Half Mile of Hell / WPCA News Feed

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.

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 29 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 23, 2010.

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 September 1, 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

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 2010 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.

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 Record Tying 7th 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 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 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.

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 is chuckwagon driver Layne MacGillivray.

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