & Carol Easton
Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: Troy & Shannon Flad & Family in Memory of Herman Flad

2008 Most Improved Outrider

Tom Glass (L) and Tara Cosgrave ( R ) present the 2008 Rod Glass Memorial Award, Symbolic Of The WPCA's Most Improved Outrider, to Jason Lemieux (C).

“A Racing Moment” Sponsored by: Paul & Carol Easton
Trophy Buckle Sponsored by: The Glass Family in Memory of Iris Glass

2008 Top Race Committee

2008 Members of the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association proudly display their commemorative plaque for being selected the 2008 WPCA Top Race Committee Award.

Trophy Plaque Presented by: WPCA

2008 Equine Outfit of Excellence

The 2008 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence Honored The Champion Horses In Each Of The 4 Chuckwagon Positions, Plus 2 Outriding Horses.
Back Row (L-R): Bob MacLeod Of IMPORT TOOL CORP. LTD., Jerry Bremner On Behalf Of "STORM", Obrey Motowylo on behalf of “BENNY”, Luke Tournier On Behalf Of "PORT", Jason Glass on behalf of “TYCOON,” Eddie Melville and Kyle Mowbray Of IMPORT TOOL CORP.
Front Row (L-R): Leo Tournier On Behalf Of "TEE", Mark Sutherland on behalf of Kelly Sutherland’s “SLEW"

Cash/Photo Award Sponsored by: Import Tool Corporation

2008 Media Award

WPCA Media Committee Chairman Bruce Watson (R) Presents The 2008 WPCA Media Award to Greg Wiseman (L) of Zoom Communications.

Lifestyle Bronze “Boys will be Boys” Presented by: WPCA

2008 Judging Award

Don McClughan (R) Presents A Trophy Buckle To 2008 WPCA Judging Award Recipient Ron Cosgrave (L).

Trophy Buckle Presented by: Kubota Dealers of Alberta

2008 Ty Tournier Memorial Award

Loreena MacGillivray is the 2008 recipient of the Ty Tournier Memorial Award which is given to a woman who is involved and dedicated to the sport of chuckwagon racing and displays nurturing and caring of people and horses.. (L-R): Leo Tournier, Loreena MacGillivray, Shailin Tournier, Kim Tournier

Lifestyle Bronze “Come on Boy’s” Sponsored by: Steve & Lynn Fountain

2008 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge

2nd place winner Jeff Tonken (L) Of Birchcliff Energy and 1st place winner Chuck Hurl ( R ) of JLT Construction receive the 2008 WESTJET CORPORATE FLIGHT CHALLENGE AWARDS from Candice Moore (C) of WestJet.

2008 Clean Drive Award

Jason Glass received the WPCA Clean Drive Award. Jason took only 5 penalty seconds for the entire 2008 WPCA season.

Trophy Buckle/Cash Award Sponsored by: STRIKE Energy Services

2008 4H Mentorship Program

The 2008 Race season once again saw the drivers of the WPCA partner with EnCana & 4H in the Mentorship Program.

2008 WPCA Corporate Partners

Chuckwagon racing is a sport rich in Western Heritage and tradition. One of these long standing traditions are the Tarps that cover the wagons. Tarp sponsors are an important part in every wagon driver’s outfit. Like the drivers tarp sponsors, the WPCA relies on its Tour partners to allow for continued improvements & growth and to bring chuckwagon racing to all the venues along the Tour.

Representing the Dodge Chuckwagon Program Martin Sobie and Bronc Stott.

Representing The Alberta Dealers Advertising Association is Barry Sawchuck

Representing EnCana Corporation is Rita Erven

Representing the 4 H Foundation is Susanne Stone

Representing the UFA is Caley Wallace

Representing Strike Energy Services is Garry Lane

Representing the Calgary Herald is Jody Griffiths & Jayne Latam- Kitts

Representing West Jet is Candice Moore

Representing Mannington ris Wayne Overracker

Representing Roper is Jim Nevada

Representing Meyers Norris Penny is Lori Schmaltz & Ken Wilson

Representing Kubota is Don McClughan

Not able to attend were The Edmonton Journal , Travel Alberta and Wrangler.

A Night Of Celebration At The 2008 WPCA Awards Banquet

News — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:51:43 GMT

The Imortal Joe Carbury
"White Hatted" At The WPCA Awards Banquet On October 25, 2008
Photo By Billy Melville

Members, friends, fans, and sponsors all gathered at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on October 25, 2008 to honor the 2008 champions and award winners. Previously declared winners such as World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass, WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion Driver Hugh Sinclair, World Champion Outrider Chad Cosgrave, WPCA Top Rookie Driver Cliff Cunningham and WPCA Top Rookie Outrider Chance Flad were among many others who received awards at the annual WPCA Awards Banquet. For the 2nd consecutive year a great deal of video presentations that highlighted the accomplishments of many of this year’s champions and award winners.

A special presentation was made to retiring Calgary Stampede track announcer Joe Carbury as a thank you for his service to chuckwagon racing over the past 45 years. Also, Tourism Calgary used the opportunity to “White Hat” Mr. Carbury for his outstanding service to the City of Calgary.

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. History was made this year for it was the first time this prestigious award is being given to an outrider – Eddie Melville Eddie was the first person in chuckwagon racing history to formally focus the attention to the horses of the sport by creating the “WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence Award.” Eddie also was a major contributor to the revitalization of the WPCA Awards Banquet starting in 2007 by introducing more video presentations which made the banquet a more interesting and timely affair enjoyed by all who attended. Over the years he was very dedicated as the outrider representative on the WPCA board, and took much more of an active role within the WPCA, while at the same time acting as a competing outrider. To this day is the only outrider to be a finalist for the Calgary Stampede’s prestigious Guy Weadick Award in 2006.

The Bonnyville Nouvelle was honored with a WPCA Active Supporter Award. To celebrate the first Bonnyville Chuckwagon Races, Publisher Dave Hutton authorized a 20 page full color supplement to the paper which featured articles a variety if topics about wagon racing including rules, explaining the intricacies and insiders views of wagon races and descriptions of the history of wagon racing. Copies of the supplement were distributed far beyond the borders of the Bonnyville area as drivers and wagon personnel received copies and several asked for additional copies to give to friends and family in other places.

The second recipient of the 2008 WPCA Active Supporter Award is Brad Smith. Brad was instrumental in the professional chuckwagons returning to Bonnyville. From the building of the new racetrack, to helping in organizing the fundraising gala, to the execution of the event itself, Brad was there behind the scenes and on the front lines. As the chuckwagon chairman for Bonnyville, Brad traveled the entire 2007 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour collecting ideas for the Bonnyville event to ensure that the first year would be a tremendous success which it was.

In lieu of the WPCA Special Tribute Award, the WPCA elected to present a short video presentation in memory of Iris Glass, Herman Flad and Dallas Dorchester. A special memorial plaque will hang in the WPCA Office as a tribute to these fallen heroes from 2008.

The WPCA Judging Award was given to Ron Cosgrave. Ron Cosgrave has earned the admiration and respect of not only peers, but the competitors themselves. Ron has consistently provided a strong level of professionalism to the shows for many years, maintaining the flow of each day's show by ensuring wagons are ready to start at the appointed time, and has consistently and fairly monitored the barrel discs to identify penalties if a barrel is moved. Ron is a true asset to the production of the daily show.

The WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence recognized 4 wagon horses and 2 outriding horses. The champion Right Leader was “TYCOON” of Jason Glass’s outfit, champion Left Leader was “PORT” of Luke Tournier’s outfit, champion Right Wheeler was “SLEW” of Luke Kelly Sutherland’s outfit, while the champion Left Wheeler was “TEE” of Leo Tournier’s outfit. The champion Outriding Horses were “STORM” of Jerry Bremner’s outfit and “BENNY” of Obrey Motowylo’s Outfit.

Chance Bensmiller received the WPCA Most Improved Driver Award. . Chance enjoyed a much improved year in 2008 and had a major breakthrough by winning the first show championship of his career in a major way by taking the sudden death final and $10,000.00 winner’s cheque at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek. In addition to his win at Dawson Creek, Chance, a 5th place overall finish at the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship was his best of the year. He did not take a single wagon interference penalty all season long, maintained his spot for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour and stayed out of the qualification run-off for the first time in his career.

Jason Lemieux received the Rod Glass Memorial Award given annually to the WPCA's Most Improved Outrider. 2008 saw Jason improve by nearly six-thousand points and move up 8 spots in the world standings. He increased his mounts in past years from just a handful of rides on any given night to riding nearly every heat on every night. He was a staple on Jason Glass’ outfit that was the top aggregate wagon at the Calgary Stampede and captured the 2008 World Championship. Jason enjoyed his finest year in professional chuckwagon racing by placing in the top 10 in the World Standings for the 2nd time in his career and finished a career best 6th overall.

Greg Wiseman received the WPCA Media Award. Greg worked extremely hard not only bringing the races to the fans, but the behind the scenes human interest element through the half mile of hell website. He traveled many miles and spent hours editing video clips and uploading them to the website to bring all the stories to the chuckwagon fans worldwide. He brought more life to the sport from a video perspective and exposed a side of chuckwagon racing and the people who make it happen that is often talked about but not often seen by the public at large.

The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship received the WPCA Top Race Committee Award. The committee’s level of enthusiasm was second to none. They made everyone feel welcome from the drivers & their wives, outriders, support crew, broadcast team. They looked after all the little things which make the difference between a show & a great show. They went to all lengths to keep everyone happy and ensured that the time there was more enjoyable. For a smaller community they put on a big league show that included a $15,000 sudden death final, & they accommodated everyone involved tremendously.

Loreena MacGillivray received the Ty Tournier Memorial Award. The award, named in honor of Kim & Leo Tournier’s son, is for any female dedicated to chuckwagon racing, displays nurturing and caring of people and horses, and possesses the “Spirit of the Thoroughbred - Courage and Strength.”

Jason Glass received the WPCA Clean Drive Award. Kurt took only 5 penalty seconds for the entire 2007 WPCA season.

Chuck Hurl of JLT Construction won WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge, and received 4 tickets anywhere WestJet flies. The contest, which took the form used in many hockey pools, was open to tarp sponsors who purchased canvases at 3 or more shows. Birchcliff Energy, finished second and received 2 tickets anywhere WestJet flies in Western Canada.

Finally, the World Professional Chuckwagon Association made special presentations to their 2008 Corporate Partners: Daimler Chrysler Canada, the Alberta Dealers Advertising Association, Strike Energy Services, UFA, EnCana Corporation, 4H Foundation of Alberta, Mannington, Kubota, Wrangler, Roper, The Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, WestJet, and Travel Alberta, WestJet and Myers Norris Penny.

The WPCA would also like to thank all of its trophy donors: Kubota, Steve & Lynn Fountain, Strike Energy Services, Olson Silver Company Ltd., Paul & Carol Easton, the Glass Family, the Flad Family, UFA, Myers Norris Penny, WestJet, Import Tool Corp. Ltd., Alberta Janitorial, Loree Quarter Horses, Town of Strathmore, Daimler Chrysler & Alberta Dealers Advertising Association, Jason Lemieux Group, and Jim & Denise Bottomley.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association extends its congratulations to all the award winners and a big THANK YOU to all of the sponsors, fans, race officials, and committees, members of the media, chuckwagon families, support crews, and everybody who made the 2008 professional chuckwagon season an enormous success. We look forward to seeing everyone back with great enthusiasm in 2008.

Billy Melville

WPCA Awards Banquet To Be Held On October 25

News — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:08:30 GMT

Replica of the World Championship Bronze Trophy

A night of celebration will take place at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary on Saturday October 25, 2008. The annual WPCA Awards banquet will honor 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.

Jason Glass will be the top honoree this year as he captured the World Chuckwagon Championship for the 2nd time in his career. He will also be the recipient of this year’s WPCA Clean Drive Award. Hugh Sinclair will be honored as the winner of the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, and Chad Cosgrave as this year’s World Champion Outrider.

Cliff Cunningham will receive this year’s WPCA Top Rookie Driver Award and Chance Flad will receive this year’s WPCA Top Rookie Outrider Award. Other awards including be the WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year Award, Active Supporter Awards, Top Race Committee, Media, Judging, Clean Drive, Most Improved Chuckwagon Outfit, the Rod Glass Memorial Award for most improved outrider, and the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence will be announced at the awards banquet that night as well. There will be a special video tribute to Iris Glass, Herman Flad and Dallas Dorchester.

For more information, contact the WPCA office at 403-236-2466 or email office@wpca.com.

2008 WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence Final Leaders

News — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:29:18 GMT

**2008 WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence**
Final Leaders
Left Leader		Right Leader
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Port	Luke Tournier	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Cajun	Luke Tournier
Five	Leo Tournier	Captain	Hugh Sinclair
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Affirmed	Kelly Sutherland	Lord	Kelly Sutherland
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Bride	Brian Mayan
Echo	Jason Glass	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Stopper	Reg Johnstone	Polite	Leo Tournier
Missing Pieces	Jerry Bremner	Cloud	Jerry Bremner
Amber	Brian Mayan	Fry	Reg Johnstone

Left Wheeler		Right Wheeler
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Tee	Leo Tournier
Gold	Luke Tournier	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Aloha	Hugh Sinclair	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Monarch	Jerry Bremner	Red	Brian Mayan
Copenhagen	Obrey Motowylo	Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Top Jar	Brian Mayan	Jag	Luke Tournier
Knight	Jason Glass	Pino	Jerry Bremner
Devil	Leo Tournier	Copper	Luke Tournier
Star	Kelly Sutherland	Midnight Bob	Reg Johnstone
Harry	Buddy Bensmiller	Pistol	Buddy Bensmiller
		Paris	Jason Glass

Outriding Horses
	Horse Name	Owner
	Storm	Jerry Bremner
	Ben	Obrey Motowylo
	Victory	Jason Glass
	Cole	Luke Tournier
	Rahy	Jason Glass
	Hitter	Obrey Motowylo
	Blue	Luke Tournier
	Willy	Hugh Sinclair
	Lesbo	Reg Johnstone
	Ono	Kelly Sutherland
	Phillip	Leo Tournier

2008 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Final Standings

News — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:36:32 GMT

**2008 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge**
Final Standings
Rank	Team Name	Points
1.	JLT Construction #1	6688
2.	Birchcliff Energy	6563
3.	H&E Oilfield Services #1	6524
4.	The Hear Now Inc. #1	6508.5
5.	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	6468
6.	Smash & Sons Contracting #1	6437.5
7.	Generation Chemicals #4	6419
8.	Generation Chemicals #2	6411
9.	Generation Chemicals #1	6400
10.	Bush Ape Supervision #1	6388
11.	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	6378
12/13.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	6338
12/13.	T1 Services Group #1	6338
14.	H&E Oilfield Services #4	6336.5
15/16/17.	Generation Chemicals #3	6329
15/16/17.	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	6329
15/16/17.	Underground Oilfield Consulting	6329
18.	The Hear Now Inc. #4	6323
19.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #4	6310.5
20.	Howard's Transport Service #1	6303.5
21.	Fab-U-Tech Industries	6277
22.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	6259
23.	Advantage Oilfield Group Ltd. #1	6256
24/25.	AIC Construction	6229.5
24/25.	MC Campbell Directional Boring	6229.5
26.	H&E Oilfield Services #3	6225.5
27.	High River Autoplex & RV #3	6174
28.	Friends of Sinclair Racing #1	6167.5
29.	High River Autoplex & RV #2	6145.5
30.	Rebel Rentals	6127
31.	Friends of Sinclair Racing #2	6100.5
32.	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	6096.5
33.	DA Electric #1	6094.5
34.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #3	6094
35.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	6092
36.	The Hear Now Inc. #3	6090.5
37/38.	H&E Oilfield Services #2	6082
37/38.	T1 Services Group #2	6082
39.	Trailblazer RV Centre #2	6076
40.	Bush Ape Supervision #2	6063.5
41.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #1	6050
42.	Pipestone Carriers Inc.	6033.5
43.	Advantage Oilfield Group Ltd. #2	6026
44.	Vold, Jones & Vold Auctions	6012.5
45.	Smash & Sons Contracting #2	6006
46.	Howard's Transport Service #3	5936.5
47.	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	5922
48.	The Hear Now Inc. #2	5885
49.	JLT Construction #2	5883
50.	Target Excavating	5878.5
51.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	5869.5
52.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #2	5857.5
53.	Howard's Transport Service #2	5822
54.	High River Autoplex & RV #1	5799.5
55.	Savage Oilfield Rentals #2	5757.5
56.	Howard's Transport Service #4	5631.5
57.	DA Electric #2	5574
58.	Trailblazer RV Centre #3	5572
59.	Savage Oilfield Rentals #1	5376

WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Qualification Run-Off Wraps Up In Bashaw

News — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:20:01 GMT

Jason Johnstone - 2nd Consecutive 1st Place Run
Photo By Paul Easton

The annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off wrapped up Sunday afternoon in Bashaw. 11 drivers were competing for 6 open spots on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. For the second consecutive night, Jason Johnstone, driving the Image Distributors outfit, post the top time of the night with a 1:03.48.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 2, Johnstone posted the fast time of the night by 41 one-hundreds of a second over Darcy Flad who placed 2nd for the second consecutive night. Cody Ridsdale, Tim Haroldson and Lincoln Douglas rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Tim Haroldson finished on top of the point standings with 28 points, followed by Darcy Flad, Jason Johnstone, Cody Ridsdale, Floyd Bradshaw and Lincoln Douglas who have all earned spots on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Cam Shaurette finished just outside the final qualifying spot in 7th place overall followed by Vern Nolin, Sean DeBolt, Jordie Fike and Stan Waddell.

Jason Johnstone, Cody Ridsdale and Lincoln Douglas all ran on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour in 2008 and all 3 reclaimed their spots for 2009. Tim Haroldson competed on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour for 1 season back in 2002, but has spent the bulk of his career with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA). Darcy Flad competed on the CPCA circuit in 2008 after failing to regain his spot for the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Floyd Bradshaw did not compete at all in 2008 after failing to regain his spot for the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Billy Melville

**Final WPCA Qualification Run-Off Standings**
Rank	Driver	Day 1 Points	Day 2 Points	Day 3 Points	Day 4 Points	Total
1	Tim Haroldson	8	10	10	8	36
2	Darcy Flad	6	11	8	10
3	Jason Johnstone	3.5	9	11	11	34.5
4	Cody Ridsdale	9	5	5	9	28
5	Floyd Bradshaw	10	8	4	5	27
6	Lincoln Douglas	11	7	1	7	26
7	Cam Shaurette	5	4	9	2	20
8	Vern Nolin	2	6	6	4	18
9	Sean DeBolt	1	3	7	6	17
10	Jordie Fike	7	2	3	3	15
11	Stan Waddell	3.5	1	2	1	7.5

**Day 4 Results**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:03.48			1:03.48
2	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:03.89			1:03.89
3	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:04.15			1:04.15
4	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:04.44			1:04.44
5	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:04.61			1:04.61
6	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:04.70			1:04.70
7	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:05.49			1:05.49
8	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.83			1:05.83
9	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:06.65			1:06.65
10	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:05.54	5	WKB	1:10.54
11	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:03.83	15	WMB, WKB	1:18.83

**4 Day Aggregate Standings**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	4 Day Total
1	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	4:16.55
2	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	4:17.31
3	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	4:17.43
4	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	4:19.28
5	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	4:20.30
6	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	4:20.73
7	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	4:22.30
8	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	4:22.49
9	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	4:25.11
10	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	4:26.94
11	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	4:42.29

**Day 4 Barrel Draw**
Heat #1
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:04.70			1:04.70
2
3	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.83			1:05.83
Heat #2
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:03.83	15	WMB, WKB	1:18.53
2	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:05.54	5	WKB	1:10.54
3	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:03.48			1:03.48
Heat #3
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:03.89			1:03.89
2	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:04.44			1:04.44
3	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:06.65			1:06.65
Heat #4
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:04.61			1:04.61
2	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:04.15			1:04.15
3	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:05.49			1:05.49

Jason Johnstone Tops All On Night 3 Of The WPCA Qualification Run-Off In Bashaw

News — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:31:56 GMT

Jason Johnstone - 1st Place On Night 3 In Bashaw
Photo By Paul Easton

It was Wrangler's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night on night 3 of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off in Bashaw, which saw Jason Johnstone, driving the Image Distributors outfit, post the top time of night 3 with a 1:03.76.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 2, Johnstone posted the fast time of the night by 41 one-hundreds of a second over Tim Haroldson who placed 2nd for the second consecutive night. Cam Shaurette, Darcy Flad and Sean DeBolt rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Tim Haroldson leads the overall point standings followed by Darcy Flad Jason Johnstone and Floyd Bradshaw, Lincoln Douglas and Cody Ridsdale tied for 5th and 6th - the last 2 spots on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, with Cam Shaurette just one point back of the final qualifying spot. The top 6 in the standings earn a spot on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

The WPCA Qualification Run-Off will conclude on Sunday with the races set to run at 2:00pm.

Billy Melville

**Qualification Run-Off Point Standings**
Rank	Driver	Day 1 Points	Day 2 Points	Day 3 Points	Day 4 Points	Total
1	Tim Haroldson	8	10	10		28
2	Darcy Flad	6	11	8		25
3	Jason Johnstone	3.5	9	11		23.5
4	Floyd Bradshaw	10	8	4		22
5/6	Cody Ridsdale	9	5	5		19
5/6	Lincoln Douglas	11	7	1		19
7	Cam Shaurette	5	4	9		18
8	Vern Nolin	2	6	6		14
9	Jordie Fike	7	2	3		12
10	Sean DeBolt	1	3	7		11
11	Stan Waddell	3.5	1	2		6.5

**Day 3 Results**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:03.76			1:03.76
2	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:04.17			1:04.17
3	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:04.70			1:04.70
4	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:04.74			1:04.74
5	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:04.94			1:04.94
6	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.09			1:05.09
7	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:05.29			1:05.29
8	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:05.59			1:05.59
9	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:05.63			1:05.63
10	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:05.93			1:05.93
11	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:06.38			1:06.38

**3 Day Aggregate Standings**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	3 Day Total
1	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	3:12.99
2	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	3:13.07
3	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	3:13.42
4	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	3:13.79
5	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	3:15.69
6	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	3:16.40
7	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	3:16.47
8	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	3:16.58
9	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	3:17.79
10	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	3:18.46
11	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	3:23.46

**Day 3 Barrel Draw**
Heat #1
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1
2	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.09			1:05.09
3	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:04.94			1:04.94
Heat #2
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:04.70			1:04.70
2	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:03.76			1:03.76
3	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:05.93			1:05.93
Heat #3
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:04.17			1:04.17
2	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:05.63			1:05.63
3	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:04.74			1:04.74
Heat #4
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:05.29			1:05.29
2	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:05.59			1:05.59
3	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:06.38			1:06.38

Darcy Flad Wins First On Night 2 Of The WPCA Qualification Run Off In Bashaw

News — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:00:45 GMT

Darcy Flad - Back In Contention After Night 2 In Bashaw
Photo By Paul Easton

Night 2 of the WPCA Qualification Run-Off ran Friday night in Bashaw, which saw Darcy Flad, driving the Little Pine First Nation outfit post the top time of night 2 with a 1:03.40.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 3, Flad posted the fast time of the night by 36 one-hundreds of a second over Tim Haroldson who placed 2nd for the night. Jason Johnstone, Floyd Bradshaw and day 1 winner Lincoln Douglas rounded out the top 5 for the night.

There is a 3-way tie atop the point standings with Lincoln Douglas, Floyd Bradshaw and Tim Haroldson each with 18 points after 2 days. Darcy Flad, Cody Ridsdale and Jason Johnstone make out the top 6 overall, with Jordie Fike and Cqam Shaurette on the outside looking in, tied for 7th place overall, 3.5 points out of 6th. The top 6 in the standings earn a spot on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Camping is available at Bashaw, admission at the door and the races will run at 6:30pm Thusday - Saturday with Sunday's races set to run at 2:00pm. Run-Off wagons will compete every night right after the pony chuckwagon races. Saturday night will be Wrangler's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night in Bashaw.

Billy Melville

**Qualification Run-Off Point Standings**
Rank	Driver	Day 1 Points	Day 2 Points	Day 3 Points	Day 4 Points	Total
1/2/3	Floyd Bradshaw	10	8			18
1/2/3	Lincoln Douglas	11	7			18
1/2/3	Tim Haroldson	8	10			18
4	Darcy Flad	6	11			17
5	Cody Ridsdale	9	5			14
6	Jason Johnstone	3.5	9			12.5
7/8	Cam Shaurette	5	4			9
7/8	Jordie Fike	7	2			9
9	Vern Nolin	2	6			8
10	Stan Waddell	3.5	1			4.5
11	Sean DeBolt	1	3			4

**Day 2 Results**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:03.40			1:03.40
2	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:03.76			1:03.76
3	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:03.78			1:03.78
4	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:04.01			1:04.01
5	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:05.33			1:05.33
6	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.62			1:05.62
7	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:06.30			1:06.30
8	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:06.31			1:06.31
9	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:06.40			1:06.40
10	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:07.57			1:07.57
11	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:07.32	5	WKB	1:12.32

**2 Day Aggregate Standings**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	2 Day Total
1	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	2:08.20
2	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	2:08.68
3	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	2:08.82
4	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	2:09.31
5	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	2:09.31
6	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	2:11.29
7	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	2:11.38
8	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	2:11.70
9	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	2:12.83
10	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	2:12.85
11	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	2:17.53

**Day 2 Barrel Draw**
Heat #1
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.62			1:05.62
2	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:06.40			1:06.40
3
Heat #2
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:03.78			1:03.78
2	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:07.32	5	WKB	1:12.32
3	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:06.31			1:06.31
Heat #3
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:07.57			1:07.57
2	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:03.40			1:03.40
3	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:03.76			1:03.76
Heat #4
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:04.01			1:04.01
2	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:05.33			1:05.33
3	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:06.30			1:06.30

Lincoln Douglas Posts The Fast Time On Night 1 Of The Qualification Run-Off In Bashaw

News — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:35:18 GMT

Lincoln Douglas - First Place On Night 1 In Bashaw
Photo By Billy Melville

The annual WPCA Qualification Run-Off kicked off Thursday night in Bashaw, Alberta. 11 wagons are competing for 6 spots on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Lincoln Douglas, driving the Savage Oilfield Rentals outfit opened up the Run-Off with the top time of 1:03.98.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 2, Douglas posted the fast time of the night by 21 one-hundreds of a second over Floyd Bradshaw who placed 2nd for the night. Cody Ridsdale, Tim Haroldson, Jordie Fike and Darcy Flad make out the top 6 after night 1. All 11 drivers ran penalty free on opening night.

Camping is available at Bashaw, admission at the door and the races will run at 6:30pm Thusday - Saturday with Sunday's races set to run at 2:00pm. Run-Off wagons will compete every night right after the pony chuckwagon races. Saturday night will be Wrangler's "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" night in Bashaw.

Day 2-4 barrel draws can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.

Billy Melville

**Qualification Run-Off Point Standings**
Rank	Driver	Day 1 Points	Day 2 Points	Day 3 Points	Day 4 Points	Total
1.	Lincoln Douglas	11				11
2.	Floyd Bradshaw	10				10
3.	Cody Ridsdale	9				9
4.	Tim Haroldson	8				8
5.	Jordie Fike	7				7
6.	Darcy Flad	6				6
7.	Cam Shaurette	5				5
8/9.	Jason Johnstone	3.5				3.5
8/9.	Stan Waddell	3.5				3.5
10.	Vern Nolin	2				2
11.	Sean DeBolt	1				1

**Day 1 Results**
Rank	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1.	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:03.98			1:03.98
2.	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:04.19			1:04.19
3.	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:04.99			1:04.99
4.	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:05.06			1:05.99
5.	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:05.26			1:05.26
6.	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:05.28			1:05.28
7.	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:05.39			1:05.39
8/9.	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:05.53			1:05.53
8/9.	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:05.53			1:05.53
10.	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.76			1:05.76
11.	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:06.45			1:06.45

**Day 1 Barrel Draw**
Heat #1
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Cam Shaurette	Bumper to Bumper	1:05.39			1:05.39
2	Jordie Fike	Shawn and Frank Noble Gravel Trucks	1:05.26			1:05.26
3
Heat #2
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Coide	Total Time
1	Floyd Bradshaw	Pidherney's From Start to Finish	1:04.19			1:04.19
2	Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.	1:03.98			1:03.98
3	Cody Ridsdale	Samson Cree Nation	1:04.99			1:04.99
Heat #3
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Darcy Flad	Little Pine First Nation	1:05.28			1:05.28
2	Sean DeBolt	Catwauk Compression	1:06.45			1:06.45
3	Jason Johnstone	Image Distributors	1:05.53			1:05.53
Heat #4
Barrel #	Driver	Sponsor	Running Time	Penalties	Penalty Code	Total Time
1	Tim Haroldson	Prescision Drilling / Tropical Inn	1:05.06			1:05.06
2	Vern Nolin	Bob Jack's Sheet Metal	1:05.76			1:05.76
3	Stan Waddell	Mustang Controls	1:05.53			1:05.53

WPCA Qualification Run-Off Set For This Week In Bashaw

News — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:47:27 GMT

The annual WPCA Qualification Run Off is set for this upcoming weekend, September 4 - 7 , 2008 in Bashaw, Alberta. 11 wagons are schedulled to compete for 6 spots on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Stan Waddell, Cody Ridsdale, Jason Johnstone and Lincoln Douglas all competed on the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, but did not make the top 30 in the World Standings, and will have to be among the top six in at the run-off if they hope to be back on the Dodge Pro Tour for 2009. Pat Powell who also did not make the top 30 this past season, has decided to pass on the run-off this year.

Former WPCA drivers who will also be competeing at the qualification run-off include Darcy Flad who competed on the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) circuit in 2008, Floyd Bradshw who sat out the entire 2008 season, Cam Shaurette who ran part time on the Western Chuckwagon Association (WCA) circuit, and Tim Haroldson who ran the 2002 season on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour but has spent the rest of his 10 year career with the CPCA.

Sean DeBolt and Jordie Fike will each be making their 2nd attempt at trying to qualify for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour through the qualification run-off. DeBolt competed the past 2 seasons on the CPCA circuit while Fike drove part time with the CPCA this past year.

Finally veteran driver Vern Nolin will complete the field. Nolin has spent his entire career with the CPCA, winning 3 career CPCA show championships and he qualified for the sudden death final heat for the CPCA Championship 3 consecutive years from 2005-2007.

The number of wagons entered in the qualification run-off will determine the point system. This year top wagon on each day will receive 11 points on down to the last wagon receiving 1 point. There will be a re-draw of the heats and barrel positions after day 1. After 4 days the top 6 wagons in the run-off point standings will have earned the privilege to compete on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. No points are given for where the wagons place in overall aggregate time, however aggregate time will be used to break any ties.

Camping is available at Bashaw, admission at the door and the races will run at 6:30pm Thusday - Saturday with Sunday's races schedulled for 2:00pm. every night right after the pony chuckwagon races. You will be able to check race results on www.wpca.com or on www.halfmileofhell.com. The Day 1 draw can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.

Billy Melville

Brian Mayan Gets First Win At The Season Ending Event In Edmonton

News — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:18:28 GMT

2008 Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby Champions
ChemServ Products Outfit
(L-R): Board of Directors Member Nothlands Laura Gadowsky, Outrider Chad Fike, Melinda Baker, Chad Cosgrave, Driver Brian Mayan, Outrider Chad Cosgrave, Edmonton Chuckwagon Committee Members Bruce Pennock & Don Adams
Billy Melville Collection

The final race of 2008 was a classic and Brian Mayan, driving the ChemServ Products Inc. outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Chad Fike, captured Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby at the season ending Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships for 2008 and the $50,000.00 Black Gold Dash for Cash bonus and the first win of his career as a chuckwagon driver.

Coming off barrel position number 1 in the sudden death championship final heat number 9, Mayan won the 2008 Edmonton Championship with a penalty free run of 1:23.81, and won the heat by 75 one-hundreds of a second over runner-up Troy Dorchester who came off barrel position number 4. 2008 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass from barrel position number 3 placed third in the sudden death final with Kelly Sutherland, who crossed the finish line first just 2 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Mayan, placed 4 in the sudden death final after being assessed a 2 second penalty. It was the first win of Brian Mayan’s career and came in the richest stop of $258,000.00 total purse on the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour.

Top time of the night went to Rae Croteau Jr., driving the Lincoln County Oilfield Services outfit with a time of 1:22.04 from barrel position number 3 in the opening heat. Grant Profit placed 2nd , Jason Johnstone’s outfit driven by Reg Johnstone was 3rd, while Troy Flad and Obrey Motowylo rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Congratulations to all the 2008 Champions, and many thanks to all the corporate partners, support staff and chuckwagon fans all along the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Enjoy a safe and prosperous off-season, and we will see you all in 2009.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Takes The Top Time And Wins His 2nd Career World Chuckwagon Champion

News — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:23:54 GMT

Martin Sobie (R) Of Dodge Presents 2008 World Champion Chuckwagon
Driver Jason Glass (L) With A Brand New Dodge Truck
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

2008 World Champion Outrider Chad Cosgrave Leans On His
Brand New Dodge Truck
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

A day-money run on night 4 of the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championship in Edmonton gave Jason Glass his 2nd career World Champion Chuckwagon Championship in fine style, and Chad Cosgrave is the World Champion Outrider for the 1st time in his career.

Jason Glass clinched the World Chuckwagon Championship by 91 points over 10-time and defending World Champion Kelly Sutherland. 3-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jerry Bremner ended up in 3rd place overall 98.5 points behind eventual 2008 champion Jason Glass.

Chad Cosgrave won the first World Championship for the Cosgrave family when he captured the 2008 World Outriding Championship by 173 points over 3-time World Champion Outrider Chanse Vigen.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Glass placed first overall for the day by 20 one-hundreds of a second over Chance Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the night. Troy Dorchester, Chad Harden and Shane Cartier’s outfit, driven by Rick Fraser, filled out the top 5 for the night.

The final 4 for Sunday’s $50,000.00 sudden death championship final for Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby has been set. Troy Dorchester who had the top 4 day aggregate time of 5:32.98 will be joined by Brian Mayan, Jason Glass and Kelly Sutherland in Sunday’s big money final, while Jason Johnstone’s outfit, which had been driven all week by his father Reg Johnstone, finished in the crying hole 1.15 seconds out of the 4th and final qualifying spot. Troy Dorchester will be looking for his first win since winning the 1999 WPCA Pro Tour Championship. It will be the 1st career appearance in a sudden death final for Brian Mayan. Despite winning the World Championship, Jason Glass is looking for his first show win on the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby is one title that has eluded Kelly Sutherland over his illustrious career.

The final of Edmonton’s Chuckwagon Derby can be heard live via the chuckwagon radio network every night starting 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Wins First On Day 3 In Edmonton - Jason Glass One Step Closer To 2nd World Championship

News — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:48:10 GMT

Hugh Sinclair - Day Money Run On Night 3 In Edmonton
Photo By Carol Easton

The race for the World Chuckwagon Championship is starting to wind down as Jason Glass is in great position to win his 2nd career World Championship, and Chad Cosgrave looks to win his 1st career World Outriding Championship after day 3 at the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton.

After 3 nights, Jason Glass sits number 1 in the world standings with 1,373.5 points, 67 points better than 3-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jerry Bremner. Kelly Sutherland gained a little ground on number one spot but still sits in 3rd place overall 84 points behind the leader Glass with one run to go. A penalty free run on day 4 will most likely give Jason Glass his second World Championship – his first coming in 2000.

Chad Cosgrave sits in great position to win his 1st career World Outriding Championship as he is number 1 with 8,801 points – 114.5 points better than defending and 3-time World Champion Outrider Chanse Vigen. Chad Fike sits 3rd overall but is well back of the 2 leaders.

Day 3 saw Hugh Sinclair, driving the Sarasota Homes outfit take top money for the day with the top time of 1:20.86. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 8, Sinclair placed first overall for the day by 51 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester who placed 2nd for the night. Rae Croteau Jr., Mark Sutherland and Reg Johnstone driving his own outfit filled out the top 5 for the night. Once again Reg Johnstone drove for injured driver Jason Johnstone and Rick Fraser again drove for injured driver Shane Cartier.

Brian Mayan, looking to qualify for his first career sudden death final, continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 3 day total time of 4:08.12. Troy Dorchester, Kelly Sutherland and Jason Glass make up the top 4, with Jason Johnstone’s outfit, driven by Reg Johnstone sits on the outside in 5th place overall. Penalties and slow running times cost Obrey Motowylo, Colt Cosgrave, Buddy Bensmiller and Leo Tournier who were all inside the top 5 after night number 2. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $50,000.00 and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

The Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton can be heard live via the chuckwagon radio network every night starting 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Tops The Field On Night 2 Of The Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships

News — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:51:15 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Day Money On Night 2 In Edmonton
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 at the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton saw Kelly Sutherland, driving the Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. outfit take top money for the day with the top time of 1:22.08.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Sutherland placed first overall for the day by 14 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed 2nd for the night. Mark Sutherland, Rick Fraser and Buddy Bensmiller filled out the top 5 for the night. Once again Reg Johnstone drove for injured driver Jason Johnstone and Rick Fraser again drove for injured driver Shane Cartier.

Brian Mayan leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total time of 2:46.37, 13 one-hundreds of a second better than Obrey Motowylo who sits second overall, with Colt Cosgrave and Buddy Bensmiller currently making out the top 4, with defending Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby champion Leo Tournier sitting on the outside in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $50,000.00 and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

In search of his 2nd career World Chuckwagon Championship, Jason Glass increased his lead in the World Standings with 1,349.5 points, 50 points better than 3-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jerry Bremner. Kelly Sutherland gained a little ground on number one spot but still sits in 3rd place overall 91 points behind the leader Jason Glass. After day 1 Chad Cosgrave leads the outrider standings by 100.5 points over the defending World Champion Outrider Chanse Vigen. The World Champion Chuckwagon Driver and the World Champion Outrider will be declared on Saturday night, with no points being awarded on Sunday.

The Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton can be heard live via the chuckwagon radio network every night starting 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

Brian Mayan Leads The Way To The $50,000.00 Sudden Death Final In Edmonton

News — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:58:14 GMT

Brian Mayan - Leads Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby
Photo By Paul Easton

At the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton, Brian Mayan, driving the ChemServ Products Inc. outfit, and despite a 1 second late outrider penalty, opened up the season finale with the top time of 1:22.94

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 2, Mayan placed first overall for the day by 50 one-hundreds of a second over Colt Cosgrave who placed 2nd for the night. Defending Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Champion Leo Tournier placed 3rd, with world points leader Jason Glass in at 4th, with Buddy Bensmiller rounding out the top 5 for the night. Reg Johnstone drove for injured driver Jason Johnstone and Rick Fraser again drove for injured driver Shane Cartier. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $50,000.00 and the Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Championship.

Jason Glass increased his lead slightly in the World Standings with 1,322.5 points, 39 points better than 3-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jerry Bremner, with 10-time and twice defending World Champion Kelly Sutherland in for 3rd place in the World Standings after night 1. The World Champion will be declared on Saturday night, with no points being awarded on Sunday.

The Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton can be heard live via the chuckwagon radio network every night starting 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

Firewagon Wind-Up & Silent Auction

News — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:27:31 GMT

The Memorial BBQ, Firewaon Wind Up and Silent Auction in support of the Kid’s Cancer Care Foundation, the Firefighters Support Foundation and Angels for Mexico will be held on Saturday , September 6, 2008 at Willard’s Whisky Hill Farm, located 2 ½ miles south of Okotoks on Hwy#783/Land Fill Road.

"This BBQ is one of the greatest family events held in the Foothills”, said Blake Willard, Firewagon Founder and Event Organizer. “Over the past 12 years we’ve raised over $200,000 for charities”.

The Memorial BBQ, Firewagon Wind Up & Silent Auction Entertainment & Events go from 1 – 5:30 pm includes: • The Lloyd Ray Memorial Miniature Horse Chuckwagon Races • Millarville Musical Ride • Red Surge Battlefield Live = Laser Tag Games • 1st Class Carriage & Chuckwagon Rides • The “Fire Marshall” Monster Fire Truck • Ride in an antique Fire Truck • Mosquito Creek Petting Zoo • MUCH Entertainment for the Kids… Clowns – Bronco Buddy, Toons & more! • Calgary Star Dancers (Junior & Senior) Live Bands featured on the Calgary Stampede Stage: • The Firewagon Band • The Cheyenne Band • Pistol Noon • Code 20 – Calgary Fire Fighters 1 of 2 Dinner from 5:30 – 7:30 pm: • Adults = Steak, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, salads… • Kids = Hot Dog or Hamburger & all the fixins’ Other Event Details: • Angels for Mexico welcomes gently used kid’s toys (ie, non-battery pre-school items such as Leggo, Tinker Toys, Blocks, Stuffed Animals…). Also, blankets & coats too! • Silent Auction: Over 100 items to bid on! Winning bidders are responsible to pay & pick up items the same night of the party! • Cash Bar ~ please drink responsibly • Over night (field) camping available • Event Tent set up (ladies be mindful of your shoes – avoid high heels since it’s an uneven grass floor) • Parking provided near tent – Please NO parking in ditch or on roadway

Saturday, September 6, 2008 TIME: 1 pm - Midnight (12:00 am)

Open to the Public, Firewagon Members, Sponsors & Supporters

TICKET PRICES: Adults are $35/each & Kids are $5/each

FOR TICKETS CONTACT: Blake Willard @ 403-606-8059 or blake@firewagon.net John Shores @ 403-485-6678 Legacy Savings & Credit Union, 4610 Macleod Trail S Calgary Firefighters Association, 738 – 7th Avenue SE, 403-261-6966 or visit www.firewagon.net for details.

Funeral Services For Bill Greenwood On Tuesday August 26 At 2:00 PM

News — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:30:32 GMT

Bill Greenwood Racing At Calgary
Billy Melville Collection

The family of Legendary Chuckwagon driver Bill Greenwood of Lousana, regret with much sadness to announce the Peaceful Passing of their father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather at the age of 91 years, on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at the Three Hills Health Care Center. Bill is survived by a sister, Lottie (Ken); 4 sons, Hugh (Marilyn), Wally, Gordon (Sue), Dale (Debbie), 11 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on August 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lousana Community Hall. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to STARS Air Ambulance or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements entrusted to PRAIRIE WINDS FUNERAL HOME, Trochu, Alberta (403)442-2200.

Red Deer Advocate - Red Deer, Alberta

Chuckwagon Legend Bill Greenwood Passes Away At 91

News — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:11:27 GMT

Bill Greenwood
January 18, 1917- August 21, 2008
Seen Here On July 7, 2008, Bill Greenwood received the
Calgary Stampede's Pioneers of Rodeo Honor
Photo By Billy Melville

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of one of the all time chuckwagon greats - Bill Greenwood on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at the age of 91 from natural causes.

After making his debut as a driver in 1947, Bill Greenwood went on to one of the most celebrated careers in chuckwagon racing history. He won dozens of championships over the course of his career most notably 2 World Championships in 1958 and 1967, 3 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championships in 1958, 1965 and 1966, 3 Cheyenne Frontier Days Championships and 5 Ponoka Stampede Championships. He drove for the last time in 1973. At the sale that officially ended Bill Greenwood’s successful chuckwagon racing career, a young driver by the name of Kelly Sutherland emerged with the nucleus of Bill’s winning chuckwagon outfit. In addition to all his success as a Chuckwagon driver, Bill also acted as the chuckwagon director with the Cowboy’s Protective Association and the Canadian Rodeo Cowboys Association at different times throughout his career.

Bill Greenwood was honored in 1989 by the World Professional Chuckwagon Association with it’s Special Tribute award, was inducted into the Ponoka Stampede’s Hall of Fame in 2007, and on July 7, 2008 he was made a member of the Calgary Stampede's Pioneers Of Rodeo. Funeral Arrangements are pending.

Bill will be missed by all in the WPCA, an we extend our sincere condolences to the Greenwood family. Keep checking wpca.com or halfmileofhell.com for more information on the life and death of champion chuckwagon driver Bill Greenwood.

Billy Melville

2008 WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence Leaders After The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

News — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:35:39 GMT

2008 WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence Leaders After The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

Left Leader		Right Leader
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Port	Luke Tournier	Captain	Hugh Sinclair
Affirmed	Kelly Sutherland	Cajun	Luke Tournier
Five	Leo Tournier	Lord	Kelly Sutherland
Echo	Jason Glass	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Bride	Brian Mayan
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Polite	Leo Tournier
Stopper	Reg Johnstone	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Missing Pieces	Jerry Bremner	Cloud	Jerry Bremner
Big Shot	Jerry Bremner	Fry	Reg Johnstone

Left Wheeler		Right Wheeler
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Monarch	Jerry Bremner	Tee	Leo Tournier
Gold	Luke Tournier	Jag	Luke Tournier
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Aloha	Hugh Sinclair	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Copenhagen	Obrey Motowylo	Red	Brian Mayan
Knight	Jason Glass	Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Top Jar	Brian Mayan	Pino	Jerry Bremner
Devil	Leo Tournier	Copper	Luke Tournier
Star	Kelly Sutherland	Midnight Bob	Reg Johnstone
Harry	Buddy Bensmiller	Paris	Jason Glass
General	Reg Johnstone

Outriding Horses
	Horse Name	Owner
	Victory	Jason Glass
	Ono	Kelly Sutherland
	Storm	Jerry Bremner
	Cole	Luke Tournier
	Rahy	Jason Glass
	Blue	Luke Tournier
	Ben	Obrey Motowylo
	Hitter	Obrey Motowylo
	Lesbo	Reg Johnstone
	Spioiler	Luke Tournier

2008 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

News — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:59:58 GMT

2008 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Leaders After The Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

Rank	Team Name	Points
1.	JLT Construction #1	6067.5
2.	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	5907
3.	The Hear Now Inc. #1	5898
4.	Generation Chemicals #4	5886.5
5.	Howard's Transport Service #1	5859
6.	Generation Chemicals #2	5856
7.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	5846
8.	Bush Ape Supervision #1	5845
9.	Generation Chemicals #1	5838.5
10.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #4	5827
11.	Birchcliff Energy	5823
12.	H&E Oilfield Services #1	5794.5
13.	H&E Oilfield Services #3	5763.5
14.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	5762.5
15.	Fab-U-Tech Industries	5740
16.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #3	5734.5
17.	Generation Chemicals #3	5732.5
18.	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	5732.5
19.	Underground Oilfield Consulting	5723
20.	Smash & Sons Contracting #1	5721.5
21.	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	5712.5
22.	T1 Services Group #1	5692.5
23.	Friends of Sinclair Racing #1	5691
24.	AIC Construction	5687.5
25.	The Hear Now Inc. #4	5677
26.	High River Autoplex & RV #3	5676.5
27.	MC Campbell Directional Boring	5671
28.	Advantage Oilfield Group Ltd. #1	5670.5
29.	Trailblazer RV Centre #2	5646
30.	Rebel Rentals	5636.5
31.	H&E Oilfield Services #4	5619
32.	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	5618
33.	H&E Oilfield Services #2	5615.5
34.	Bush Ape Supervision #2	5552
35.	DA Electric #1	5551.5
36.	Friends of Sinclair Racing #2	5550.5
37.	High River Autoplex & RV #2	5542
38.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	5539.5
39.	Pipestone Carriers Inc.	5539
40.	Advantage Oilfield Group Ltd. #2	5531
41.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #1	5521
42.	Smash & Sons Contracting #2	5489.5
43.	T1 Services Group #2	5479.5
44.	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	5475
45/46.	The Hear Now Inc. #2	5471
45/46.	Vold, Jones & Vold Auctions	5471
47.	The Hear Now Inc. #3	5417
48.	JLT Construction #2	5395
49.	Howard's Transport Service #3	5366.5
50.	Target Excavating	5362.5
51.	JaCo Welding & Consulting #2	5358.5
52.	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	5340.5
53.	High River Autoplex & RV #1	5334
54.	Savage Oilfield Rentals #2	5267.5
55.	Howard's Transport Service #4	5204.5
56.	Howard's Transport Service #2	5171.5
57.	Trailblazer RV Centre #3	5046
58.	DA Electric #2	5019
59.	Savage Oilfield Rentals #1	4926

Nominations For Year End WPCA Awards Now Open

News — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:45:59 GMT

Charlene Strome-Kosek (R) Of UFA Co-Operatives Presents A Bronze Trophy
To 2007 WPCA Chuckwagon Person Of The Year Carolyn Fawcett (L).
Photo Courtesy Of Paul & Carol Easton
Award Sponsored By: UFA Co-Operatives Ltd. - Bronze Trophy

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is now accepting nominations for its undeclared awards. The awards open to nomination from anyone include the following:

1. Media Award: Nominees should consist of individual, group or a company for excellence in reporting and promoting the events of the WPCA and Chuckwagon Racing to the public at large through the various types of media.

2. Top Race Committee: Nominees should consist of Race committee’s that should be recognized for their outstanding efforts in accommodating the WPCA, its members, and the Chuckwagon fans, through improvements to their overall show experience such as facilities, prize money, organization, etc.

3. Chuckwagon Person of the Year: Nominations are open to anyone 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.

4. Active Supporters: Nominee’s can include individuals, groups, or companies in appreciation of their involvement, interest and dedication to the WPCA, it’s members, or Chuckwagon racing in general.

5. Special Tribute: Nominee’s should include any past member (living or deceased) of the WPCA or it’s predecessor’s in recognition of their outstanding achievements, dedication, or contributions as they relate to the WPCA and Chuckwagon racing in general.

6. George Normand Lifetime Builder's Award: Nominee’s should include individuals who have dedicated a minimum of 5 years of service to the sport of Chuckwagon racing as a competitor, sponsor, race official, or some how affiliated with the WPCA. Drivers and outriders considered for this award must be retired from active competition. This award does not have to be presented annually.

7. Ty Tournier Memorial Award: Nominees should be a female who is involved and dedicated to the sport of chuckwagon racing and displays nurturing and caring of people and horse. The award is symbolic of Ty’s legacy “The spirit of the thoroughbred – Courage and Strength”

If you would like to nominate someone for an undeclared WPCA Award, you can fill out a nomination form by CLICKING HERE. Nomination forms must be returned by August 27, 2008. 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 25, 2008.

Billy Melville

Tough Enough to Wear Pink - Edmonton

News — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:30:52 GMT

The next Tough Enough to Wear Pink is Saturday, August 30 in Edmonton's WPCA Dodge Pro Tour World Finals. Get your pink clothes ready and support the cause!

WPCA
403-236-2466

or

Please visit the Tough Enough to Wear Pink website.

Hugh Sinclair Wins the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship In Fine Style With A Day Money Run On Night 4

News — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:29:54 GMT

2008 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Champions
Friends Of Sinclair Racing Chuckwagon Outfit
L-R: WPCA Operations Manager Kelly Carson Presenting,
Outrider Reo King, Driver Hugh Sinclair, Outrider Chad Cosgrave
Photo By Kim Tournier

Hugh Sinclair, driving the Friends of Sinclair Racing outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Reo King, captured the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer Sunday afternoon. Sinclair posted the best 4-day aggregate time of 5:09.30 to capture his first career Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship and 3rd win of 2008 after capturing the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore.

Sinclair captured the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in fine style by recording his second day money run of the week on the 4th and final night with a 1:16.86 just 35 one-hundreds of a second over Luke Tournier and Rae Croteau Jr. who split 2nd and 3rd for the night. Rick Fraser and Buddy Bensmiller filled out the top 5 times of the day.

Hugh Sinclair’s 4 day aggregate of 5:09.30 was 2.32 seconds faster than Reg Johnstone who ended up in 2nd place overall, with Rae Croteau Jr., defending Red Deer Champion Kelly Sutherland and current World Points leader Jason Glass making out the top 5 overall.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now take 1 weekend off before resuming August 27 - 31, 2008 for the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships in Edmonton for the season ending event. Live radio coverage via the Chuckwagon Radio Network will begin on Wednesday August 27, 2008 at 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

Rae Croteau Jr. Takes The Day Money On Night 2 In Red Deer

News — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:00:19 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Tops All On Night 3 In Red Deer
Photo By Carol Easton

Another perfect day in Red Deer for Day 3 of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer, Alberta saw 2004 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship winner Ray Croteau Jr., driving the Bonnyville Neighborhood Inn Outfit, post the top time of the night with a 1:17.60.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 8, Croteau Jr. took the top time of the night by just 32 one-hundreds of a second over Hugh Sinclair who placed second on the night. Troy Dorchester placed 3rd for the night, while Reg Johnstone placed 4th for the second consecutive night, with 5th place going to Buddy Bensmiller. Again Shane Cartier’s outfit was driven by Rick Fraser.

Hugh Sinclair continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 3 day total of 3:52.44. 52 one-hundreds of a second back in the race for the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship sits Reg Johnstone at 3:52.96, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Mark Sutherland and Grant Profit filling out the top 5 overall after 3 night s of racing.

The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2008 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Champion. The final run will go Sunday at 2:00pm in Red Deer, Alberta. Live radio coverage on the chuckwagon radio network will begin at 1:30 pm Sunday afternoon.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Leads All After Night 2 In Red Deer

News — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:51:54 GMT

|
Hugh Sinclair - Number 1 On Night 2 In Red Deer
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 2 of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer saw 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship winner Hugh Sinclair, driving the Friends of Sinclair Racing Outfit, post a 1:16.54 which was good for the top time of the day.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 8, Sinclair took the top time of the night by just 19 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed second on the night. Mark Sutherland placed 3rd for the night, while Reg Johnstone and Kelly Sutherland split 4th and 5th for the night . Once again Shane Cartier’s outfit was driven by Rick Fraser

The day money run moved Hugh Sinclair into top spot in the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:34.52. Reg Johnstone sits 2nd, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Mark Sutherland with day 1 winner Jason Glass falling into 5th place overall after a 2 second outrider penalty.

The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2008 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Saturday's races will go at 7:00pm, with the final run to go Sunday at 2:00pm in Red Deer, Alberta. Live radio coverage on the chuckwagon radio network will begin at 6:30pm on Saturday night and 1:30 pm Sunday afternoon.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Adds To His World Lead With A Day Money Run In Red Deer

News — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:44:19 GMT

Jason Glass - Top Time On Day 1 In Red Deer
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 1 of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer saw world points leader Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit, take the top money with a time of 1:15.87.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 9, Glass took the top time of the night by 95 one-hundreds of a second over Reg Johnstone who placed second on the night. Kelly Sutherland, Jason Johnstone and Shane Cartier’s outfit which was driven by Rick Fraser rounded out the top five for the night.

The chuckwagon recording the top aggregate time over the 4 days of the show will be declared the 2008 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Friday and Saturday's races will go at 7:00pm, with the final run to go Sunday at 2:00pm in Red Deer, Alberta.

Billy Melville

Annual WPCA Qualification Run Off Set For September 4 - 7 In Bashaw, Alberta

News — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:07:09 GMT

The annual WPCA Qualification Run Off is set for September 4 - 7 in Bashaw, Alberta. The top 30 wagons from the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour automatically qualify for the 20098 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. All other wagons who would like to earn the privilege to compete on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour must do so through the qualification run off.

The number of wagons entered in the qualification run-off will determine the point system. For example, if 20 wagons are entered, then top wagon on each day will receive 20 points on down to the last wagon receiving 1 point. A driver is limited to driving only one wagon. After 4 days the top 6 wagons in the run-off point standings will have earned the privilege to compete on the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. No points are given for where the wagons place in overall aggregate time, however aggregate time will be used to break any ties.

Races will run 6:30-7pm every night right after the pony chuckwagon races. You will be able to check race results on www.wpca.com or on www.halfmileofhell.com.

Billy Melville

The WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Former Outrider Ken Wallace

News — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:24:41 GMT

Ken Wallace
June 19, 1934 - August 10, 2008

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the loss of former outrider Ken Wallace on August 10, 2008 at the age of 74 years.

Ken outrode for 9 years throughout the 1960's at Calgary and Lethbridge for drivers such as Lloyd Nelson, Ralph Vigen and Dave Lewis. He was also active in the purebred cattle industry with his father and later on his own until retiring to town in 1990. Ken was a grandson of the noted R.A. Wallace, legislative member N.W.T. and mayor of High River (1910 to 1913). He was active in many community organizations including scouting, the High River Band, Kiwanis (President and Lieutenant Governor), hockey and curling.

Ken is survived by his wife Sharon, son Kenneth (Amber), and two daughters - Wendy Lukianchuk (Henry) and Sue Fidler (Dave), and by grandchildren Scott Wallace, Kaleigh and Julie Fidler. He is also survived by Sharon's children Blair Handel (Georgia), Okotoks and Alanna Parker (Jason), New Westminster, B.C. and step-grandchildren Tyler Babkirk (Nicole), Al, Jesse, and Michelle Handel, Zara and Maurice Cruse, great-step-grandson Johnny Babkirk and by sister Donna, Calgary. Following Cremation there will be a Memorial Service at SNODGRASS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 301 Macleod Trail, High River at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11 with private family Interment of remains at his parents' graveside.

The WPCA extends its sincere condolences to the Wallace family.

Late Penalty Awards Battle Of The North Championship To Chance Bensmiller

News — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:44:49 GMT

2008 Battle Of The North Champions
Cascade Energy Services Chuckwagon Outfit
L-R: Outrider Shawn Calf Robe, Driver Chance Bensmiller, Outrider Wayne Wright
Photo By Billy Melville

After overnight and afternoon rains slowed up the Dawson Creek racetrack, it was originally thought that Kelly Sutherland had won his record setting 5th Battle of the North Championship. But after careful review of the sudden death championship final heat the judges found that Sutherland was guilty of starting ahead of the horn and assessed him a 1 second penalty, thus giving Chance Bensmiller, driving the Cascade Energy Services outfit, and along with outriders Shawn Calf Robe and Wayne Wright, captured the 2008 Battle of the North Championship, his first career show win, and the $10,000.00 winners cheque.

Coming off barrel position number 4 in the sudden death championship final heat number 4, Bensmiller won the 2008 Battle of the North with a penalty free run of 1:23.47, and won the heat by just 9 one-hundreds of a second over runner-up Jason Glass who came off barrel position number 1. Kelly Sutherland from barrel position number 3 crossed the finish line first, but the 1 second starting ahead of the horn penalty placed him third in the sudden death final with Leo Tournier finishing 4th from barrel position number 2. It was the first show championship win of Chance Bensmiller’s career.

Top time of the night went to Rae Croteau Jr., driving the BJC Lift Systems outfit with a 1:22.82 from barrel position number 2 in heat 7. Buddy Bensmiller, Reg Johnstone, David Bensmiller and Chance Bensmiller rounded out the top 5 for the night. Tyler Helmig drove for the injured Shane Cartier. Obrey Motowylo received the Kenn Borek Memorial Award for Most Sportsmanlike Driver, and Jason Glass will receive the Strike Energy Services Safe Drive Award.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer, Alberta starting on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 7:00pm. Kelly Sutherland is the defending Champion. Live radio coverage for the Medicine Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship will air on the Chuckwagon Radio Network beginning at 6:30.

Billy Melville

The Final Is Set With Jason Glass, Kelly Sutherland, Leo Tournier & Chance Bensmiller Going for The Dawson Creek Crown

News — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:57:11 GMT

Jason Glass - First Everywhere After Night 4 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

After a night where most of the contenders could not keep their barrels standing, the final 4 drivers who will compete in the sudden death championship final heat in Dawson Creek have been set. Jason Glass, Kelly Sutherland, Leo Tournier and Chance Bensmiller will compete for the $10,000.00 and the Battle of the North Championship Sunday night.

Jason Glass solidified his spot in Sunday’s final by taking the top time of the night for the 2nd consecutive night. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit posted a 1:15.59 and took first place on the night by just 7 one-hundreds of a second over Leo Tournier who placed 2nd. Troy Flad, Chance Bensmiller and Kurt Bensmiller filled out the top 5 for the night. Rick Fraser once again drove for injured driver Shane Cartier, and rookie outrider Chance Flad who was injured between races Saturday night, was taken to hospital in Ft. St. John to undergo emergency surgery for a ruptured spleen. Latest reports indicate that the surgery was successful and Flad will remain in hospital for 4-5 days.

Glass’ second consecutive 1st place run moved him into top spot in the aggregate standings with a 4 day combined time of 5:05.39, exactly one and a half seconds over day 2 and 3 leader Kelly Sutherland who fell into 2nd place overall. Leo Tournier moved from 5th place into 3rd, while Chance Bensmiller, who will be making his first appearance in a sudden death championship final, moved up from 8th place overall to grab 4th. Rick Fraser finished just outside the final 4 in 5th place by 98 one-hundreds of a second.

Live radio coverage of the final day of the Battle of the North from Dawson Creek can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 5:45pm Pacific Time, 6:45pm Mountain Time.

Billy Melville

Funeral Services Now Set For Herman Flad And Dallas Dorchester

News — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:54:01 GMT

Funeral services for chuckwagon drivers Herman Flad and Dallas Dorchester will be as follows:

Herman Flad - Ponoka Stampede 2008
Photo By Carol Easton

Herman Flad's Funeral Arrangements:
Vigil Service
Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Provost, Ab.
5123-45 St.

Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 1:00 p.m.
Provost & District Recreation & Culture Center, Provost, Ab. 5113-43 St. (East Side of Town)
Gregory's Funeral Homes Ltd.
Box 508, Provost, AB. TOB 3S0

Dallas Dorchester - Calgary Stampede 1997
Photo By Paul Easton

Dallas Dorchester's Funeral Arrangements:
Thursday, August 14, 2008, 12:00 p.m.
Usona Ag Society Centre (turn west at Highway 2 Usona-Hobbema overpass and go six miles). Memorial tributes gratefully accepted to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for Stem Cell Transplant Cancer Research (1403 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 2T9), the Jayden Dietz Trust Fund for medical expenses or the Dallas Dorchester Award for Outriding Excellence (presented at Ponoka Stampede). BAKER FUNERAL CHAPEL INC., 5302 - 50 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, AB. Telephone: 1-888-752-2501 or 1-780-352-2501.

Billy Melville

Track Record Run Vaults Jason Glass Into Contention At The Battle Of The North

News — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:22:47 GMT

Jason Glass - Track Record Run On Day 3 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 3 of the 2008 Battle of the North Championship in Dawson Creek saw the track record fall at the hands of 1999 Battle of the North Champion Jason Glass. His 1:14.36 bettered Kirk Sutherland’s 2006 track record of 1:14.92 by 56 one-hundreds of a second.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit place first overall for the day by 84 one-hundreds of a second over 2004 champion Reg Johnstone who placed 2nd for the night. Kelly Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Jason Johnstone filled out the top 5 for the night. Rick Fraser once again drove for injured driver Shane Cartier, and rookie outrider Chance Flad was injured between races and was taken to hospital for observation.

Kelly Sutherland continues to lead the top of the aggregate standings with a 3 day combined time of 3:48.70. The track record run vaulted Jason Glass from 10th place overall on day 2 into 2nd place overall. Grant Profit and Troy Dorchester make out the top 4 overall, with Leo Tournier now on just outside in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $10,000.00 and the Battle of the North Championship.

Live radio coverage of Days 4-5 of the Battle of the North from Dawson Creek can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 5:45pm Pacific Time, 6:45pm Mountain Time.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads Everyone After Night 2 At The Battle Of The North In Dawson Creek

News — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:38:38 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - First On The Night, First Overall
After Night 2 In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

Another perfect day weather wise at the 2008 Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek saw 4 time Battle of the North Champion Kelly Sutherland win day 2 with the top time of 1:16.24.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 8, Sutherland, driving the Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. outfit place first overall for the day by 23 one-hundreds of a second over Troy Dorchester who placed 2nd for the night. Grant Profit, Leo Tournier and Reg Johnstone, despite a 1 second penalty, rounded out the top 5 for the night. Rick Fraser once again drove for injured driver Shane Cartier.

The day money run also vaulted Kelly Sutherland to the top of the aggregate standings with a 2 day combined time of 2:33.26. Day 1 winner Leo Tournier now sits second with Troy Dorchester and Grant Profit rounding out the ever so important top 4 overall, with Obrey Motowylo on the outside looking in in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $10,000.00 and the Battle of the North Championship.

Live radio coverage of Days 3-5 of the Battle of the North from Dawson Creek can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 5:45pm Pacific Time, 6:45pm Mountain Time.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Opens Up The Battle Of The North With A Day Money Run

News — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:01:15 GMT

Leo Tournier - Leads The Battle Of North After 1 Night In Dawson Creek
Photo By Paul Easton

After the passing of drivers Herman Flad and Dallas Dorchester the past 2 days, it was an emotional first night of racing at the 2008 Battle of the North championship in Dawson Creek. 2007 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Champion Leo Tournier opened up the Battle of the North with the top time on opening night. Weather and track conditions were excellent, times were better than last year, and some great races were seen by the Dawson Creek chuckwagon fans.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 5, Tournier, driving the M.C. Campbell Directional Boring Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:16.78 - the only driver to better the 1:17 barrier on the night - and placed first overall for the day by 24 one-hundreds of a second over Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd for the night. Troy Dorchester, Chance Bensmiller and Obrey Motowylo rounded out the top 5 for the night. Rick Fraser drove for injured driver Shane Cartier.

The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $10,000.00 and the Battle of the North Championship.

Billy Melville

Chuckwagon Legend Dallas Dorchester Passes Away At 62.

News — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:28:44 GMT

Dallas Dorchester
May 12, 1946 - August 6, 2008

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of Dallas Dorchester on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 62. Dallas was a 2nd generation wagon man who started his career as an outrider in 1962, before moving into the wagon box in 1965.

Over his 32 year career, Dallas carved out one of the most impressive records the sport has ever seen. As an outrider, Dallas won the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship 3 times - in 1968 with brother Garry and again in 1970 and 1971 for his father Tom. He was named the World Champion Outrider in 1977 - the inaugural year for the award. He was the 1984 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, and won nearly 40 show championships in his illustrious career. He twice won the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby in 1984 and 1991, and made a total of 8 appearances in the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby’s sudden death championship final heat. His record of 5 North American Chuckwagon Championships and 5 Grande Prairie Stompede Championships still stands to this day. From Cloverdale, British Columbia to Morris, Manitoba, and every big show of the day in between, Dallas Dorchester won them all. His last major win came in 1996 when he captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champion, and he last competed as a chuckwagon driver at the Calgary Stampede the following year in 1997.

In addition to all of his success on the racetrack, Dallas was a founding member of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. He served as a driver director for several years, and devoted much of himself to the overall growth and prosperity of chuckwagon racing and the WPCA. His outstanding and significant contributions to advancing and improving the overall status and integrity of the WPCA and the sport of Chuckwagon Racing earned him the WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year in 1995.

In 2006, Dallas became only the 2nd chuckwagon driver to be named an honorary lifetime member of the Ponoka Stampede Association, and in addition, he was honored by the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede with the Pioneers of Rodeo Award. He was the recipient of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association' s Sprcial Tribute Award in 2006 and the George Normand Lifetime Builder's award in 2007.

Dallas is survived by his wife Shirley, two children - Tyler and Tommy Quinn (Cheyenna), 1 granddaughter Talon, 3 brothers Gordie (Lil), Garry (Dauna), Dennis (Gwen), Sisters Joyce, and Sharron.

Dallas will be missed by all in the WPCA, an we extend our sincere condolences to the Dorchester family. Keep checking wpca.com or halfmileofhell.com for more information on the life and death of champion chuckwagon driver Dallas Dorchester.

Billy Melville

Champion Chuckwagon Driver Herman Flad Killed In A Highway Traffic Accident

News — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:25:57 GMT

Herman Flad
September 2, 1939 - August 5, 2008

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Herman Flad on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 as the result of a highway accident while commuting from the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore to the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek. He was 68 years old.

Herman Flad was a veteran driver with over 35 years experience with a very distinguished driving record. He won several major and prestigious chuckwagon championships including the inaugural WPCA Pro Tour Championship, the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winner, the Grande Prairie Stompede, the Klondike Chuckwagon Derby in Edmonton, and twice won the Cheyenne Frontier Days championship. Herman qualified for the Calgary Stampede's sudden death championship final heat four times, was a 2-time winner of the WPCA's Most Improved Chuckwagon Outfit Award, and won the 1980 Northern Professional Chuckwagon Association Championship.

Herman is survived by his wife Jean, three children - fellow chuckwagon drivers Troy (Shannon) & Darcy (Rochelle), and Shelly (Dave Biever) - and 9 grandchildren.

Herman will be missed by all in the WPCA, an we extend our sincere condolences to the Flad family. Keep checking wpca.com or halfmileofhell.com for more information on the life and death of champion chuckwagon driver Herman Flad.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Wins The 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship For The First Time In His Career

News — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:24:46 GMT

2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Champions
GeoForce Chuckwagon Outfit
L-R: Alberta Dodge Dealers Association's Mike McManes
& Jim McManes Presenting, Driver Hugh Sinclair,
Outriders Shawn Calf Robe & Chad Cosgrave

After four days of running, Luke Tournier, Jerry Bremner, Hugh Sinclair and Buddy Bensmiller survived the playoff round and would participate in the sudden death championship final heat to declare the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion for 2008. Once again it was an exciting final heat witnessed by a capacity crowd, and when it was over the GeoForce outfit, driven by Hugh Sinclair along with outriders Shawn Calf Robe and Chad Cosgrave, took home the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and the brand new Dodge Truck.

From the number 3 barrel, Sinclair beat out Luke Tournier who came from barrel number 1, followed by Jerry Bremner from barrel number 4 and finally Buddy Bensmiller from barrel number 4, to capture his 1st career WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and drove off in a new Dodge Truck in Monday's sudden death final.

Kelly Sutherland, driving the Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. Outfit, was also the top wagon on the night, winning day money with a 1:12.00, followed by Hugh Sinclair, ShaneCartier’s outfit driven by Rick Fraser, Luke Tournier, and Brian Mayan rounding out the top 5 overall.

Luke Tournier, driving the Friends of Heritage Park outfit, and along with outriders Eddie Melville and Quaid Tournier, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days title last night for the best 4 day aggregate time, and Jerry Bremner will receive the Strike Energy Services Safe Drive Award.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier, Jerry Bremner, Hugh Sinclair and Buddy Bensmiller Will Race For the Dodge Pro Tour Championship Tomorrow Night

News — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:44:56 GMT

2008 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champions
Friends Of Heritage Park Chuckwagon Outfit
L-R: Outrider Quaid Tournier, Driver Luke Tournier,
Bill Murray Of M & M Drilling Presenting, Outrider Eddie Melville
Photo By Billy Melville

2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Point Totals
Rank	Driver	Final Tour Points
1.	Luke Tournier	31
2.	Jerry Bremner	28.5
3.	Hugh Sinclair	28
4.	Buddy Bensmiller	21.5
5.	Mark Sutherland	20
6.	Jason Glass	19
7.	Rae Croteau Jr.	16
8.	Kelly Sutherland	14

After 4 days of running, the sudden death championship final heat for the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has been set. Luke Tournier, Jerry Bremner, Hugh Sinclair and Buddy Bensmiller will run for the Dodge Truck in Monday's sudden death final. Mark Sutherland tipped a barrel on night 4 and just missed the sudden death championship final heat finishing in 5th overall in the playoff points standings, followed closely by Jason Glass, Rae Croteau Jr. and Kelly Sutherland.

For the 1st time in his career, Luke Tournier, driving the Friends of Heritage Park outfit, and along with outriders Eddie Melville and Quaid Tournier, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title for having the best 4-day aggregate time of 4:55.07. Hugh Sinclair finished 2nd overall with Jerry Bremner, Barry Hodgson and Buddy Bensmiller rounding out the top 5 overall.

Top time of the night went to Reg Johnstone after posting a 1:13.33. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Johnstone, driving the Chariot Express outfit, took the top time of the night by just 7 one-hundreds of a second over Jerry Bremner and Obrey Motowylo who split 2nd and 3rd on the night. Shane Cartier’s outfit, driven by Rick Fraser, placed 4th on the night with Luke Tournier posting the 5th best time for night 4.

The finals of the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship from Strathmore can be heard on Monday night starting at 6:45pm on the chuckwagon radio network.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Destroys The Track Record And Sits 1st Everywhere At The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:33:11 GMT

Hugh Sinclair - Destroys The 10 Year Old Track Record In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Point Totals
Rank	Driver	3 Day Tour Total
1.	Hugh Sinclair	19
2/3.	Luke Tournier	16
2/3.	Mark Sutherland	16
4.	Jerry Bremner	14.5
5/6.	Jason Glass	11
5/6.	Rae Croteau Jr.	11
7.	Buddy Bensmiller	10.5
8.	Kelly Sutherland	9

Night 3 of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore saw Hugh Sinclair, driving the GeoForce outfit establish a new track record and take over first place in all categories at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede in Strathmore, Alberta.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 8, Sinclair beat the old track record of 1:12.34 set by Jess Willard back in 1999 by a whopping 1.36 seconds. His 1:10.98 was the top time of the night by 1.12 seconds over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the night. Luke Tournier, who along with Sinclair and Croteau Jr. ran in heat number 8, was 3rd for the day while Brian Mayan and Obrey Motowylo made up the top 5 wagons for the night.

The track record run also vaulted Hugh Sinclair atop the overall playoff point standings with Luke Tournier and Mark Sutherland splitting 2nd and 3rd, with Jerry Bremner holding on to that very valuable 4th place overall. The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat to be named the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

Sinclair also leads the overall aggregate with a 3 day total of 3:39.53 a full 2 seconds ahead of Luke Tournier at 3:41.53, followed closely by Mark Sutherland, Brian Mayan and Jerry Bremner. The top wagon in the aggregate standings after 4 nights will win the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title.

Live racing from Strathmore can be heard on Sunday night starting at 6:45pm on the chuckwagon radio network.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier Takes Top Time Of Night 2, Jerry Bremner Leads The Playoff Points Race

News — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:57:09 GMT

Luke Tournier - Big Run On Night 2 In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Point Totals
Rank	Driver	2 Day Point Total
1.	Jerry Bremner	12
2/3.	Hugh Sinclair	11
2/3.	Mark Sutherland	11
4/5.	Jason Glass	10
4/5.	Luke Tournier	10
6.	Buddy Bensmiller	8
7.	Kelly Sutherland	5
8.	Rae Croteau Jr.	4

Night 2 of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Tour Championship in Strathmore saw Luke Tournier, driving the Friends of Heritage Park outfit take the top time among the 8 playoff contestants, as well as taking the top time for the night amongst all 36 wagons.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 8, Tournier took the top time of the night and moved into a tie for 4th place in Tour Championship points on the night as well. Jason Glass was 2nd among the elite 8, followed by Mark Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Rae Croteau Jr. Jerry Bremner leads the overall playoff point standings with Hugh Sinclair and Mark Sutherland splitting 2nd and 3rd, with Mark Sutherland and Luke Tournier splitting 4th and 5th overall. The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat to be named the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

Luke Tournier also posted the top time of all 36 wagons for the night with a 1:13.28, 45 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Glass who placed 2nd, with Mark Sutherland Mike Vigen and Jerry Bremner rounding out the top 5 overall for the night. Mark Sutherland also leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:28.33, followed closely by Jerry Bremner, Hugh Sinclair, Luke Tournier and day 1 winner Brian Mayan. The top wagon in the aggregate standings after 4 nights will win the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title.

Live racing from Strathmore will can be heard on Saturday night starting at 6:45pm on the chuckwagon radio network.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Leads The Playoff Round After Night 1 Of The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:26:17 GMT

Hugh Sinclair - Leads The Playoff Pool After 1 Night In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Point Totals
Rank	Driver	Tour Points
1.	Hugh Sinclair	8
2.	Jerry Bremner	7
3.	Buddy Bensmiller	6
4.	Mark Sutherland	5
5.	Kelly Sutherland	4
6.	Jason Glass	3
7.	Luke Tournier	2
8.	Rae Croteau Jr.	0
Note: No points are awarded if a wagon receives a no time.

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 on each night plus the aggregate receiving eight points, 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 2008 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.

Hugh Sinclair, this year’s Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion, leads the playoff point pool by taking the top time among the 8 playoff contestants despite a 1 second late outrider penalty, as well as taking 2nd place overall on the night.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 8, Sinclair, driving the GeoForce outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:14.08, followed by Jerry Bremner, Buddy Bensmiller, Mark Sutherland and Kelly Sutherland.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Brian Mayan, driving the Independant Electric & Controls outfit took the top time of the night overall from barrel number number 1 in heat 3 posting a penalty free run of 1:13.83, followed by Hugh Sinclair, Jerry Bremner, Chad Harden and Grant Profit. Rick Fraser drove in place of Shane Cartier who suffered an injury in training.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2008 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship.

Billy Melville

2008 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Badlands Dinosaur Derby In Drumheller

News — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:05:27 GMT

**WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge**
Leaders After The Badlands Dinosaur Derby
Rank	Team Name	Total
1	JLT Construction #1	3935
2	The Hear Now Inc. #1	3889
3	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	3883.5
4	Generation Chemicals #4	3864
5	Generation Chemicals #1	3849
6	Generation Chemicals #2	3827
7	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	3824
8	Howard's Transport Service #1	3821.5
9	Birchcliff Energy	3800
10	Bush Ape Supervision #1	3783
11	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	3781.5
12	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	3774
13	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	3758
14	Advantage Oilfield Group Ltd. #1	3725.5
15	AIC Construction	3721.5
16	H&E Oilfield Services #3	3720.5
17	Friends of Sinclair Racing #1	3717
18	Trailblazer RV Centre #2	3704.5
19	High River Autoplex & RV #3	3699.5
20/21/22	Generation Chemicals #3	3689.5
20/21/22	H&E Oilfield Services #1	3689.5
20/21/22	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	3689.5
23	Underground Oilfield Consulting	3675.5
24	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	3664.5
25	H&E Oilfield Services #2	3663
26	H&E Oilfield Services #4	3662
27	T1 Services Group #1	3658
28	Smash & Sons Contracting #1	3655
29	Friends of Sinclair Racing #2	3646.5
30	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	3633
31	Rebel Rentals	3629
32	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	3625
33	MC Campbell Directional Boring	3619.5
34	Bush Ape Supervision #2	3616.5
35	Smash & Sons Contracting #2	3605.5
36	Pipestone Carriers Inc.	3600.5
37	DA Electric #1	3570
38	T1 Services Group #2	3563.5
39	Target Excavating	3562.5
40	Advantage Oilfield Group Ltd. #2	3549
41	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	3544
42	Fab-U-Tech Industries	3537.5
43	The Hear Now Inc. #4	3525.5
44	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #1	3499
45	High River Autoplex & RV #2	3494.5
46	Howard's Transport Service #3	3489
47	The Hear Now Inc. #2	3478
48	Vold, Jones & Vold Auctions	3458
49	JLT Construction #2	3442
50	The Hear Now Inc. #3	3441.5
51	High River Autoplex & RV #1	3426
52	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	3424.5
53	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	3392
54	Howard's Transport Service #4	3385
55	Savage Oilfield Rentals #2	3358.5
56	Howard's Transport Service #2	3243.5
57	Trailblazer RV Centre #3	3219
58	DA Electric #2	3217
59	Savage Oilfield Rentals #1	3193.5

2008 WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence Leaders After The Badlands Dinosaur Derby In Drumheller

News — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:26:06 GMT

The WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence Standngs, after the Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller are as follows:

LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Port	Luke Tournier	Lord	Kelly Sutherland
Affirmed	Kelly Sutherland	Cajun	Luke Tournier
Echo	Jason Glass	Cloud	Jerry Bremner
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Missing Pieces	Jerry Bremner	Bride	Brian Mayan
JJ	Buddy Bensmiller	Deed	Buddy Bensmiller
Big Shot	Jerry Bremner	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Jake	Rae Croteau Jr.	Royal	Doug Irvine
Speedy	Doug Irvine	Dan	Rae Croteau Jr.

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Monarch	Jerry Bremner	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Gold	Luke Tournier	Jag	Luke Tournier
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Pino	Jerry Bremner
Knight	Jason Glass	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Copenhagen	Obrey Motowylo	Teezer	Kelly Sutherland
Star	Kelly Sutherland	Pistol	Buddy Bensmiller
Harry	Buddy Bensmiller	Red	Brian Mayan
Top Jar	Brian Mayan	Copper	Luke Tournier
Lunch	Doug Irvine	Tee	Leo Tournier
Sevens	Tyler Helmig	Shady	Mark Sutherland

OUTRIDING HORSE
Horse Name	Owner
Victory	Jason Glass
Sir	Buddy Bensmiller
Storm	Jerry Bremner
Cole	Luke Tournier
Blue	Luke Tournier
Rahy	Jason Glass
Spoiler	Luke Tournier
Spike	Luke Tournier
Hitter	Obrey Motowylo
Ben	Obrey Motowylo

Luke Tournier Declared 2008 Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champion

News — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:13:41 GMT

2008 Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champions
The Banditos Chuckwagon Outfit
L-R: Outrider Chad Fike, Driver Luke Tournier,
Jerry McLean of McLean Construction Presenting, Outrider Quaid Tournier
Photo By Billy Melville

After heavy rains came on Saturday night and again on Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening, the Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller has been shortened to a 2 day event. Luke Tournier, driving the Banditos outfit, and along with outriders Chad Fike and Quaid Tournier have been declared the 2008 Badlands Dinosaur Derby champions. It was the second win in 2008 for Luke Tournier who walked away with the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River earlier this year, and it's the first career show win for rookie outrider and son of the winning driver Quaid Tournier.

Tournier's 2-day aggregate time of 2:14.03 bested runner-up Reg Johnstone by 88 one-hundreds of a second to take the Drumheller crown. Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass and Obrey Motowylo made up the top 5 overall for the show.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore, Alberta starting on Thursday July 31, 2008 at 7:15pm. The top eight drivers in the World Standings prior to the start of the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, qualify for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship playoff round. Amongst the 8 playoff qualifiers, the first place wagon on each night receives eight points, and the eighth place wagon receives 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 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.

There will be a new winner of this year's WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship as the defending champion Neal Walgenbach is not racing on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour this year, while Rae Croteau Jr. looks to win his third consecutive Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title given to the winner of the 4 day aggregate.

Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship will air every night on the Chuckwagon Radio Network beginning at 6:45.

Billy Melville

Day 3 of the Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller Postponed

News — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:52:38 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association and the Drumheller Stampede Association regret to announce that day 3 of the Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller scheduled for Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 7:15pm has been postponed.

Inclement weather has not allowed the track maintenance team to get the racetrack prepared properly for racing. The track will be re-evaluated as to the possibility of getting the final day in on Monday, July 28, 2008.

Luke Tournier leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:14.03, 88 one-hundreds of a second over Reg Johnstone, with Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass and Obrey Motowylo sitting in the top 5 overall.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Wins First On Night 2 In Drumheller

News — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:16:22 GMT

Jason Glass - First On Day 2 In Drumheller
Photo By Paul Easton

Night number 2 of the Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller saw Jason Glass pocket the day money with a rapid run of 1:06.96.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 12, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy outfit posted the top time for the day by just 25 one-hundreds of a second over Reg Johnstone who placed 2nd for the night. Mark Sutherland, Luke Tournier and Hugh Sinclair rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Day 1 winner Luke Tournier leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:14.03, 88 one-hundreds of a second over Reg Johnstone, with Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass and Obrey Motowylo sitting in the top 5 overall.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 3 runs will be declared the 2008 Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champion. Sunday's raced are schedulled for 7:15pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 6:45.

Billy Melville

Lightning Strikes As Luke Tournier Takes The Top Time On Opening Night Of The Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:49:26 GMT

Luke Tournier - First On First Night In Drumheller
Billy Melville Collectiion

It was a great opening night of racing at the Badlands Dinosaur Derby in the beautiful Drumheller Valley. Last year’s runner-up is making a bid for the championship this year as “Lightning” Luke Tournier opened up the show with a first place run of 1:06.64.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 10, Luke Tournier, driving The Banditos outfit posted the top time for the day by 1.15 seconds over Brian Mayan who placed 2nd for the night. Obrey Motowylo and Tyler Helmig dead heated in heat number 5 with times of 1:07.83 which split 3rd and 4th for the night, with Mark Sutherland rounding out the top 5 for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 3 runs will be declared the 2008 Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champion. Saturday's and Sunday’s races will run at 7:15pm.

Billy Melville

Upcoming Tough Enough to Wear Pink Days

News — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:31:40 GMT

Are you tough enough? Come out and prove it at the following events:

Drumheller, AB: Saturday, July 26, 2008
Strathmore, AB: Sunday, August 3, 2008
Dawson Creek, BC: Friday, August 8, 2008
Red Deer, AB: Saturday, August 16, 2008

For further information, please contact:

WPCA
403-236-2466
or

Please visit the Tough Enough to Wear Pink website.

Track Record Run Gives Kelly Sutherland The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:11:01 GMT

2008 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Champions
George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat
Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chanse Vigen, Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee's Jim Martineau
Driver Kelly Sutherland, Outrider Reo King
Photo By Lynn Fountain

After Friday night’s races were postponed the 2008 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship wrapped up 1 day later on Monday night. For the first time since 1979, a Bonnyville Chuckwagon Champion would be crowned. The 4-day show was an outstanding event and the Bonnyville committee should be very proud of their accomplishment and commended for their hospitality and a job very well done.

The drivers in each of the first 11 heats on Monday’s final day were going for an additional $1,000.00 bonus, with the 12th heat being the feature heat. The $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final was a classic match up between Jerry Bremner, Kelly Sutherland and Buddy Bensmiller. It took 30 years to reclaim the title he won back in 1978, and when the dust settled on the new Bonnyville racetrack, it was Kelly Sutherland, driving the Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Chanse Vigen who walked off with the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship for the 2nd time in his career.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 12, Sutherland pocketed $10,000.00 by posting a track record run of 1:20.65 and outrunning Jerry Bremner who placed 2nd in the sudden death final from barrel number 2 with a 1:20.84 and Buddy Bensmiller who finished 3rd from barrel number 2 with a 1:28.29 after knocking a barrel.. Bremner and Bensmiller will collect $3,000.00 and $2,000.00 respectively. It was Sutherland's 3rd win on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour in 2008 after posting wins at Medicine Hat and Lethbridge earlier this season.

The track record run by Kelly Sutherland was 1.01 seconds faster than Chance Bensmiller’s track record time of 1:21.66 set on opening night. Jerry Bremner placed 2nd for the night with Chance Bensmiller, Jason Glass and Luke Tournier filling out the top 5 for the night.

Kelly Sutherland also ended up on top of the 4 day aggregate standings with a 4 day total of 5:40.15. Jerry Bremner, Luke Tournier, Jason Glass and Chance Bensmiller filled out the top five.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves on to Drumheller, Alberta for the running of the Badlands Dinosaur Derby starting on Friday, July 25, 2008 through to Sunday July 27, 2008. Racing will begin at 7:15pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network beginning at 6:45.

Billy Melville

Jerry Bremner Makes A Big Jump On Day 3 Of The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:18:38 GMT

Jerry Bremner - First In All Categories On Day 3 In Bonnyville
Photo By Carol Easton

The final 3 in the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final have been set. Jerry Bremner will be joined by Kelly Sutherland and Buddy bensmiller, with Luke Tournier just missing out on the sudden death championship final by 25 one-hundreds of a second.

Jerry Bremner, driving the TrailBlazer RV Centre outfit, took the top time of the night and moved from 13th place overall into the sudden death final. His 1:24.30 from barrel number 1 in heat number 12 won the day money by 51 one-hundreds of a second over Kurt Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the night. Mike Vigen ended up 3rd, Rick Fraser was 4th, with Stan Waddell placing 3rd for the night.

Jerry Bremner overtook the lead in the aggregate and will draw his barrel position first in Tuesday's $15,000.00 George Normand Sudden Death Championship Final. Bremner’s 3 day aggregate time of 4:19.37 was just 13 one-hundreds of a second better than Kelly Sutherland who held onto 2nd place overall. Buddy Bensmiller ended up in third place with Luke Tournier just finishing outside the sudden death final in 4th place overall, with Bonnyville resident Rae Croteau Jr. filling out the top five.

Monday's races will decide the winner of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final. Racing will begin at 7:00pm, but unfortunately there will be no live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network.

Billy Melville

Brian Mayan Wins Day 2 At The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:29:59 GMT

Brian Mayan - Bests All On Night 2 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

After Friday night edition of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship was postponed due to inclement weather, day 2 finally got underway on Saturday night. The track was wet and nearly 10 seconds of the pace set on day 1, but there were some great races nonetheless.

Brian Mayan, driving the ChemServ Products Inc. Outfit, take won top money on night 2 with a run of 1:29.14. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 3, Mayan took the top time by 39 one-hundreds of a second over Shane Cartier who placed 2nd for the night. Buddy Bensmiller was 4th, while Kelly Sutherland and Obrey Motowylo split 4th and 5th for the night.

Luke Tournier now leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2 day total of 2:52.10, with Kelly Sutherland and Brian Mayan making out the top 3 at this time. Track record holder and day 1 winner Chance Bensmiller sits just 27 one-hundreds of a second out of the third and final place for Monday’s sudden death final, with Buddy Bensmiller filling out the top 5 overall after 2 days.

Day 3 races will be run on Sunday at 2:00pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 1:30pm. The top 3 chuckwagons in the aggregate standings after the first 3 days of racing will qualify for Monday's $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat, with the winner of the sudden death heat wins the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. Monday’s races will go at 7:00pm, and it is not known at this time if they will be carried live on the Chuckwagon Radio Network.

Billy Melville

Local Favorite Chance Bensmiller Establishes Track Record On New Bonnyville Track

News — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:27:49 GMT

Chance Bensmiller - Track Record Holder After Night 1 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

For the first time since 1979, professional chuckwagon racing has returned to the town of Bonnyville, Alberta. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the local Bonnyville did an exceptional job with the opening night. One of the local heroes from nearby Dewberry, Chance Bensmiller, driving the Overdrive Heavy Duty Outfit, take the top money and established the track record with a run of 1:21.66 on the brand new Bonnyville racetrack.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 1, Bensmiller took the top time by 24 one-hundreds of a second over Luke Tournier who placed 2nd for the night. Kelly Sutherland, Léo Tournier and Jerry Bremner filled out the top five for the night.

Top 3 Chuckwagons In The Aggregate Standings After The First 3 Days Of Racing Qualify For Sunday's $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death heat wins the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship.

Billy Melville

WPCA Mourns The Loss Of Iris Glass - First Lady Of Chuckwagon Racing

News — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:01:50 GMT

Iris Glass
1924-2008

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is mourning the loss of Iris Glass on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the age of 83.

Iris Glass was the First Lady Of Chuckwagon Racing. Her involvement in the sport goes back to her birth in 1924, the second year of the chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede when her father captured the first of many Calgary championships for Iris’ family.

Over the years, Iris has been the inspiration and the knowledge base that has been passed down through the generations. A top rate horsewoman in her own right, Iris won countless gymkhanas, competed as a jockey, and selected and helped to train many of the horses that the Glass family has run on their chuckwagons over the past 80 plus years.

Her family is also the only chuckwagon family where four generations of drivers have won the same show championship. This historic event occurred in 1998 when Iris grandson Jason Glass captured the Ponoka Stampede Championship joining Iris’ son Tom Glass (1993, 1986, 1972), her husband Ronnie Glass (1953, 1951, 1950, 1947, 1942), her brother Jack Lauder (1948), and her father Tom Lauder (1940, 1939) as the champion of this prestigious event. The Glass/Lauder family has won the Ponoka Stampede Championship – the second longest consecutive running chuckwagon race – a total of 12 times to date.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association honored Iris in 1988 with its highest award, the Chuckwagon Person Of The Year award. This prestigious award is given to the individual for their outstanding dedication and contributions to the promotion, advancement, and overall betterment of the sport of chuckwagon racing. She also received the 2004 Ty Tournier Memorial Award, which is given to the woman who is involved and dedicated to the sport of chuckwagon racing, and displays nurturing and caring of people and horses. The award is symbolic of Ty’s legacy “The spirit of the thoroughbred – Courage & Strength.” 2004 was the inaugural year of this award.

The Calgary Stampede honored Iris in 2003 when she was named the Grand Marshall of the Calgary Stampede Parade. With this appointment, she joined such notable dignitaries such as Walt Disney, HRH Charles – Prince of Wales, Bob Hope and many other respected political leaders, athletes, entertainers and celebrities who have received this distinction over the years. In 2005, she was again honored by the Calgary Stampede with its Pioneers of Rodeo Award.

Iris Glass was a symbol of what Chuckwagon Racing is all about. She was an inspiration to everyone in the chuckwagon community. The World Professional Chuckwagon Association extends its sincere condolences to the Glass family. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Foothills Centenial Centre in Okotoks, Alberta.

Billy Melville

Barry Hodgson Captures 1st Career Show Championship At The Colonial Days Fair In Lloydminster

News — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:53:49 GMT

Barry Hodgson - 2008 Colonial Days Fair Champion
Photo By Paul Easton

Friday, July 11, 2008 - Lloydminster, Alberta

It took four times in the sudden death final, but Barry Hodgson, driving the Howard's Transport Service outfit, and along with outriders Logan James and Rob Kimble captured the 2008 Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster. It was the first career win not only for Hodgson, but for his outriders Logan James and Rob Kimble as well. It was the 4th time Barry Hodgson was in the sudden death final at the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, having previously been there in 2002, 2004 and 2007. He was the aggregate winner back in 2002, but lost the championship to Bruce Morin in the sudden death final.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 11, Hodgson won the Sudden Death Championship Final Heat over Darcy Flad and Codey McCurrach in an exciting fight to the wire. McCurrach crossed the finish line just 1 one-hundred of a second ahead of Hodgson, but penalties gave the championship to Hodgson, with Darcy Flad crossing the finish line in 3rd place. All three drivers in the heat were in search of their first career win, and it was Codey McCurrach's first appearance in a sudden death final.

For the second time in the past 3 years, Darcy Flad was the top aggregate wagon with a 3 day combined time of 4:03.36, followed by Barry Hodgson, Codey McCurrach, Herman Flad and Layne MacGillivray. It was Darcy Flad's third trip to the sudden death final at the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, having previously been there in 2005 and 2006 where he was the top aggregate wagon in 2006, but lost the championship to Wayne Dagg in the sudden death final.

Lincoln Douglas, driving the Savage Oilfield outfit took the top time of the final night posting a 1:19.43 from barrel number 1 in heat number 3. Barry Hodgson, Obrey Motowylo, Herman Flad and Darcy Flad filled out the top five for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now resume with the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship starting from July 17-20, 2008. The action will begin at 6:30pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network.

Billy Melville

Exciting Events in Bonnyville: Pancakes, Wear Pink and Green, Spa Day and more

News — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:21:06 GMT

After 29 years, the World Professional Chuckwagon Association pro tour returns to Bonnyville, Alberta. In order to celebrate this momentous event a number of special events have been coordinated to celebrate the return of the wagons. Be sure to check them all out.

Wednesday, July 16 @ 7:30 PM

Meet the Drivers/Outriders Evening
Sponsor tent on grounds

Thursday, July 17 @ 6:00 PM

Green Day in honor of 4-H.

Opening Ceremonies include:

Introduction of WPCA Drivers
Legends of Chuckwagon Racing
Blessing of the track by local First Nation's Chief
Cutting of the ribbon
Races begin @ 7 PM

Friday, July 18 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Ladies of the WPCA's Day Spa

There are massages, drinks, snacks for the ladies, bowling and playroom for the kids.

Saturday, July 19 @ 9:00 AM

Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day

Pancake Breakfast #1 at Brosseau's Department Store's parking lot.

Drivers will be onsite to sign autographs and greet fans.

Sunday, July 20 @ 10:00 AM

Cowboy Church at Sponsor Tent on rodeo grounds, Non-denominational service.

Sunday, July 20 @ 9:00 AM

Pancake Breakfast #2 at Sobeys parking lot.

Drivers will be onsite to sign autographs and greet fans.

Hugh Sinclair Wins 4th Career Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:23:50 GMT

2008 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champions
NCi Construction Outfit
L-R: Outriders Jeff Blatz, Shawn Calf Robe, Driver Hugh Sinclair, Outriders Chad Cosgrave, Lanson Gaudry
Missing: Outrider Darren Mitsuing
Jamie Tiessen Photo

With the legendary Joe Carbury calling his final race on an emotional final night of the 2008 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, Hugh Sinclair, driving the NCi Construction Outfit, and along with outriders Jeff Blatz, Shawn Calf Robe, Lanson Gaudry, Darren Mitsuing and Chad Cosgrave won the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship for the 4th time in his illustrious career. He joins legends Dick Cosgrave, Hank Willard, Ronnie Glass, Hally Walgenbach, Dale Flett, Kelly Sutherland and Tom Glass as the only other 4-time winners of the Rangeland Derby.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Sinclair pocketed $100,000.00 by outrunning Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd in the sudden death final from barrel number 2, Jason Glass who finished 3rd from barrel number 4 and Kirk Sutherland from barrel number 3. Sinclair’s 1:14.56 was also the top time of the night, followed by Neal Walgenbach, Mark Sutherland, Wayne Knight and Ray Mitsuing.

Hugh Sinclair was also the top money earner with earnings of $139,000.00, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Aggregate Winner Jason Glass was 3rd in earnings, but this does not factor in the 2008 GMC Truck he received for winning the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award the night before. Kirk Sutherland was 4th and Buddy Bensmiller was 5th in official earnings. Jason Glass ended with top 10 day aggregate with a 10 day total of 12.44.34, followed by Hugh Sinclair, Kelly Sutherland, Neal Walgenbach and Garry Gorst.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will now resume with the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship starting from July 17-20, 2008. The action will begin at 6:30pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Wins Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award For Top Aggregate Time At Calgary

News — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:15:45 GMT

2008 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award Winners
Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winners
Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer Outfit
Driver Jason Glass, Outriders Chanse Vigen, Jason Lemieux, Chad Cosgrave, Jim Nevada
Billy Melville Photo

The final 4 for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Sudden Death Championship Final have been set. For the 10th consecutive year it will be made up of 4 WPCA drivers - Jason Glass, Hugh Sinclair, Kelly Sutherland and Kirk Sutherland, with Brian Laboucane just missing out on his first career sudden death championship final in Calgary

Buddy Bensmiller, driving the ACERA Developments outfit, took the top time of the night with a 1:14.30. Turning from barrel number 1 in heat number 1, Bensmiller won the day money by 41 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Glass who placed 2nd for the night. Luke Tournier ended up 3rd, Neal Walgenbach was 4th, with Hugh Sinclair placing 5th for the night. Despite some problems, WPCA wagons took 8 of the top ten spots.

Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer outfit, and along with outriders Chanse Vigen, Chad Cosgrave, Jason Lemieux and Jim Nevada won the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate title with the best 9 day aggregate time of 11:28.62. An emotional Glass dedicated the accomplishment to his grandmother Iris Glass who is in hospital an unable to attend.

Sunday's races will decide the winner of Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship in the $150,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The action will begin at 7:00pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier Takes Top Time Of Day 8 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:26:37 GMT

Luke Tournier - 1st Day Money Run At Calgary This Year On Day 8
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 8 was disasterous day for WPCA wagons as penalties took their toll, but WPCA still hold down the top 4 positions overall and 8 of the top 10. Night 8 saw defending Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Luke Tournier, driving the Cowboy’s Posse Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:16.10.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 8, Tournier took the top time of the night by just 9 one-hundreds of a second over Hugh Sinclair who placed second on the night. Ray Mitsuing, Troy Dorchester and Kelly Sutherland rounded out the top five for the night.

Jason Glass still sits atop the overall aggregate with an 8 day total of 10:13.91, followed by Hugh Sinclair, Kelly Sutherland, and now Grant Profit who moved into 4th place overall. Brian Laboucane is still sitting on the outside in 5th place overall. 6 seconds in outrider penalties dropped Mark Sutherland down into 10th place overall.

There is only 1 more night to qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Takes Top 2 Times On Day 2 Of The Colonial Days Fair In Lloydminster

News — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:21:18 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - Takes 1st and 2nd Place On Day 2 In Lloydminster
Photo By Carol Easton

After a disastrous first night at the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, Obrey Motowylo bounced back with both wagons and took the top 2 times of day 2.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 1, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services #2 outfit, posted a 1:20.28 to take the top time of the night by over 2 full seconds over his own H & E Oilfield Services #2 outfit that placed second on the night. Darcy Flad driving the Online outfit placed 3rd, Codey McCurrach placed 4th, and Darcy Flad, this time driving the Bob Jack's Sheet Metal outfit rounded out the top five for the night.

Codey McCurrach is number 1 in the aggregate standings after 2 days with a 2 day combined time of 2:42.24, and will be joined by Darcy Flad and Barry Hodgson in Friday's sudden death championship final heat for the Colonial Days Fair Championship. Layne MacGillivray just missed the sudden death final by 31 one-hundreds of a second in 4th place overall with Herman Flad filling out the top 5 overall. Day 1 winner Stan Waddell suffered 3 seconds in outrider penalties or would have been in Friday's sudden death final.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the Calgary Stampede.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Moves Back Into The Top 4 After Posting the Top Time Of Night 7

News — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:45:15 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Top Time And Back In the Top 4 After 7 Days In Calgary
Photo By Billy Melville

It was a cold and muddy night but the racetrack held up beautifully and 10-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Kelly Sutherland, driving the Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. Outfit, took top money on day 7 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby with the top run of 1:16.40.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Sutherland took the top time of the night by a mere 6 one-hundreds of a second over his son Mark Sutherland who placed second on the night. Jason Glass, Kurt Bensmiller and Reg Johnstone filled out the top five for the night.

Jason Glass continues to lead in the overall aggregate standings with a 7 day total of 8:56.47, followed by Mark Sutherland, Hugh Sinclair, and thanks to a day money run on night 7, Kelly Sutherland who now compose the top 4 wagons, Brian Laboucane is still holding strong, but slipped back slightly into 5th place overall.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Stan Waddell Takes Top Time On Opening Night Of The Colonial Days Fair In Lloydminster

News — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:03:00 GMT

Stan Waddell - First On First Night In Lloydminster
Photo By Paul Easton

Opening night of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster saw Stan Waddell, driving the Sharp Underground Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:19.19.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 2, Waddell took the top time of the night by 29 one-hundreds of a second over Codey McCurrach who placed second on the night. Barry Hodgson, Darcy Flad and Layne MacGillivray 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. The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the Calgary Stampede.

Billy Melville

Colonial Days Fair Day 1 Results
1.     Stan Waddel                 1:19.19
2.     Codey McCurrach        1:19.48
3.      Barry Hodgson            1:19.50
4.      Darcy Flad                    1:20.28
5.      Layne MacGillivray      1:20.58
6.      Gordon McCallum       1:20.72
7.       Jordie Fike                  1:20.83
8.       Herman Flad              1:20.95
9.     Herman Flad              1:21.41
10.     Barry Hodgson           1:21.64
11.     Lincoln Douglas         1:21.75
12.     Stan Waddel                1:22.40
13.     Chance Bensmiller    1:22.58
14.     Ryan Preece                1:22.64
15.     Kelly Morin                    1:22.73
16.     Ken Walters                 1:23.12
17.     Chance Bensmiller    1:23.22
18.     Dale Michel                  1:23.71
19.     Dallas Dyck                  1:23.87
20.     Darcy Flad                     1:23.94
21.     Ken Walters                  1:25.11
22.     Dwight Green               1:25.19
23.     Daniel King                   1:25.65
24.     Lincoln Douglas          1:26.03
25.     BJ Carey                        1:26.31
26.     Shane Cartier               1:28.22
27.     George Machatis         1:28.78
28.      Elton Magee                1:33.85
29.      Obrey Motowylo          1:43.43
30/31. Gordon McCallum         N.T
30/31. Obrey Motowylo              N.T

Jason Glass Takes Day Money And Leads The Overall On Night 6 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:52:52 GMT

Jason Glass - First In All Categories After Night 6 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

As we get closer to establishing that ever so important final 4, night 6 saw former Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winner Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:14.10.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 8, Glass took the top time of the night by a little more than a second over Jerry Bremner who placed second on the night. Wayne Knight, Troy Dorchester and Buddy Bensmiller rounded out the top five for the night.

Glass also took over the lead in the overall aggregate with a 6 day total of 7:39.82, followed by Hugh Sinclair, Mark Sutherland, and Brian Laboucane Moving into 4th place overall, with Kelly Sutherland now sitting on the outside in 5th place overall.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Buddy Bensmiller Rebounds With The Top Time Of Night 5

News — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:54:42 GMT

Buddy Bensmiller - Better Night On Night 5 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

3-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Buddy Bensmiller, driving the Ronald McDonald House Outfit, won the day money on day 5 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby after posting a penalty free run of 1:14.43.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Bensmiller took the top time of the night by 71 one-hundreds of a second over Kelly Sutherland who placed second on the night. Luke Tournier, Grant Profit and Brian Laboucane rounded out the top five for the night.

Hugh Sinclair leads the overall aggregate standings with a 5 day total of 6:23.90, followed by day Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass, and Kelly Sutherland making a big jump into 4th place overall, with Brian Laboucane still holding onto 5th place overall.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Chuckwagon Legends Bill Greenwood and Norm Haynes Honoured By The Calgary Stampede

News — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:41:07 GMT

2008 Calgary Stampede Pioneers of Rodeo Award Recipients
(L-R): Bill Greenwood, Norm Haynes, Norman Edge
Photo By Billy Melville

July 7, 2008

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede presented three outstanding individuals with awards at the Pioneers’ Luncheon earlier today.

“Every one of us who are part of the Calgary Stampede knows that we are here because of the hundreds of people who came before us,” said George Brookman, Calgary Stampede president and chairman of the board.

“The Pioneers’ Luncheon is an opportunity for us to recognize those members of the community who have helped raise the profile of the rodeo and chuckwagon races.”

The 2008 Pioneers of Rodeo recipients are:

Norman Edge grew up on a ranch west of Cochrane, entering his first Stampede in 1947 where he won the Boys Steer Riding event and $75. During his career, he competed at the Stampede a total of 25 times and went to the pay window almost every year. He has also served as rodeo judge all over North America and judged the Stampede for 20 years in a row.

Bill Greenwood entered his first chuckwagon in the Calgary Stampede in 1946 and quickly established himself as one of the premier chuckwagon drivers. In 1958, he won the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby and World Championship for the first time. He won at the Stampede two more times in 1965 and 1966. In 1979, he was honoured with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s Special Tribute award.

Norm Haynes started outriding in 1947 and gained prominence in 1950 when he won his first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby as an outrider riding along side his father Bill Haynes for Bob Heberling’s winning outfit. It was the first time a father-son combination outrode for the Rangeland Derby Champion in the same year. After an injury ended his outriding career, Haynes became the judging co-ordinator for Stampede chuckwagon racing, a position he held for 41 years until his retirement at the end of the 2007 Calgary Stampede.

For more information, please contact:
Doug Fraser
Media Relations Manager
T 403.261.0242
C 403.585.3376
F 403.261.0190
E dfraser@calgarystampede.com

Kelly Sutherland Back In Contention On Night 4 In Calgary

News — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:20:25 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Best Of The Bunch On Night 4 In Calgary
Photo By Billy Melville

A night that was full of big interference penalties, 10-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Kelly Sutherland, driving the Talk & Train From The Hear Now Inc. Outfit, won the day money on day 4 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby after posting a penalty free run of 1:17.02.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 4, Sutherland took the top time of the night by 30 one-hundreds of a second over Grant Profit who placed second on the night. Jerry Bremner, Reg Johnstone and Vern Nolin rounded out the top five for the night.

Hugh Sinclair jumped into the lead in the overall aggregate standings with a 4 day total of 5:07.03, followed by day 2 and day 3 leader Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass, and Leo Tounier making out the ever so important top 4 overall, with Brian Laboucane moving into 5th place overall. Buddy Bensmiller and Luke Tournier, among the leaders last night, fell out of contention after both driver were hit with big wagon interference penalties.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Smokes Them All On Night 3 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:05:43 GMT

Leo Tournier - Wins Day Money On Night 3 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

With the rains and penalties coming down, 2007 Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby Champion Leo Tournier, driving the Friends of the Mavericks Outfit, won the day money on day 3 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby after posting a penalty free run of 1:14.58.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 5, Tournier took the top time of the night by 36 one-hundreds of a second over his older brother Luke Tournier who placed second on the night. Kelly Sutherland, Reg Johnstone and Grant Profit rounded out the top five for the night.

Mark Sutherland continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a 3 day total of 3:48.83, followed by Hugh Sinclair , Luke Tournier, and Buddy Bensmiller making out the ever so important top 4 overall, with Jason Glass slipping into 5th place overall.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Wins Day 2 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:01:04 GMT

Hugh Sinclair - Wins the Day Money On Night 2 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

3-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Hugh Sinclair, driving the Pasha Restaurant and Lounge Outfit, won the day money on day 2 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby with the top time of the week so far at 1:13.51.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 6, Sinclair took the top time of the night by 85 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Glass who placed second on the night. Mark Sutherland, Kurt Bensmiller and Kelly Sutherland rounded out the top five for the night.

Mark Sutherland leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2 day total of 2:32.34, followed by Jason Glass, Hugh Sinclair, Kurt Bensmiller, with day 1 winner Buddy Bensmiller on the outside looking in 5th place overall.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Buddy Bensmiller Wins Opening Night Of The 2008 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:00:53 GMT

Buddy Bensmiller - First On First Night In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

3-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion Buddy Bensmiller, driving the Cowboys ACERA Developments Inc.- TRC Ranch Outfit, opened up the 2008 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby with the top time of 1:16.50 on night 1.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 8, Bensmiller took the top time of the night by 1.4 seconds over Mark Sutherland who placed second on the night. Kirk Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Grant Preece rounded out the top five for the night.

The Top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday will qualify for Sunday's sudden death championship final heat for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. The wagon qualifying in top spot for Sunday's final receives the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award for the top aggregate time.

Billy Melville

Doug Irvine Sweeps 2008 Ponoka Stampede Championship

News — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:33:07 GMT

2008 Ponoka Stampede Champions
B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): Outriders - Dave Biever, Dale Gray, Ponoka Stampede's Don Brennan,
Driver Doug Irvine, Dacia Irvine, Jimmi Lou Irvine,
Outriders Eddie Melville, Chance Flad
Photo By Billy Melville

On another perfect day in Ponoka, Doug Irvine, driving the B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Dave Biever, Chance Flad, Dale Gray and Eddie Melville captured the 2008 Ponoka Stampede Championship. It was the first career win for Irvine who has been driving since 1998, and he did it in his 3rd career sudden death final.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Irvine won the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat over Luke Tournier, Hugh Sinclair and Rae Croteau Jr. in an exciting conclusion to the 2008 Ponoka Stampede. His 1:14.65 was just 7 one-hundreds of a second faster than Luke Tournier who placed 2nd in the sudden death final, with Hugh Sinclair and Rae Croteau Jr. placing 3rd and 4th respectively.

Jerry Bremner, driving the TrailBlazer RV Centre outfit took the top time of the night posting a 1:13.30 from barrel number 2 in heat number 6. Jason Glass, Buddy Bensmiller, Doug Irvine and Luke Tournier filled out the top five for the night.

Doug Irvine made it a clean sweep by having the best six day aggregate followed closely by Luke Tournier, Rae Croteau Jr., Jason Glass and Hugh Sinclair. Doug Irvine will also receive the Strike Energy Services Safe Drive Award for having the least number of penalty seconds over the 6 day event.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now takes a break for the Calgary Stampede July 4-13, 2008. Live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network will begin on Friday night at 7:00pm.

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Takes The Day Money And Qualifys For Tuesday's $50,000.00 Sudden Death Final

News — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:23:23 GMT

Hugh Sinclair - Comes Through With A Big Run On Night 5 In Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

The final 4 in the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship Final have been set. Rae Croteau Jr. will be joined by Doug Irvine, Luke Tournier and Hugh Sinclair, with Codey McCurrach just missing out on his first career sudden death championship final.

Hugh Sinclair, driving the Geometric Pipeline Solutions outfit, took the top time of the night and moved from 5th place overall into the sudden death final. His 1:13.75 from barrel number 3 in heat number 8 won the day money by 41 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the night. Kelly Sutherland ended up 3rd, Troy Dorchester was 4th, with Tyler Helmig and Jason Glass splitting 5th and 6th for the night.

Rae Croteau Jr. overtook the lead in the aggregate and will draw his barrel position first in Tuesday's $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship Final . Croteau Jr.'s 5 day aggregate time of 6:13.31 was just 22 one-hundreds of a second better than Doug irvine who held onto first place overall from days 1 through 4. Luke Tournier ended up in third place with Hugh Sinclair filling out the final four by 89 one-hundreds of a second over Codey McCurrach who just missed the sudden death final in 5th place overall.

Tuesday's races to decide the winner of Ponoka Stampede Championship and the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship Final will begin at 6:00pm with live radio coverage on the Chuckwagon Radio Network.

Billy Melville

Track Record Falls For The 2nd Time This Week At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:55:57 GMT

Luke Tournier - Track Record Run On Night 4 In Ponoka
Billy Melville Collection

For the second time in 4 nights, the track record at the Ponoka Stampede has fallen. This time it was Luke Tournier, driving the Glencoe Resources Outfit, who broke the existing mark of 1:13.59 set by Doug Irvine on opening night by 65 one-hundreds of a second. Tournier’s new mark bested the 1:13.00 barrier for the first time on the Ponoka track, and came in at 1:12.94.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 4, Tournier’s track record run was tops by an even half second over Obrey Motowylo who also broke the track record time on opening night, but had to settle for 2nd on the night. Jason Glass, Barry Hodgson and defending Ponoka Stampede champion Jerry Bremner made out the top 5 overall for the night.

Doug Irvine still leads the overall aggregate standings with a 4-day total time of 4:58.19. Track record holder Luke Tournier, Rae Croteau Jr. and Codey McCurrach are the top 4 wagons overall for the $50,000.00 Tommy Dorchester Sudden Death Championship Final Heat, with Hugh Sinclair sitting just outside the final 4 in 5th place overall. Monday’s races can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio network starting at 7:00pm.

Billy Melville

Luke Tournier Steals Top Time On Night 3 In Ponoka

News — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:13:01 GMT

Luke Tournier - Bests All On Night 3 In Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

Another perfect day at the Ponoka Stampede Championship, and day 3 saw Luke Tournier, driving the Glencoe Resources Outfit take top money of the day with a run of 1:13.61.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 4, Tournier just missed the track record and took the top time by just14 one-hundreds of a second over Codey McCurrach who placed 2nd for the night. Rae Croteau Jr., Hugh Sinclair and Mark Sutherland made out the top 5 overall for the night.

Doug Irvine continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day total time of 3:43.55. Rae Croteau Jr., Luke Tournier and Codey McCurrach are the top 4 wagons overall, with local favorite Troy Dorchester looking in from 5th place overall after 3 nights.

There are 2 runs left to determine the 4 chuckwagons who will qualify for Tuesday's Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. Top chuckwagon in the winner of the sudden death heat wins the Ponoka Stampede Championship.

NOTE: DAY 3 TIMES AND POINTS WERE REVISED AT 12:00PM JUNE 29.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Takes Top Time Of Day 2 Of The Ponoka Stampede

News — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:39:21 GMT

Jason Glass - Number 1 On Night 2 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

Conditions were perfect on day 2 of the Ponoka Stampede Championship which saw former Jason Glass, driving the World Financial Group Outfit, won the day money with a first place run of 1:14.28.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Glass took the top time by just 2 one-hundreds of a second over Brian Mayan who was in search of his first career day money run. Doug Irvine, Leo Tournier and Troy Dorchester filled out the top five for the night.

Doug Irvine leads the overall aggregate with a 2-day total time of 2:28.02. Troy Dorchester , Rae Croteau Jr. and Jason Glass make out the final 4 right now with Obrey Motowylo and Kelly Sutherland just on the outside tied for 5th place overall. Top 4 Chuckwagons In The Aggregate Standings After The First 5 Days Of Racing Qualify For Tuesday's Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. Top Chuckwagon In The Winner Of The Sudden Death Heat Wins The Ponoka Stampede Championship.

Billy Melville

Doug Irvine Sets New Track Record At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:25:44 GMT

Doug Irvine - Ponoka Stampede Track Record Holder
Photo By Carol Easton

On a night that saw 18 seconds in outrider penalties, day 1 of the Ponoka Stampede Championship saw Doug Irvine, driving the B & R Eckels Transport Outfit, take the top money with a track record run of 1:13.59.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat 2, Irvine took the top time by 1.88 seconds over Codey McCurrach who placed 2nd for the night. Rae Croteau Jr., Troy Dorchester and Luke Tournier filled out the top five for the night. Irvine's 1:13.59 bettered Jason Glass previous track record by 48 one-hundreds of a second. Glass set the track record of 1:14.07 back in 2006.

Top 4 Chuckwagons In The Aggregate Standings After The First 5 Days Of Racing Qualify For Tuesday's Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death heat wins The Ponoka Stampede Championship.

Billy Melville