Half Mile of Hell / WPCA News Feed

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

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

News — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:16:44 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:15:41 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:34:54 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:21:43 GMT

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

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

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

News — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:50:49 GMT

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

Veteran outrider will “shave his lid for a kid”

News — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:27:50 GMT

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

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

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

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

Thanks to the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Supporters

News — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:36:27 GMT

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

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

The 1st Annual Calcutta Winners:

1st Place:

Blair Vold, Vold Jones Vold

Team: Troy Flad/ Doug Irvine

Total Combined Time: 5:12.94

2nd Place:

Don Adams, Jay-Co Welding

Team: Luke Tournier/ Buddy Bensmiller

Total Combined Time: 5:13.00

3rd Place:

Jerry Semens, Instinct Trucking

Team: Chad Harden/ Floyd Bradshaw

Total Combined Time: 5:13.35

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

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

Thank You!

To all Volunteers, Participants, Sponsors and Spectators!

2009 WPCA Official Tour Sponsors

Dodge, EnCana, Wrangler, Mannington, Kubota, WestJet

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

Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Tarp Sponsors

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

Heat Sponsors

CE Franklin
Ron May Consulting

Bronze Sponsors

Falcon Homes
Highwood Distillers
Storm Front Promotions Inc.

Copper Sponsors

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

Equipment Sponsors

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

Official Hotel Supplier of the Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship

Capri Centre

Media Supporters

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

Event/ Volunteer / Silent Auction Supporters

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

Red Deer Chuckwagon Committee

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

CHICKWAGON! thanks the Women of the Wagons

News — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:22:01 GMT

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

Sincerely,

CHICKWAGON! Foundation for Women

Celebrating 10 Years in PINK!

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

News — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:52:12 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

Red Deer Races Cancelled For the Second Consecutive Day

News — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:05:44 GMT

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:54:39 GMT

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:56:04 GMT

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

Hugh Sinclair Captures 5th Career Battle Of The North Championship

News — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:02:03 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 22:14:43 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:48:27 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:56:53 GMT

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

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

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

Despite the 1 second penalty, Grant Profit sits first overall with a 2 day combined time of 2:31.78 after 2 runs in Dawson Creek. Hugh Sinclair sits 36 one hundreds of a second behind the leader Grant Profit, with Chad Harden and Buddy Bensmiller currently filling out the top four overall. Obrey Motowylo is in 5th place overall just 4 one-hundreds of a second out of the 4th place. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday’s run will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $10,000.00 and the 2009 Battle of the North Championship.

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

Billy Melville

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

News — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:57:07 GMT

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

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

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

The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday’s run will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home $10,000.00 and the 2009 Battle of the North Championship. Racing will continue Thursday through Sunday starting at 7:30pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network every night starting at 7:00pm (MST).

Billy Melville

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

News — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:04:44 GMT

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

After four days of running, Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner survived the playoff round and would participate in the sudden death championship final heat to declare the winner of the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Once again it was an exciting final heat witnessed by a capacity crowd, and when it was over the CMP Automotive outfit, driven by Jason Glass along with outriders Todd Goodley and Jason Lemieux, took home the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and the brand new Dodge Truck.

In a penalty free sudden death championship final heat, and from the number 3 barrel position, Jason Glass beat out Jerry Bremner who placed 2nd in the heat from barrel number 1, followed by Obrey Motowylo who placed 3rd from barrel number 4 and finally Kelly Sutherland placed 4th from barrel number 2, to capture his 1st career WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and drove off in a new Dodge Truck in Monday's sudden death final. It was the 1st victory for Jason Glass at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in his 6th trip to sudden death final.

Top time for the day went to Grant Profit driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting Outfit. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Profit posted the fast time of the day with a 1:17.11, and won the day money by 8 one-hundreds of a seconds over Jason Glass who placed 2nd overall for the night. Kirk Sutherland, Jerry Bremner and Troy Dorchester made out the top 5 for the night.

Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Logan James and Kris Flanagan, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title last night after posting the best 4-day aggregate time of 5:09.23.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves on to Dawson Creek, British Columbia for the Battle of the North Championship starting Wednesday, August 5, 2009 and running through to Sunday, August 9, 2009. Racing will run ever night starting at 7:00pm (MST). Live radio coverage of the Battle of the North can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network every night starting at 6:30pm (MST).

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner Will Race For the Dodge Pro Tour Championship Monday Afternoon

News — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:22:32 GMT

2009 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champions
H & E Oilfield Services Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Logan James, Driver Obrey Motowylo, Outrider Kris Flanagan
Photo By Billy Melville

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool Final Standings
(Top 4 Qualify For Monday's Sudden Death Final)
Rank	Driver	Final Tour Total
1	Kelly Sutherland	32
2	Obrey Motowylo	31
3	Jason Glass	29
4	Jerry Bremner	24
5	Doug Irvine	22
6	Kirk Sutherland	17
7	Kurt Bensmiller	13
8	Mark Sutherland	12

After 4 days of running, the sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship has been set. Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner will run for the Dodge Truck in Monday's sudden death final. Doug Irvine just missed the sudden death championship final heat by 2 points finishing in 5th overall in the playoff points standings, followed closely by Kirk Sutherland, Kurt Bensmiller and Mark Sutherland.

Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Logan James and Kris Flanagan, captured the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede title for having the best 4-day aggregate time of 5:09.23. Kelly Sutherland finished 2nd overall just 18 one-hundreds of a second behind Motowylo, with Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Lincoln Douglas rounding out the top 5 overall. It was Motowylo’s 2nd show win of the year and his career having first won the Ponoka Stampede earlier this past July.

Top time of the night went to Strathmore track record holder Hugh Sinclair after posting the fast time of the meet so far with a 1:15.87. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 6, Sinclair, driving the Denali outfit, took the top time of the night by just 3 one-hundreds of a second over 3-time Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champion Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the night. Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Kelly Sutherland filled out the top five for the night.

The finals of the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship will wrap up on Monday at 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network on Monday starting at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Takes Over The Lead At The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:14:32 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Everywhere On Day 3 In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool Day 3 Standings
(Top 4 After Sunday Qualify For Monday's Sudden Death Final)
Rank	Driver	3 Day Tour Total
1	Obrey Motowylo	21
2	Kelly Sutherland	18
3	Jerry Bremner	18
4	Jason Glass	15
5	Doug Irvine	14
6	Kirk Sutherland	9
7	Kurt Bensmiller	7
8	Mark Sutherland	6

Night 3 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore continued Saturday night, and for the second consecutive night Obrey Motowylo took the top time among the elite 8 in the playoff pool, and now sits atop the Tour Point Standings where the top 4 after tomorrows run will compete in Monday’s sudden death final. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 9, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit took the top time of the 8 drivers in the playoff pool with a 1:17.35, followed by Jerry Bremner, Jason Glass, Doug Irvine and Kelly Sutherland.

Motowylo now sits in first place in the playoff point pool with a 3 day total of 21 points. Kelly Sutherland and Jerry Bremner are currently splitting 2nd and 3rd while Jason Glass is holding on to the last qualifying spot with one run to go. Doug Irvine slipped to 5th overall in the playoff pool but is just a single point behind Jason Glass.

As far as the day results go, Obrey Motowylo’s 1:17.35 was also the fast time of the night, just 2 one one-hundreds of a second faster than Darcy Flad who placed second overall for the night. Shane Cartier was 3rd, followed by Lincoln Douglas and Jerry Bremner rounding out the top 5 for the night.

For the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, the day money run vaulted Obrey Motowylo to 1st place in the overall aggregate standings with a 3-day total time of 3:51.57. Lincoln Douglas sits second overall 1.49 seconds behind Motowylo, with Kelly Sutherland, Rick Fraser and Jerry Bremner filling out the top 5 overall after 3 days.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool after Sunday’s run will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing on Sunday will run at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network on Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Still Leads The Playoff Pool At The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship In Strathmore

News — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:23:47 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Still Number One in the Playoff Pool After 2 Nights In Strathmore
Photo By Carol Easton

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool
Rank	Driver	2 Day Tour Total
1	Kelly Sutherland	14
2	Obrey Motowylo	13
3	Jerry Bremner	11
4/5	Doug Irvine	9
4/5	Jason Glass	9
6	Kirk Sutherland	7
7	Mark Sutherland	5
8	Kurt Bensmiller	4

Night 2 of the season showcase WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship in Strathmore continued Friday night, and Obrey Motowylo took the top time among the elite 8 gunning for a spot in Monday’s sudden death final. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 9, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:16.40, followed by Doug Irvine, Kelly Sutherland, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner.

Kelly Sutherland, twice a winner of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, continues to lead the playoff point pool with a 2 day total of 14 points. Obrey Motowylo sits alone in 2nd place with 13 points followed by Jerry Bremner in 3rd place with 11 points, while Doug Irvine and Jason Glass are tied for 4th and 5th overall in the playoff pool each with 9 points.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Rick Fraser, driving the Ralph’s Motorsports outfit, took the top time of the night and the fastest time of the meet so far with run of 1:15.90, 50 one one-hundreds of a second faster than Obrey Motowylo who placed second overall for the night, followed by Troy Dorchester in 3rd, while Doug Irvine, Tim Haroldson and Mike Vigen all tied for 4th place on the night. Haroldson and Vigen were involved in a dead heat in heat number 4.

Brian Mayan leads the overall aggregate standings with a 2-day total time of 2:33.44. 3-time Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Champion and day 2 winner Rick Fraser sits second overall 42 one one-hundreds of a seconds behind Mayan, with Obrey Motowylo, Troy Dorchester and Kelly Sutherland filling out the top 5 overall after 2 days.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing will run Saturday and Sunday at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network Thursday through Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads The Playoff Pool On Night One Of The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship

News — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:57:13 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Leads The Playoff Pool After 1 Night In Strathmore
Photo By Paul Easton

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship
Playoff Pool
Rank	Driver	Tour Total
1	Kelly Sutherland	8
2	Jerry Bremner	7
3	Kirk Sutherland	6
4	Obrey Motowylo	5
5	Jason Glass	4
6	Mark Sutherland	3
7	Doug Irvine	2
8	Kurt Bensmiller	1

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 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion. Top chuckwagon in the aggregate amongst all 36 competing wagons after 4 days wins the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship.

Kelly Sutherland, twice a winner of the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship, leads the playoff point pool by taking the top time among the 8 playoff contestants. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat 8, Sutherland, driving the Kerridge Concrete outfit took the top time of the elite 8 with a 1:17.11, followed by Jerry Bremner, Kirk Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo and Jason Glass.

As far as the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship, which is given to the top wagon in the aggregate after 4 days, Cliff Cunningham, driving the Benevolent Pirates outfit took the top time of the night overall from barrel number 4 in heat 4 posting a penalty free run of 1:16.11, just one one-hundred of a second over Brian Mayan who placed second for the night and was hooked in the same heat number 4. Kelly Sutherland, Grant Profit and Barry Hodgson rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top 4 point earners in the playoff pool will compete in Monday's sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship. Racing will run Friday through Sunday at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network Thursday through Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Nominations for 2009 Year End Awards Banquet Now Being Accepted

News — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:29:52 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is now accepting award nominations for the 2009 race season. The Year End Awards Banquet is an important component to the sport of chuckwagon racing and has allowed the WPCA to honor excellence in the sport of chuckwagon racing as well as advocate for community involvement, equine safety and knowledge, western heritage and sportmanship for over 28 years.

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, the Year End Awards Banquet will be held on October 24, 2009 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta. All award nominations must be submitted by August 25, 2009.

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

Email: office@wpca.com

Fax: 403-279-2247

Mail: WPCA, #3A, 2828 - 18th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7B1

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

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:59:12 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial
Badlands Dinosaur Derby
LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Jerry	Reg Johnstone	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Polite	Léo Tournier
Prince	Grant Profit	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Fry	Reg Johnstone
Dream	Léo Tournier	Puck	Grant Profit
Highway	Jason Glass	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Port	Luke Tournier	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Gold	Luke Tournier	Fling	Luke Tournier
Morning	Codey McCurrach	Cajun	Luke Tournier
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Regent	Codey McCurrach
Snip	Rae Croteau Jr.

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Devil	Léo Tournier	Stryker	Grant Profit
Cash	Obrey Motowylo	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Johnny	Grant Profit	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Doc	Reg Johnstone
General	Reg Johnstone	Tee	Léo Tournier
Brass	Luke Tournier	Alex	Jason Glass
Jerry	Codey McCurrach	Quick	Jerry Bremner
Ledbury	Jason Glass	Ryder	Luke Tournier
Cash	Chad Harden	Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Aloha	Hugh Sinclair	Copper	Luke Tournier

OUTRIDING HORSES
Horse Name	Owner
Cole	Luke Tournier
Rahy	Jason Glass
Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
Benny	Obrey Motowylo
Steele	Léo Tournier
Boo	Reg Johnstone
Group	Reg Johnstone
Blue	Luke Tournier
Tee	Grant Profit
Phillip	Léo Tournier

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:29:29 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The Richard Cosgrave Memorial
Badlands Dinosaur Derby
Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Caradan Chemicals #1	4106.5
2	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	4087.5
3	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	4061
4	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	4058
5	H & E Oilfield Services #1	4043
6	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #1	4028
7	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	4018
8	JLT Construction #1	3937.5
9	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	3928
10	Image Distributors Team #1	3923.5
11	Fountain Contracting Team #1	3920.5
12	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	3910.5
13	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	3879.5
14	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	3879
15	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	3797.5
16	Caradan Chemicals #3	3773
17	Birchcliff Energy	3765.5
18	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	3715.5
19	Caradan Chemicals #2	3694.5
20	Image Distributors Team #3	3670.5
21	World Financial Group #1	3669.5
22	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	3611.5
23	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	3597
24	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	3596.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #3	3508
26	Fountain Contracting Team #2	3474
27	Image Distributors Team #4	3429
28	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	3400
29	Image Distributors Team #2	3397.5
30	Enerstar Inc.	3388.5
31	H & E Oilfield Services #2	3384.5
32	World Financial Group #2	3219.5
33	World Financial Group #3	3218
34	H & E Oilfield Services #4	3199
35	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	3106

"The King" Kelly Sutherland Captures The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby For First Career Drumheller Crown

News — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:48:30 GMT

2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champions
Gallery Homes Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chance Flad, Driver Kelly Sutherland, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Cori Lynn Mercier

After an overnight rain cooled down the Drumheller valley, a very comfortable day of chuckwagon racing was enjoyed by the Drumheller capacity crowd. Kelly Sutherland, driving the Gallery Homes outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Chanse Vigen captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller. It’s the first time in his career that Kelly Sutherland has won in Drumheller.

Sutherland started the day in 5th place overall, and thanks to the strength of a day money run, jumped to the top of the aggregate standings and won the championship after posting the best 3-day total time of 3:24.04. Jason Glass finished 2nd overall 67 one-hundreds of a second behind Sutherland, with defending Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Luke Tournier in 3rd place overall followed by 3-time World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jerry Bremner and Mark Sutherland who finished 5th overall.

As far as the day results are concerned, Kelly Sutherland also posted the fast time of the day with a 1:08.24. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 11, Kelly Sutherland, driving the Gallery Homes outfit, posted the top time of the day by just 8 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo who placed 2nd for the day. Mark Sutherland, Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner filled out the top five for the night.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede in Strathmore, Alberta starting on Thursday July 30, 2008 at 7:15pm. The top eight drivers in the World Standings prior to the start of the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede, qualify for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship playoff round. Amongst the 8 playoff qualifiers, the first place wagon on each night receives eight points, and the eighth place wagon receives one point. After four nights of competition, the top four in the playoff points system compete in a winner take all, sudden death championship final heat to determine the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Champion. Top chuckwagon in the aggregate amongst all 36 competing wagons after 4 days wins the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede Championship.

There will be a new winner of this year's WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship as the defending champion Hugh Sinclair failed to make the top eight in the World Standing coming out of the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller.

Racing will run Thursday through Sunday at 7:15pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:30pm. Live radio coverage for the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship and Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network Thursday through Sunday at 6:45pm with Monday’s finals scheduled for 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kirk Sutherland Takes Day Money On Night 2 Of The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby

News — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:15:41 GMT

Kirk Sutherland - 1st On The Night And 1st Overall In Drumheller
Photo By Carol Easton

It was another scorching hot day in the Drumheller valley, and another great day of chuckwagon racing was witnessed by a capacity crowd at the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. Day 2 saw Kirk Sutherland take the top time of the night.

Coming off barrel number 2 in an all Sutherland heat number 11, Kirk Sutherland, driving the EMCO outfit, posted the top time of the day with a run of 1:06.84, and won top money for the day by just 2 one-hundreds of a second over his brother Kelly Sutherland who was also competing in heat number 11. Troy Flad placed 3rd for the day with Grant Profit placing 4th and Reg Johnstone making out the top five for the night.

The day money run vaulted Kirk Sutherland to the top of the leader board where he sits in first place overall with a 2-day total time of 2:14.71. Grant Profit sits second overall 45 one-hundreds of a second behind Sutherland, with defending Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Luke Tournier in 3rd place overall followed by 3-time Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Rae Croteau Jr. and Kelly Sutherland who sits 5th overall. The top wagon in the aggregate standings after Sunday’s run will win the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby.

The finals of the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby in Drumheller will run on Sunday at 4:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on starting at 3:30pm.

Billy Melville

3-Time Badlands Dinosaur Derby Rae Croteau Jr. On Top After Night 1 In Drumheller

News — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:59:12 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Best Run On Night 1 In Drumheller
Photo By Carol Easton

The 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby opened up on a hot Friday night in Drumheller, and 3-time Badlands Dinosaur Derby Champion Rae Croteau Jr. took the top time on night number 1.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Croteau, driving the Ramada - Drumheller outfit, posted the top time of the day with a run of 1:07.42, and won the day money by 11 one-hundreds of a second over defending Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion Luke Tournier who placed 2nd for the night. Jerry Bremner, Grant Profit and Kirk Sutherland filled out the top five for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate standings after Sunday’s run will win the 2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby. Day 2 action from Drumheller will run Saturday night starting at 7:00pm, with the finals on Sunday at 4:00pm. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Saturday starting at 6:30pm, and again on Sunday at 3:30pm.

Billy Melville

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

News — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:43 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship
LEFT LEADER			RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner		Horse Name	Owner
Jerry	Reg Johnstone		Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo		Polite	Léo Tournier
Prince	Grant Profit		Puck	Grant Profit
Highway	Jason Glass		Fry	Reg Johnstone
Dream	Léo Tournier		Regent	Codey McCurrach
Morning	Codey McCurrach		Tycoon	Jason Glass
Gold	Luke Tournier		Cajun	Luke Tournier
Port	Luke Tournier		Fred	Chad Harden
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair		Captain	Hugh Sinclair
Snip	Rae Croteau Jr.		Reggie	Kelly Sutherland

LEFT WHEELER			RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner		Horse Name	Owner
Devil	Léo Tournier		Stryker	Grant Profit
Cash	Obrey Motowylo		Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Johnny	Grant Profit		Tee	Léo Tournier
General	Reg Johnstone		Doc	Reg Johnstone
Jerry	Codey McCurrach		Alex	Jason Glass
Ledbury	Jason Glass		Ryder	Luke Tournier
Cash	Chad Harden		Ciano	Hugh Sinclair
Brass	Luke Tournier		Money	Kelly Sutherland
Aloha	Hugh Sinclair		Blazer	Rae Croteau Jr.
Slew	Kelly Sutherland		Quick	Jerry Bremner

	OUTRIDING HORSES
	Horse Name	Owner
	Cole	Luke Tournier
	Rahy	Jason Glass
	Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
	Benny	Obrey Motowylo
	Steele	Léo Tournier
	Boo	Reg Johnstone
	Group	Reg Johnstone
	Tee	Grant Profit
	Phillip	Léo Tournier
	Blue	Luke Tournier

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:27:54 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Caradan Chemicals #1	3571.5
2	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	3550.5
3	JaCo Welding & Consulting #1	3549
4	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	3537
5	H&E Oilfield Services #1	3535.5
6	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	3533.5
7	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	3511
8	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	3471.5
9	Image Distributors Team #1	3467
10	JLT Construction #1	3457.5
11	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	3426
12	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	3389
13	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	3364
14	Fountain Contracting Team #1	3363
15	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	3334
16	Caradan Chemicals #3	3307
17	Birchcliff Energy	3304.5
18	Caradan Chemicals #2	3284.5
19	World Financial Group #1	3229
20	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	3203.5
21	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	3188
22	Image Distributors Team #3	3166
23	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	3141.5
24	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	3131.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #3	3107
26	Fountain Contracting Team #2	3069.5
27	Image Distributors Team #4	3034.5
28	Enerstar Inc.	3016
29	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	2997
30	H & E Oilfield Services #2	2931.5
31	Image Distributors Team #2	2918.5
32	World Financial Group #3	2777
33	World Financial Group #2	2766.5
34	H&E Oilfield Services #4	2702
35	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	2667.5

Brian Mayan Wins The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship For 2nd Career Show Championship Win

News — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:40:07 GMT

2009 Bonnyville Chuckawagon Championship Champions
George Normand Memorial $15,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat
Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Reo King, Ryan McAleney, Driver Brian Mayan, Bobbi Normand Presenting
Photo By Cori Lynne Mercier

The 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship finished up on a sloppy tack on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and Brian Mayan, driving the Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants outfit, and along with outriders Reo King and Ryan McAleney, won the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat and the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship.

It was a penalty free heat and coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 12, Mayan won the sudden death final on a sloppy racetrack by 1.53 seconds over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd from barrel number 1, followed by Obrey Motowylo who placed 3rd from barrel number 2, 2.29 seconds behind the champion Brian Mayan. It was the 2nd career show championship win for Brian Mayan who captured the season ending Edmonton Chuckwagon Derby in 2008. Mayan also ended up with the best 4 day aggregate with a total time of 5:19.14, followed by Jerry Bremner, Rick Fraser, Kelly Sutherland and Kurt Bensmiller filling out the top 5 overall.

As far as day results are concerned, Mike Vigen, driving the Hamel's Meat Market outfit, win top money for the day with a run of 1:22.56. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 2, Vigen won top money by 9 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Glass who placed 2nd for the night, with Codey McCurrach, Kirk Sutherland and Tyler Helmig making out the top five for the night.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves onto Drumheller, Alberta for the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby starting Friday July 24, 2009 and running through to Sunday, July 26, 2009. Races will run Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals on Sunday at 4:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network running Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at 3:30pm.

Billy Melville

Léo Tournier Breaks Track Record In Bonnyville - $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Has Now Been Set

News — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:13:01 GMT

Léo Tournier - Track Record Run On Night 3 In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

The 2nd running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat for the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship has now been set. Rick Fraser will be joined by Obrey Motowylo and Brian Mayan in Sunday’s final. Rick Fraser qualified in first place overall with a 3 day combined time of 3:54.66 just 34 one-hundreds of a second ahead of 2 day leader Obrey Motowylo, with Brian Mayan qualifying in 3rd place overall another 11 one-hundreds of a second behind Motowylo. Jerry Bremner, who was in last year’s Bonnyville final, just missed the final heat finishing in 4th place overall, 31 one-hundreds of a second out of Sunday’s final. Local favorite Kurt Bensmiller rounded out the top 5 overall. There will be a new champion in Bonnyville as 2008 champion Kelly Sutherland ended up in 7th place overall and missed the sudden death final by 1.46 seconds.

Day 3 also saw the track record fall for the 3rd consecutive day, Léo Tournier, driving the Cougar Fuels outfit, took the day money with a track record run of 1:15.27. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 7, Tournier won top money by 35 one-hundreds of a second over Cody Ridsdale, who placed 2nd for the night. Jerry Bremner, Kurt Bensmiller and Luke Tournier filled out the top five for the night.

The top 3 wagons in the aggregate standings will now compete in the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat where the winner will take home the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. The finals from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will run on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at beginning at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Jumps To First Place Overall After A Track Record Run On Night 2 Of The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:05:20 GMT

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

It was a hot sunny night on a fast track in Bonnyville, and for the second consecutive night the track record fell as 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion Obrey Motowylo posted bettered Lincoln Douglas’ mark set Thursday night by a full half second.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 12, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, established a new track record with a very speedy 1:16.69 and took the top time of the night by just 5 one-hundreds of a second over former 4-time Calgary Stampede Champion Hugh Sinclair. Luke Tournier, Reg Johnstone and Rick Fraser filled out the top five for the night. The top 3 wagons on night 2 all bettered the former track record time of 1:17.09 set by Lincoln Douglas on night number 1.

The track record run also vaulted Obrey Motowylo into first place overall with a 2 day combined time of 2:37.78. Floyd Bradshaw sits 2nd overall, 3 one-hundreds of a second behind Motowylo, with Rick Fraser holding on to that very valuable 3rd place overall. Hugh Sinclair and Brain Mayan currently fill out the top 5 overall.

The top 3 wagons in the aggregate standings after Saturday’s run will compete in the 15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Championship Final heat where the winner will take home the 2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. The chuckwagon races from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will continue Saturday evening starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at beginning at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

Lincoln Douglas Sets A Track Record Run On Night One At The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship

News — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:03:50 GMT

Lincoln Douglas - Track Record Run On Night 1 In Bonnyville
Photo By Carol Easton

After a 10 day break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship and the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster, 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour resumed with the running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. There was a dark cloud hovering over the Bonnyville racetrack that dropped a large amount of rain on the Bonnyville racetrack in a short period of time. But after the rains subsided it turned out to be a pleasant evening that was enjoyed by all, and saw Lincoln Douglas, driving the Fountain Contracting & Management outfit, take his first career day money on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour with a track record run of 1:17.06.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 2, Douglas bettered Kelly Sutherland’s 2008 track record of 1:20.65 by more than 3 and a half seconds, and won top money for the day by 71 one-hundreds of a second over former Bonnyville track record holder Chance Bensmiller who placed 2nd for the night. Floyd Bradshaw, Cody Ridsdale and Layne MacGillivray filled out the top five for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship will continue Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the $15,000.00 George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network on Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at beginning at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Captures First Career Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:47:05 GMT

2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champions
ATB Financial Outfit
(L-R): Calgary Stampede President and Chairman of the Board Dr. David Chalack presenting,
Outriders Eddie Melville, Jason Lemieux, Driver Chad Harden,
Outriders Jamie Laboucane, Chad Fike
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

The 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship is in the books, and Chad Harden, driving the ATB Financial outfit, and along with outriders Chad Fike, Jamie Laboucane, Jason Lemieux and Eddie Melville emerged from the all WPCA sudden death championship final heat as the champions and $100,000.00 richer. It is the first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship for Harden, and his second career victory having won first at the Ponoka Stampede in 2002.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Harden won the sudden death final by 19 one-hundreds of a second over Tyler Helmig who placed 2nd from barrel number 1, followed by Mark Sutherland who placed 3rd from barrel number 2 and Kelly Sutherland who was 4th from barrel position number 3. Mark Sutherland crossed the finish line first, but was assessed a 1 second penalty for creating a false start allowing Chad Harden to take the final.

As far as day results are concerned, Wayne Knight, driving the Express Employment Professionals outfit, record his second consecutive day money run with a very rapid 1:14.08. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Knight won top money by 3 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night, with Jason Glass, Luke Tournier and Kirk Sutherland making out the top five for the night.

Mark Sutherland received the Calgary Stampede’s Safe Drive Award for the second time in his career for being the least penalized driver over the first 9 nights of the Rangeland Derby. Sutherland was the only driver to run penalty free over the first 9 nights. Obrey Motowylo received the Orville Strandquist Award for Top Rookie Driver. Motowylo won the award for placing 7th overall with earnings of $41,400.00 bettering Barry Hodgson who placed 29th overall with earnings of $20,500.00 and Logan Gorst who tied for 32nd overall with earnings of $19,800.00.

Harden ended up in first place overall with total earnings of $137,900.00 followed by Tyler Helmig who finished 2nd, followed by Mark Sutherland in 3rd place overall with earnings of $45,700.00, Kelly Sutherland was 4th with total earnings of $44,250.00 plus a 2009 GMC Truck that he won for being the 2009 aggregate champion, with Jason Glass rounding out the top five with total earnings of $43,000.00.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now returns starting July 16 - 19, 2009 with the running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship in Bonnyville, Alberta. Races will run Thursday-Saturday starting at 7:00 PM, with the finals and the running of the George Normand Memorial Sudden Death Final on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Live radio coverage can be heard via the chuckwagon radio network running Thursday – Saturday at 6:30pm, with the finals on Sunday at 1:30pm.

Billy Melville

4 WPCA Drivers To Compete In Sunday's Sudden Death Final For The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship

News — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:07:14 GMT

The 2009 Calgary Stampede Sudden Death Finalists In Barrel Draw Order
(L-R): Tyler Helmig, Mark Sutherland, Kelly Sutherland, Chad Harden
Photos By Billy Melville

The sudden death championship final heat for the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship has now been set. Aggregate winner Kelly Sutherland will be joined by Tyler Helmig, Chad Harden and Mark Sutherland in Sunday’s final. It will be the 18th appearance in the final for Kelly Sutherland, the second for Tyler Helmig, while Chad Harden and Mark Sutherland will each be making their first appearance in the Calgary Stampede’s sudden death final. It will be the 11th consecutive year that all the wagons in the championship final have come from the World Professional Chuckwagon Association.

Penalties proved costly to 2008 Aggregate winner Jason Glass, as a 1 second pole out of box penalty cost him a spot in the final. With the penalty, Glass finished just outside the final four 51 one-hundreds of a second behind Mark Sutherland who grabbed the final spot. 3-time Calgary Stampede finalist Neal Walgenbach had a clean run but his time was not fast enough to earn a spot in the final, while big penalties in the barrels eliminated Rae Croteau Jr. and rookie driver Obrey Motowylo early in their respective heats.

The barrel draw for Sunday’s final was made on stage at the completion of the nights races and saw Kelly Sutherland drew position number 3, Tyler Helmig drew barrel position number 1, Chad Harden drew barrel number 4, leaving Mark Sutherland off of barrel number 2, A presentation prior to last night's races was also made to outrider Jamie Laboucane who received the inaugural Calgary Stampede Outstanding Outrider award.

Day 9 also saw Wayne Knight, driving the Express Employment Professionals outfit, record the fast time of the show with a 1:14.05. Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Knight won top money by 71 one-hundreds of a second over defending champion Hugh Sinclair who placed 2nd for the night despite a 1 second late outrider penalty. Rick Fraser, Kelly Sutherland and Tyler Helmig filled out the top five for the night.

The finals from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm on Sunday, July 13. Coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm.

Billy Melville

Kelly Sutherland Leads The Class Of Semi Finalists By Capturing 6th Career Calgary Stampede Aggregate Title

News — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:17:31 GMT

2009 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award Winners
Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champions
Kay-Dee Ranching Outfit
(L-R): Outriders Chanse Vigen, Chance Flad, Driver Kelly Sutherland
Outriders Reo King, Dale Gray Missing: Outrider Dave Bensmiller
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

The final eight have been set for Semi Final Saturday at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship. Kelly Sutherland, Obrey Motowylo, Jason Glass, Chad Harden, Rae Croteau Jr., Neal Walgenbach, Tyler Helmig and Mark Sutherland will all go into Semi Final Saturday looking to emerge as one of the final four in Sunday’s $150,000.00 sudden death championship final heat where the winner will be crowned the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion and walk away with $100,000.00. Rick Fraser just missed the semi finals by one tenth of a second, with Doug Irvine back another 24 one-hundreds of a second and placed 10th overall.

Kelly Sutherland, driving the Kay-Dee Ranching outfit, and along with outriders Dave Bensmiller, Chance Flad, Dale Gray, Reo King and Chanse Vigen, captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Winner. Sutherland posted the best 8 day time of 10:11.53, and won the aggregate by 2.68 seconds over Calgary Stampede rookie driver Obrey Motowylo, with 2008 Aggregate Winner Jason Glass in 3rd place overall, with Chad Harden and Rae Croteau Jr. filling out the top 5 overall. Rick Fraser and Hugh Sinclair, who were in the top 8 at the start of the day, succumbed to penalties and fell out of the running. It was a record 6th time that Kelly Sutherland has won the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Title.

Day 8 also saw Rae Croteau Jr., driving the Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning outfit, record the fast time of the night with a 1:15.18.Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 9, Croteau won top money by 30 one-hundreds of a second over 1998 Calgary Stampede finalist Wayne Knight, with Doug Irvine, Tim Haroldson and Neal Walgenbach filling out the top five for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night starting on Friday, July 3 and continuing until Sunday, July 13. Coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm all ten days.

Billy Melville

Darcy Flad Wins First Career Show Championship At The Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster

News — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:11:58 GMT

Darcy Flad - 2009 Colonial Days Fair Champion
Photo By Paul Easton

The finals of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster wrapped up on Friday night and a new champion emerged from the sudden death final. Darcy Flad, driving an outfit sponsored by Randy Sanders, Kim Larson & Keith Boomhauer, and along with rookie outriders Scott Guenther and Jared Cardinal, and vetran outrider Lanson Gaudry, won the sudden death championship final heat and his first Colonial Days Fair Championship. It was the 4th time Flad had qualified for the sudden death final at the Colonial Days Fair, and the first career show championship win for Darcy Flad.

Coming off barrel position number 1, Flad won the sudden death final by 1.92 seconds over Todd Baptiste who placed 2nd with a one-second late outrider penaltyf rom barrel number 2, with day 2 winner Chance Bensmiller having to settle for third and also had a one-second late outrider penalty from the 3 barrel. Darcy Flad also cleaned up on all the Colonial Days Fair race awards. In addition to winning the show championship, he was the aggregate winner with the fastest 3-day aggregate time of 3:57.29, and took home the Clean Driver and the Fast Time awards. Rookie outrider Jared Cardinal won the High Point Outrider at the show as well.

As far as day results are concerned, Darcy Flad also mon day money with a rapid run of 1:16.23. Flad won top money for the day over Todd Baptiste who placed 2nd, with Ross Knight, Vern Nolin and Chance Bensmiller rounding out the top 5 for the night.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

"The King" Kelly Sutherland Finds First Place On Night 7 Of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:21:39 GMT

Kelly Sutherland - Increases Lead After Night 7 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

There will be just one run to go for those hoping to qualify for Semi Final Saturday. Day 7 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby once again saw the top 8 shuffled a little, with overall leader Kelly Sutherland, driving the Opportunity International outfit, posting the best time of the night with a 1:15.53.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 9, Sutherland won top money by 29 one-hundreds of a second over 2-time Calgary Stampede Champion Luke Tournier who placed 2nd for the night. Chad Harden, Wayne Knight and Doug Irvine filled out the top five for the night.

The day money run allowed Kelly Sutherland to increase his lead atop the overall aggregate standings with a 7 day total of 8:55.13, followed by Obrey Motowylo, Rick Fraser and Jason Glass filling out the top 4, with Chad Harden, Hugh Sinclair, Mark Sutherland and Neal Walgenbach making up the ever so important top 8 for Semi-Final Saturday. Tyler Helmig sits outside the top 8 one-hundreds of a second behind Neal Walgenbach with Rae Croteau Jr. in 10th place overall just 24 one-hundreds of a second outside of 8th place overall.

The aggregate winner will be declared tomorrow night and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday. The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday will go into the sudden death championship final heat on Sunday, July 12. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Billy Melville

Chance Bensmiller Wins First Place On Night Two At The Colonial Days Fair In Lloydminster

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:18:51 GMT

Chance Bensmiller - 1st Place On 2nd Night In Lloydminster
Photo By Paul Easton

Day 2 of the Colonial Days Fair in Lloydminster featuring 26 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA. Saw Chance Bensmiller, driving the Border Driver Education Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:19.79.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat 4, Bensmiller took the top time of the night by 66 one-hundreds of a second over Elton Magee who placed second on the night. Darcy Flad, Todd Baptiste and Layne Bremner rounded out the top five for the night.

Darcy Flad leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day combined time of 2:41.06, and will be joined by day 2 winner Chance Bensmiller and Todd Baptiste in Friday’s sudden death championship final heat for the Colonial Days Fair Championship. Jordie Fike ended up in 4th place overall and just missed the sudden death final by 1.02 seconds, with Elton Magee rounding out the top 5 overall after 2 days. Day 1 winner Kelly Morin knocked over a barrel and was taken out of contention.

The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2009 Calgary Stampede. Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Wins 2nd Consecutive Day Money On Night 6 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:13:46 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - 2nd Consecutive Day Money Run On Night 6 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 6 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby saw heavy rains drench the track, and once again penalties played a major role in the shake up of the leader board. For the second consecutive night, rookie driver Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:17.74.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Motowylo won top money by 32 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night. Roger Moore, Kelly Sutherland and Grant Profit, despite a 1 second penalty, filled out the top five for the night.

Kelly Sutherland moved to the top of overall aggregate with a 6 day total of 7:39.60, followed by Obrey Motowylo, Rick Fraser and Jason Glass filling out the top 4, with Mark Sutherland, Tyler Helmig, Neal Walgenbach and Chad Harden making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday. Untimely penalties knocked Rae Croteau Jr., Doug Irvine and Buddy Bensmiller out of the top 8 for now.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 10, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday. The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday will go into the sudden death championship final heat on Sunday, July 12. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Billy Melville

Kelly Morin Opens Up The Colonial Days Fair With A Day Money Run

News — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:09:59 GMT

Kelly Morin - Top Time On Openiing Night In Lloydminster
Photo By Fred Vidiuk

26 wagons from the WPCA and CPCA embarked on Lloydminster for the Colonial Days Fair. Opening night saw Kelly Morin, driving the Ritchie Construction Outfit, take the day money with a run of 1:20.28.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat 6, Morin took the top time of the night by 22 one-hundreds of a second over Darcy Flad who placed second on the night. Todd Baptiste, Jordie Fike and Chance Bensmiller rounded out the top five for the night.

The Top 3 wagons in the aggregate standings after Thursday will qualify for Friday's sudden death championship final heat for the Colonial Days Fair Championship. The Colonial Days Fair is composed of drivers from both the WPCA and CPCA that are not competing at the 2009 Calgary Stampede. Rangeland Derby.

Billy Melville

Rookie Driver Obrey Motowylo Wins Day Money On Night 5 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:04:45 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Rookie To Win A Day Money Since 1993
Photo By Paul Easton

After the heats and drivers were reshuffled, the second half for qualifying for Semi Final Saturday took place on day 5 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. The track was in great condition, and the night saw rookie driver Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services Ltd. outfit, post the top time of the night with a 1:14.61. It’s the first time a rookie has won day money at the Rangeland Derby since Mike Vigen in 1993.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Motowylo won top money by 83 one-hundreds of a second over overall leader Jason Glass who placed 2nd for the night. Chad Harden, Rae Croteau Jr. and Kelly Sutherland made out the top five for the night.

Jason Glass is still hanging on to lead the overall aggregate with a 5 day total of 6:20.49, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland filling out the top 4, with Obrey Motowylo, Buddy Bensmiller, Rick Fraser and Doug Irvine making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

Billy Melville

Mark Sutherland Survives The Mud On Day 4 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:56:35 GMT

Mark Sutherland - Bests All On A Muddy Day 4 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a cool night and rains fell earlier on Day 4 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. The track was a little slow, and the night saw Mark Sutherland, driving the Bull Moose Capital outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:17.13.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Sutherland won top money by 10 one-hundreds of a second over Rick Fraser who placed 2nd for the night. Rae Croteau Jr. was 3rd, while Doug Irvine and Layne MacGillivray split 4th and 5th for the night.

Jason Glass continues to lead the overall aggregate with a 4 day total of 5:05.05, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Doug Irvine and Mark Sutherland filling out the top 4, with Rae Croteau Jr., Reg Johnstone, Buddy Bensmiller and Rick Fraser making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

There will be a new format for determining the Rangeland Derby champion this year. The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 10, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday. The top 4 times from heats 8 and 9 on semi final Saturday will go into the sudden death championship final heat on Sunday, July 12. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2009 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Billy Melville

Chuckwagon Pioneer Jim Ross Named To The Calgary Stampede's Pioneers Of Rodeo

News — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:09:11 GMT

Jim Ross - 3-Time Calgary Stampede Champion And Newest Member
Of The Calgary Stampede's Pioners Of Rodeo
Billy Melville Collection

The Calgary Stampede handed out it's prestigious Pioneer's of Rodeo Awards July 6, 2009 at the Rotary House on Stampede Park. the class of 2009 included champion rodeo cowboys Jack Daines and Bob Robinson, as well as chuckwagon legend Jim Ross. The honor for Jim Ross marked the 50th anniversary of his passing, and recognized his contributions as a competator, promotor and mentor, and in helping to make the Calgary Stampede the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Jim's daughter Gwen Renouf accepted the award on her father's behalf.

The legend of Jim Ross began in 1925 when he and partner Bayse Collins entered the chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede for the first time. That year the Collins & Ross outfit, with Jim Ross at the reins, captured the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship in just his first attempt. In subsequent years, and thanks in part to outriders Scotty Cameron, Albert Ross, Jack Escott and Bud Snell, Jim would win the Rangeland Derby Championship twice more, in 1929 and again in 1932.

In the pioneering days of chuckwagon racing, Jim established himself as one of the sport's earliest superstars. Between 1925 and 1945 he compiled a very impressive record, winning the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby 3 times and placing in the top 5 overall 6 times, including a runner-up finish in 1927.

Following his victory in 1932, Jim felt he needed more speed on the track and thought thoroughbreds were the way to go, so he sold his outfit to ayoung driver named Dick Cosgrave. It was a move that would haunt Jim the rest of his life as he watched his horses carry Dick Cosgrave to several Calgary Stampede Championships over the following years.

Jim Ross was also a big promotor of chuckwagon racing and the Calgary Stampede in general. He was one of the first chuckwagon drivers to jump on board and participate in the early pancake breakfasts. Jim even enlisted the services of a young ranch hand and part time outrider who played guitar and sang. He felt a little music from off his chuckwagon would be a welcome addition to the many tourists who had flocked to Calgary for the Stampede. Now who would think that singing on Jim Ross' chuckwagon would be a life-altering experience; but it was, and that's how Jim helped launch the career of Wilf Carter. In return, Jim Ross was forever immortalized in Wilf Carter's 1935 song "The Calgary Round-Up."

In the twilight of his competative career, Jim employed a truck driver to haul his horses from wagon race to wagon race. At the end of the 1945 season, he hadn't done so well and the truck driver took 2 horses, a set of harness and a cart in lieu of wages earned. This was how Bill Greenwood, who was a recipient of the Calgary Stampede's Pioneers of Rodeo Award in 2008, got his start in the chuckwagon business.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate the family of Jim Ross, as well as Jack Daines and Bob Robinson for receiving this very prestigious honor.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Posts The Fastest Time Of The Week On Day 3 Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:08:03 GMT

Chad Harden - Best Time Of The Meet On Day 3 Of Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Day 3 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby was another great day for chuckwagon racing as track and weather conditions were once again ideal, but penalties took their toll on a few drivers. The night saw Chad Harden, driving the ATB Financial outfit, posted the top time of the meet so far with a 1:14.44.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 3, Harden won top money by 80 one-hundreds of a second over Doug Irvine, with Grant Preece, Jim Nevada and Jason Glass rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Jason Glass now leads the overall aggregate with a 3 day total of 3:47.14, followed by Kelly Sutherland, Neal Walgenbach and Chad Harden filling out the top 4, with Obrey Motowylo, Reg Johnstone, Jim Nevada and Doug Irvine making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

Billy Melville

Rae Croteau Jr. Posts The Top Time Of Night 2 At The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:46:05 GMT

Rae Croteau Jr. - Big Run On Day 2 In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a little cool and a little rain fell on Day 2 of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, but conditions were very good nonetheless. Rae Croteau Jr., driving the Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning outfit, posted the top time of the night with a 1:15.21.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Croteau won top money by just 2 one-hundreds of a second over 10-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Kelly Sutherland. Neal Walgenbach, Troy Dorchester and Gary Gorst rounded out the top 5 for the night. WPCA drivers took 8 of the top 10 times on the night.

Kelly Sutherland leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:30.90, followed by Gary Gorst, with day 1 winner Jason Glass and Rae Croteau Jr. filling out the top 4, with Grant Profit, Neal Walgenbach, Luke Tournier and Hugh Sinclair making up the top 8 and in the hunt for Semi-Final Saturday.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Takes Top Honors On Opening Night Of The Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby

News — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:39:35 GMT

Jason Glass - Opens Up The 2009 Calgary Stampede With The Top Time
Photo By Paul Easton

The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth kicked off on Friday night in Calgary with the running of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. It was a perfect night for racing with ideal track and weather conditions, and the day saw 2008 Calgary Stampede Aggregate winner Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Pontiac Buick Hummer outfit, open the 2009 Rangeland Derby with the top time of 1:15.17.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Glass won top money by just 10 one-hundreds of a second over the defending Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Hugh Sinclair. Gary Gorst, Kelly Sutherland and Ray Mitsuing rounded out the top 5 for the night. WPCA drivers took 12 of the top 15 times on opening night in Calgary.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Sweeps The 2009 Ponoka Stampede Championship

News — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:27:25 GMT

2009 Ponoka Stampede Champions
H & E Oilfield Services Outfit
(L-R): Larry Seaman of H & E Oilfield Services, Outriders Shawn Calf Robe,
Ryan McAleney, Driver Obrey Motowylo, Angie Motowylo,
Outriders Logan James, Kris Flanagan
Photo By Billy Melville

The finals of the Ponoka Stampede Championship wrapped up on Wednesday night and a new champion emerged from the sudden death final. It was a spectacular chuckwagon race and Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, and along with outriders Kris Flanagan, Shawn Calf Robe, Ryan McAleney and Logan James won the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat and his first Ponoka Stampede Championship. It was also the first career show championship win for Motowylo.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Motowylo won the sudden death final by 15 one-hundreds of a second over Léo Tournier who placed 2nd from barrel number 2, followed by Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 3rd from barrel number 4 and Mark Sutherland who was 4th from barrel position number 3. All 4 drivers in the sudden death final ran penalty free. Motowylo also posted the fastest 6-day aggregate time of 7:26.55.

As far as day results are concerned, Cliff Cunningham, driving the Basnett Truck Service outfit, won his first career day money with a rapid run of 1:13.02. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 5, Cunningham won top money by 20 one-hundreds of a second over eventual Ponoka Stampede champion Obrey Motowylo and 2-time Ponoka Stampede Champion Jerry Bremner who split 2nd and 3rd on the night. Léo Tournier and Reg Johnstone rounded out the top 5 for the night placing 4th and 5th respectively.

Outrider Jason Lemieux received the inaugural Dallas Dorchester Memorial Outrider Ambassador Award. The award was presented to the outrider who represents the qualities that Dallas Dorchester portrayed such as integrity on and off the racetrack, good public relations, accessability and respectability for the betterment of the sport, dress, appearance and horsemanship. Chuckwagon driver Kelly Sutherland received the Bill Kehler Memorial Award given to the rodeo or chuckwagon competitor who portrays sportsmanship, dedication to the media, ambassador for the sport, showmanship and performance in the arena.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now takes a break for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby which will run at 8:00pm every night starting on Friday, July 3 and continuing until Sunday, July 12. Coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm all ten days.

Billy Melville

Defending Champion Doug Irvine Takes Top Honors On Day 5 In Ponoka

News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:50:40 GMT

Doug Irvine - Top Time On Day 5 At Ponoka
Photo By Carol Easton

The final 4 wagons that will compose the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat at the Ponoka Stampede have been set. Obrey Motowylo, Léo Tournier, Rae Croteau Jr. and Mark Sutherland will compete in Wednesday’s sudden death final to determine the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion. There will be a new champion this year in Ponoka as none of the drivers in Wednesday’s final have ever won the Ponoka Stampede.

Obrey Motowylo qualified for the sudden death final in first place overall with a 5 day total time of 6:13.35, 26 one-hundreds of a second ahead of Léo Tournier, with Rae Croteau Jr. holding on to 3rd place overall, and Mark Sutherland who climbed up into 4th place overall and grabbed the final spot in Wednesday’s sudden death final. Tyler Helmig, who ended up in 5th place, just missed qualifying for the sudden death championship final heat by just 7 one-hundreds of a second.

As far as day results are concerned, defending Ponoka Stampede champion Doug Irvine, driving the B & R Eckel’s Transport Ltd. outfit, won top money for the day after posting a time of 1:14.26. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 3, Irvine won top money by 34 one-hundreds of a second over 3-time Ponoka Stampede who placed 2nd on the night. Then a pile of Sutherland’s filled out the top 5 overall as Kelly Sutherland placed 3rd, Kirk Sutherland was 4th and Mark Sutherland ended up in 5th place for the night.

The finals of the Ponoka Stampede will run at 6:00pm on Wednesday, and can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 5:30pm. Television coverage of the Ponoka Stampede chuckwagon finals can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 10:30pm.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Tops All For The 2nd Consecutive Night At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:35:00 GMT

Leo Tournier - 2nd Consecutive Day Money Run On Day 4 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

The rains came on a cold night 4 at the Ponoka Stampede, and for the 2nd consecutive night Leo Tournier, driving the Wolf Creek Golf Resort outfit, walked away with top money for the day after posting a with a 1:14.23.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Tournier won top money by just 1 one-hundred of a second over Tim Haroldson who placed 2nd on the night. Jason Johnstone placed 3rd, Darcy Flad was 4th despite a 1 second penalty, with Obrey Motowylo rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Obrey Motowylo regained the overall aggregate lead with a 4 day total time of 4:56.26, 53 one-hundreds of a second over Leo Tournier, with Rae Croteau Jr. holding on to 3rd place overall, and Tyler Helmig who has now moved up into 4th place overall. Mark Sutherland now moves up into in 5th place overall 19 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th. Jason Glass, who was the top wagon after 3 days, knocked a barrel and fell to 14th place overall. The top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Tuesday’s run will go into Wednesday’s Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death final will be named the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm every night and 5:30pm on the Wednesday finals. Television coverage of the Ponoka Stampede chuckwagon races can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 9:30pm every night and 10:30 on the Wednesday finals.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Takes A Big Jump With A Day Money Run On Day 3 At The Ponoka Stampede

News — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:47:53 GMT

Leo Tournier - Bests All on Night 3 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

It was moving day at the Ponoka Stampede, and day 3 saw Leo Tournier, driving the Wolf Creek Golf Resort outfit, post the fast time of the night, and the meet to date, with a 1:13.05.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Tournier won top money by 30 one-hundreds of a second over 6-time Ponoka Stampede Champion Kelly Sutherland who placed 2nd on the night. Former Ponoka Stampede Champion Mike Vigen placed 3rd, Mark Sutherland was 4th, with Day 2 winner Jason Glass rounding out the top 5 for the night. Outrider Jeff Blatz was injured during heat number 5 with a suspected fractured ankle, but no further details are available at this time.

Jason Glass now leads the overall aggregate with a 3 day total time of 3:41.41, 52 one-hundreds of a second over Obrey Motowylo, with Rae Croteau Jr. in 3rd place overall, and Leo Tournier who moved up into 4th place overall. Brian Mayan moves up into in 5th place overall 45 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th. The top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Tuesday’s run will go into Wednesday’s Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death final will be named the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Takes The Day Money On Night 2 In Ponoka

News — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:54:42 GMT

Jason Glass - Number 1 On Night 2 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

It was another perfect night in Ponoka, and some of the best chuckwagon racing of 2009 was witnessed by the Ponoka Stampede fans. Day number 2 saw Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Services Ltd. outfit, win the day money with the fastest time of the meet so far.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Glass won top money by a mere 13 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. who placed 2nd for the 2nd consecutive night. Former Ponoka Stampede Champions Jerry Bremner and Reg Johnstone placed 3rd and 4th respectively, with Day 1 winner Obrey Motowylo rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Obrey Motowylo leads the overall aggregate with a 2 day total time of 2:27.25, just 5 one-hundreds of a second over Rae Croteau Jr. Jason Glass and Jerry Bremner make up the top 4 right now, with Lincoln Douglas in 5th place overall just 42 one-hundreds of a second out of 4th. The top 4 wagons in the aggregate standings after Tuesday’s run will go into Wednesday’s Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Championship Final Heat. The winner of the sudden death final will be named the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Champion.

The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm on Friday. Television coverage can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 9:30pm every night and 10:30 on the Wednesday finals.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Continues His Hot Run With Another Day Money Run On Nigh1 1 In Ponoka

News — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:03:22 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - Top Time On Day 1 In Ponoka
Photo By Paul Easton

One of the biggest shows in chuckwagon racing kicked off on Friday night in Ponoka with the running of the Ponoka Stampede. It was a cool night, but track and weather conditions were once again perfect, and the day saw Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, continue his winning ways by taking top money on opening night in Ponoka.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Motowylo won top money by just 42 one-hundreds of a second over 2008 Ponoka Stampede finalist Rae Croteau Jr. Jason Glass, Lincoln Douglas, and Grant Profit rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network every night at 7:00pm and 6:00pm on the Wednesday finals. Television coverage can be seen on Shaw TV Channel 10 & Shaw Direct (formerly known as Star Choice) on Channel 299 starting at 9:30pm every night and 10:30 on the Wednesday finals.

Billy Melville

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence - Leaders After The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:52:18 GMT

2009 WPCA Equine Outfit Of Excellence
Leaders After The North American Chuckwagon Championship
Sponsored By Import Tool Corp. Ltd.

LEFT LEADER		RIGHT LEADER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Prince	Grant Profit	Reno	Obrey Motowylo
Bold	Obrey Motowylo	Puck	Grant Profit
Jerry	Reg Johnstone	Tycoon	Jason Glass
Highway	Jason Glass	Fry	Chad Harden
Amber	Brian Mayan	Fred	Chad Harden
Cajun	Luke Tournier	Bride	Brian Mayan
Snip	Rae Croteau Jr.	Gold	Luke Tournier
Dream	Léo Tournier	Polite	Léo Tournier
Deb	Kelly Sutherland	Tom	Rae Croteau Jr.
Mirage	Hugh Sinclair	Reggie	Kelly Sutherland

LEFT WHEELER		RIGHT WHEELER
Horse Name	Owner	Horse Name	Owner
Ledbury	Jason Glass	Doc	Reg Johnstone
Johnny	Grant Profit	Turnative	Obrey Motowylo
Cash	Obrey Motowylo	Stryker	Grant Profit
Brass	Luke Tournier	Alex	Jason Glass
General	Reg Johnstone	Ryder	Luke Tournier
Cash	Chad Harden	Prince	Brian Mayan
Born	Brian Mayan	Blazer	Rae Croteau Jr.
Devil	Léo Tournier	Money	Kelly Sutherland
Slew	Kelly Sutherland	Coug'd It	Chad Harden
Fancy Bru	Rae Croteau Jr.	Aloha	Hugh Sinclair
Ciano	Hugh Sinclair	Earl	Léo Tournier
		Googles	Codey McCurrach
		Super	Tim Haroldson

OUTRIDING HORSES
Horse Name	Owner
Blue	Luke Tournier
Granview	Chad Harden
Tee	Grant Profit
Smokey	Obrey Motowylo
Benny	Obrey Motowylo
Boo	Reg Johnstone
Group	Reg Johnstone
Jack	Grant Profit
Rahy	Jason Glass
Abby	Rae Croteau Jr.
Cole	Luke Tournier

David Bensmiller Needs A Haircut - And YOU Can Help

News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:27:40 GMT

WPCA Chuckwagon driver David Bensmiller is in desperate need of a haircut. Wagon Buddies for Cancer - David Bensmiller's sponsor at the Ponoka Stampede, are collecting donations for the Cancer Society. If they raise enough money David has agreed to cut his hair on Wednesday, July 1, 2009!

Show your support by making a donation at the WPCA Merchandise Trailer which will be on-site at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds starting Friday, June 26, 2009. You may also email cancer@tiessenmedia.com to arrange for a donation.

Proceeds raised will be donated to the Cancer Society. David Bensmiller will also donate his hair to be used in the making of wigs for cancer patients.

Every person who makes a donation will be able to enter for a chance to win a framed Bernie Brown print of the "Half Mile of Hell" which has been donated by the Bensmiller families.

Please show your support. David really needs a haircut.

Former Outrider Monty McLaughlin Passes Away

News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:51:38 GMT

Monty McLaughlin
June 11, 1969 - June 20, 2009

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the sudden passing of former outrider Monty McLaughlin in Grande Prairie on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the age of 40 years as the result of an automobile accident.

Monty outrode in the early/mid 1990's and outrode for Hugh Sinclair's first ever show championship win at the Kamloops Rangeland Derby in 1993. After he retired from outriding, Monty was still active in chuckwagon racing as a member of the Sinclair Racing Team.

He leaves to mourn his parents, Brian and Colleen McLaughlin, brothers, Bradley McLaughlin (Tracy, Riley & Colby), and Reid McLaughlin, son Russell McLaughlin (Perry & Lenka) and grandmother Kathleen Thorpe, as well as Erika Nolan, Danny Nolan, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A celebration of Monty’s life will be held at the Grovedale Community Hall on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Oliver’s Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a trust fund for his son Russell at Scotiabank, downtown Grande Prairie. Monty will be missed by all in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, and we extend its sincere condolences to the McLaughlin family.

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge - Standings After The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:33:49 GMT

2009 WestJet Corporate Flight Challenge
Standings After The North American Chuckwagon Championship

Rank	Team Name	Points
1	Lafarge Northwest Division #2	2111
2	Fountain Contracting Team #1	2046
3	H & E Oilfield Services #1	2042
4	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #2	2014.5
5	Caradan Chemicals #1	2010.5
6	Trailblazer RV Centre #1	1988.5
7	JaCo Welding & Consulting #1	1976
8	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #2	1964
9	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #3	1951
10	Alberta Pressure Testing #1	1924.5
11	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #4	1923.5
12	Image Distributors Team #1	1913
13	B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. #1	1898.5
14	Image Distributors Team #3	1868.5
15	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #4	1859
16	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #2	1836
17	JLT Construction #1	1835.5
18	Caradan Chemicals #3	1804.5
19	Alberta Pressure Testing #2	1803.5
20	Birchcliff Energy	1796.5
21	World Financial Group #1	1777
22	Caradan Chemicals #2	1770
23	Max Oilfield Services Inc. Team #1	1708
24	Image Distributors Team #2	1701.5
25	H & E Oilfield Services #2	1683.5
26	H & E Oilfield Services #3	1658.5
27	Highwood Distillers Ltd.	1650
28	Enerstar Inc.	1629
29	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting #3	1581.5
30	Fountain Contracting Team #2	1575
31	World Financial Group #2	1561
32	Image Distributors Team #4	1542.5
33	Lafarge Northwest Division #1	1525.5
34	H & E Oilfield Services #4	1522
35	World Financial Group #3	1483

Jerry Bremner Captures 2nd Career North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:41:37 GMT

2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champions
Chariot Express Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Jerry Bremner,
Outrider Chad Fike, Bruce Larway of Chariot Express
Photo By Billy Melville

The North American Chuckwagon Championship wrapped up on a spectacular Sunday in High River. Track and weather conditions were once again perfect, and the day saw Jerry Bremner, driving the Chariot Express outfit, and along with outriders Chad Fike and Reo King take the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship. It was the 2nd North American title for Jerry Bremner who had captured it for the first time in 2006, and it was the second time Chariot Express was part of the winning outfit having celebrated their first title with Grant Profit exactly 10 year ago in 1999.

Jerry Bremner won the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship with a 4 day total of 5:09.53, 1.65 seconds faster than runner-up Obrey Motowylo and the H & E Oilfield Services outfit. Jason Glass, Kelly Sutherland and Chad Harden made up the balance of the top 5 overall. Day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, who started the day in 2nd place overall just a tenth of a second behind eventual champion Jerry Bremner, had to settle for 8th place overall after a slow time thanks to a 3 wide trip around the High River Racetrack.

As far as the day results go, Obrey Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit posted the fast time of the show with a 1:15.80. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Motowylo won top money for the 2nd time in the 4 day by just 14 one-hundreds of a second over 5-time High River Champion Kelly Sutherland. Jerry Bremner, Hugh Sinclair and Rae Croteau Jr. rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The WPCA now moves to Ponoka, Alberta for the Ponoka Stampede which will start on Friday, June 26, 2009 and run through Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The chuckwagon races will run at 7:30pm each night until the finals on Wednesday which will start at 6:00pm. The chuckwagon races from the Ponoka Stampede can be listened to live on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:00pm on Friday.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Posts The Fast Time Of The Show On Night 3 At The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:50:20 GMT

Grant Profit - Tops The Field On Night 3 In High River
Photo By Carol Easton

On a cloudy but comfortable Night 3 at the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River, former North American Champion Grant Profit took top honors with the fastest time of the meet so far on another ideal night of racing in High River.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 8, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit ran a 1:16.26 and took the top money for night 3 by 79 one-hundreds of a second over Tyler Helmig and Chad Harden who split 2nd and 3rd for the night. Kirk Sutherland ended up in 4th while Barry Hodgson rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, driving the Shriners Hospital for Children moved into first place overall with a 3 day total of 3:53.32. Haroldson holds 61 one-hundreds of a second lead over 1981 North American Champion Kirk Sutherland who sits 2nd, with Chad Harden, Troy Dorchester and Barry Hodgson rounding out the top 5 overall with just one run to go.

The wagon with the best aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Sunday’s races will run at 4:30pm with live coverage of the final day from High River via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Tim Haroldson Scores Big With A Day Money Run On Night 2 of The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:44:28 GMT

Tim Haroldson - Top Time On Night 2 In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

Night 2 of the North American Chuckwagon Championship saw Tim Haroldson win his first day money as a WPCA member on a perfect night of racing in High River.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 4, Haroldson, driving the The Shriners Hospital for Children outfit posted a time of 1:16.93 and took the day money by 76 one-hundreds of a second over 2-time North American Champion and local hero Jason Glass. Jerry Bremner, Tyler Helmig and Luke Tournier rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Thanks to the strength of 2 top five runs, Jerry Bremner, driving the Chariot Express outfit, sits in first place overall with a 2 day total of 2:35.75. Bremner is just 11 one-hundreds of a second over day 2 winner Tim Haroldson, with defending North American champion Luke Tournier in third, day 1 winner Obrey Motowylo in fourth with 5 time High River Champion Kelly Sutherland in fifth.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 4 runs will be declared the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Saturday's races will run at 8:00pm with the final day scheduled on Sunday at 4:30pm. Live coverage of the final chuckwagon races in High River can be heard via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

Obrey Motowylo Takes The Early Lead At The North American Chuckwagon Championship

News — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:37:19 GMT

Obrey Motowylo - First Place On First Night In High River
Photo By Paul Easton

The start of the North American Chuckwagon Championship saw perfect weather and track conditions, and a fantastic night of WPCA chuckwagon racing was enjoyed by the High River fans. Obrey Motowylo, who won top money on the final night of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede last week, picked up right where he left off by taking his second consecutive day money in as many runs on opening night of the North American Chuckwagon Championship in High River.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit, posted a time of 1:16.76 and took the day money by 54 one-hundreds of a second over 2-time North American Champion Rick Fraser. Kelly Sutherland, Chad Harden and Jerry Bremner rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 4 runs will be declared the 2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Champion. Friday and Saturday's races will run at 8:00pm with the final day scheduled on Sunday at 4:30pm. Live coverage of the final chuckwagon races in High River can be heard via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:30pm Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 4:00pm.

Billy Melville

The "Bashaw Flash" Reg Johnstone Hangs On To Win The 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:12:17 GMT

2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champions
Blue Wave Energy Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Wade "Butch" Stewart, Driver Reg Johnstone, Outrider Wayne Wright
Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede's Leray Pahl Presenting
Photo By Jessica Melville

It came down to the wire and it looked as though penalties would play a role in determining the champion, but Reg Johnstone, driving the Blue Wave Energy outfit and along with outriders Butch Stewart and Wayne Wright, captured the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede For the 2nd time in his career.

Despite 2 seconds in penalties on his final run, Johnstone won the 2009 Medicine Hat Championship by posting the best 3 day aggregate time of 3:10.50. He bested runner-up Leo Tournier by 90 one-hundreds, while Cliff Cunningham, Kirk Sutherland and Obrey Motowylo filled out the top 5 overall after an outstanding weekend of racing in Medicine Hat. It was the 2nd time in his career Reg Johnstone has won the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, his first one coming in 2005.

As far as the afternoon goes, Obrey Motowylo posted the top time of day number 3. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Motowylo, driving the H & E Oilfield Services outfit posted the top time of the day with a 1:02.67. Luke Tournier was 2nd best for the day 47 one-hundreds of a second behind the day leader, with Grant Profit, Cliff Cunningham and Kelly Sutherland filling out the top 5 on the final day in Medicine Hat.

The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour now moves into High River for the North American Chuckwagon Championship starting on Thursday night at 8:00pm. Live coverage of the final chuckwagon races in High River can be heard via the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 7:30pm.

Billy Melville

The "Bashaw Flash" Reg Johnstone First On Day 2 And First Overall In Medicine Hat

News — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:20:55 GMT

Reg Johnstone - First In All Categories in Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

For the 2nd consecutive night it was a ideal conditions for racing at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. Weather and track conditions were once again perfect, and 2005 Medicine Hat champion Reg Johnstone won day money and took over the aggregate lead after 2 days.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 11, Reg Johnstone, driving the Blue Wave Energy outfit posted a time of 1:02.65 which is the top time for the meet so far. Luke Tournier placed 2nd for the night 15 one-hundreds of a second behind Johnstone, with Hugh Sinclair, Obrey Motowylo and Cliff Cunningham filling out the top 5 for the night.

Reg Johnstone also takes over the lead in the aggregate with a 2 day total of 2:06.35. Day 1 winner Leo Tournier is in 2nd place overall 1.24 seconds behind Johnstone, while Brian Mayan, Hugh Sinclair and Kirk Sutherland round out the top 5 after 2 days. The top wagon in the aggregate after 3 runs will be declared the 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion. Live coverage of the final day of racing at the 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 1:30pm on Sunday.

Billy Melville

Leo Tournier Steals The Top Time On Night 1 Of The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

News — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:04:46 GMT

Leo Tournier - Fast Man On Day 1 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a perfect night for racing on the opening night of the 2nd stop along the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. Weather and track conditions were perfect, and the night saw Leo Tournier open up the show with a first place run.

Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 6, Leo Tournier, driving the Gunther’s Masonry Construction Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:03.10 which held up as the top time for the day by 22 one-hundreds of a second over Brian Mayan who placed 2nd for the night. Reg Johnstone, Barry Hodgson and Doug Irvine rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top wagon in the aggregate after 3 runs will be declared the 2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champion. Saturday's races will run at 7:00pm with the final day schedulled on Sunday at 2:00. Live coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard on the Chuckwagon Radio Network starting at 6:30pm on Saturday and 1:30pm on Sunday.

Billy Melville

Buddy Bensmiller Heads The Class of 2009 At Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame

News — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:25:22 GMT

It's official, Buddy Bensmiller will be inducted into Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame on September 11, 2009. With the announcement, Bensmiller joins Orville Strandquist as the only other Canadian chuckwagon driver to be inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame.

Bensmiller, who won the Cheyenne championship competed at the Cheyenne Frontier Days 15 times between 1981 and 1995 during his days with the Northern Professional Chuckwagon Association. He won the Cheyenne Championship a record nine times.

Joining Buddy is four-time PRCA announcer of the year and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Hadley Barrett, 1928 Cheyenne Frontier Days Saddle Bronc Champion Charles "Sharkey" Irwin, as well as local Cheyenne Frontier Days builders Shirley Churchill, Floyd and Diane Humphrey, Ned Murray and Phil Van Horn.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate Buddy Bensmiller on his induction into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame.

Billy Melville

Spotlight – One on One with Troy Dorchester

News — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:46:29 GMT

Troy Dorchester is a 3rd generation chuckwagon driver with one of the greatest last names in chuckwagon history. Aside from having a famous grandfather (Tom), father (Garry) and uncle (Dallas), who were all Calgary Stampede champions, Troy is also known for being one of the most colourful and entertaining characters on the tour.

In order to get to know the wagon man off of the track, we've turned the spotlight on Troy and had him answer a few questions.

Q: What is your favourite/fondest childhood chuckwagon memory?

Watching my Uncle Dallas win the Calgary Stampede for the first time in 1994. I will never forget it or what an outfit he had.

Q: Who's your favourite chuckwagon legend and why?

I would have to say my Grandpa Tom. He won a lot of big shows and a lot of small ones too but he never thought he was any better than anyone else.

Q: Do you ever feel any pressure coming from a long lineage of chuckwagon drivers in your family?

I have so much family that have been involved in the sport and they know how tough it can be so they are very supportive.My dad is great and he doesn't like saying too much. When (and if) he does he always has good points.
Uncle Dallas was also great for support. He always would tell me "man you horses look good". He would also always watch the new ones drive before we would leave in the spring and tell me what he would think after. That always made me feel good and supported.

Q: How do you stay competitive year after year?

It is hard to stay running good but I try to get three to eight new horses every year and replace two or three older ones in order to stay competitive.
I also like to drive my new horses as much as I can. I start them in January and try to get 10 days of driving them along with a work horse. After that I like to get them into fours by the middle of March.

Q: What's your favourite chuckwagon tour stop?

Ponoka Stampede.

Q: Most embarrassing moment to date?

When my outfit balked on barrel four in Grande Prairie in 1994 and Jake Friesen was on barrel three. Jake was also balked. The other two drivers had a hell of a race off barrel one and two! I was so mad but I couldn't say or do anything because I was facing the crowd!

Q: After a bad loss how do you recover?

It can be hard when you have a bad race. I just block it out and try to do better the next race. If you're having bad luck it will turn around sometime...it always does in anything you do.

Q: What do you absolutely have to have with you when you race around the track?

I don't like to lose my hat. It has to stay on!

Q: Are you superstitious?

I just always harness in a certain order.

Q: In the off season what do you do to pass the time?

I like to play hockey and curl in the off season. Now that we have our children, Haley and Connor, in hockey that takes up the rest of our time. But we wouldn't have it any other way - we love it.

Q: Aside from chuckwagon racing what's your favourite sport? If you were a player what team would you play for?

Hockey - NHL Oilers.

Q: What's your best golf score?

My best golf score was 42 at my uncle's course - Dorchester Ranch.

Q: Where did you meet your wife?

Playing cards in Strathmore, AB in 1997. I knew she was the one because I won the card game.

Q: What do you like most about being a dad?

Being able to spend as much time with my family as I can. Chuckwagon racing is a great sport to travel as a family and I love answering questions for my kids.

(Troy's Family, left - right: Jen, Haley, Troy, Conor and Emily)

Q: Who do you take after more - your mom or your dad?

I think my Mom because I don't like waiting for anything. But I guess I take a little after my Dad too because I won't say anything most of the time.

Q: What are you scared of?

Having to stop racing wagons for some reason before I'm ready to stop.

Q: If you weren't a chuckwagon driver what would you do for a profession?

I would be a motivational speaker...just kidding. I have never wanted to do anything else.

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

Got your own Spotlight - One on One question(s) for a WPCA driver?

Send them to carmen.stone@wpca.com and you might find out the answer in the next spotlight!

Bring Your Family And Pack the Wagon in Medicine Hat!

News — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:41:21 GMT

The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Committee is asking everyone to bring a non-perishable food item to "Pack the Wagon" each evening at the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour chuckwagon races which run June 12 - 14, 2009. All the food items will be dropped in the chuckwagon and then later donated to the Medicine Hat Food Bank!

In addition to helping to "Pack the Wagon" your family is invited to the very first Family Day Event on Sunday, June 14, 2009. The Family Day Event will be taking palce at Pioneer Village at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds. Moms, Dads, and kids will be able to get their pictures taken with chuckwagon drivers, receive autographed posters and win prizes while learning all about chuckwagon racing and history.

For more information regarding either of these events please contact:

James Tennant

Corporate Development - Marketing

Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

PO Box 1298, 2055 - 21st Avenue SE

Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7N1

403-527-1234 ext. 6909

jtennant@mhstampede.com

EnCana Continues to Support Rural Lifestyles and Heritage

News — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:10:11 GMT

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is looking forward to another successful season with its second largest sponsor, EnCana. EnCana, a leading North American unconventional natural gas and integrated oil company, has been a major sponsor since 2005.

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

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

The WPCA 4-H Mentorship Program, sponsored by EnCana, has been a popular hit among the numerous summer programs offered by Alberta 4-H and has been expressed by one 4-H mentorship participant as a "life changing opportunity". By pairing 4-H youth members with chuckwagon drivers at each stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour, members are given the chance to learn firsthand what goes into the sport of chuckwagon racing. This year, 12 professional chuckwagon drivers will be matched up with 4-H members across Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia.

Thanks to EnCana's support the WPCA and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour is able to continue to build a solid foundation in which to promote and sustain chuckwagon racing and its rural heritage. The WPCA is looking forward to nurturing this relationship for many years to come.

About EnCana

EnCana is a leading North American unconventional natural gas and integrated oil company, providing energy for communities across North America. More than 80 percent of EnCana's production is clean-burning natural gas. EnCana is also a technical and cost leader in the recovery of oil through steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD).

As the largest natural gas producer in North America, EnCana produced 1.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 2008 - that's enough to heat nearly 11 million homes for one year.

EnCana strives to be a trusted contributor in the communities where it operates and where its employees work and live conducting its business in an ethical and socially responsible manner, so it can fulfill its mission - providing energy for people.

Did You Know?

Many of the items in your home or business are made possible because of natural gas and oil producers like EnCana. Visit EnCana's website to find out more: www.encana.com.

Jason Glass Captures 1st Career Grande Prairie Stompede Championship

News — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:52:02 GMT

2009 Grande Prairie Stompede Champions – Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Outfit
(L-R): , Outrider Jason Lemieux, Driver Jason Glass, Outrider Todd Goodley, Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation's Justin Tidd
Photo By Billy Melville

Jason Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit, and along with outriders Todd Goodley and Jason Lemieux, captured the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship and the $10,000.00 bonus for the first time. It was the first career WPCA Dodge Pro Tour show championship for outriders Goodley and Lemieux.

Coming off barrel position number 1 in the sudden death championship final heat number 9, Glass won the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede with a penalty free run of 1:15.60, and won the heat by 35 one-hundreds of a second over runner-up Grant Profit who came off barrel position number 2 and was assessed a 1 second penalty for causing a false start. Rae Croteau Jr. from barrel position number 4 placed third in the sudden death final with Chad Harden coming in third from barrel position number 3.

Glass also posted the top time of the night, followed closely by Grant Profit, with Reg Johnstone, Kirk Sutherland and Mark Sutherland rounding out the top 5 for the night.

The next stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta starting on Friday June 12, 2009 at 7:00pm. Kelly Sutherland is the defending Champion. Live radio coverage for the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede will air on the Chuckwagon Radio Network beginning at 6:30.

Billy Melville

Near Track Record Vaults Grant Profit Into First Place At The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:06:37 GMT

Grant Profit - Tops All Categories On Night 4 in Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

There will be a brand new Grande Prairie Stompede Champion in 2009. Grant Profit, Rae Croteau Jr., Jason Glass and Chad Harden will go into Sunday's sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Despite a one-second late outrider penalty and a near track record, Grant Profit posted the best time of the night. His running time of 1:14.43 would have bested Edgar Baptiste’s 1993 track record of 1:14.83, but the penalty took the record away. However, Profit – driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit, came off barrel number 1 in heat number 7 - had a 1:15.43 total time and was still the best of night 4. Codey McCurrach placed 2nd on the night, with Reg Johnstone, Rick Fraser and Brian Mayan filling out the top 5 for the night.

Grant Profit is the top wagon in the aggregate and will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award. His 4 day combined time of 5:03.37 was nearly one and a half seconds ahead of Rae Croteau Jr. who sits 2nd overall, with Jason Glass and Chad Harden making up Sunday’s sudden death championship final heat. It was originally thought that and Codey McCurrach would be in Sunday's final and Rae Croteau Jr. was out, however after the judges reviewed the films a penalty originally given to Rae Croteau Jr. was removed giving Croteau 2nd place overall and a spot in the Sunday final. McCurrach ended up in 5th place overall just one one hundreth of a second behind Chad Harden who grabbed the last spot in the sudden death final. Jerry Bremner, in search of his 3rd consecutive Grande Prairie Stompede crown just missed the final heat by 45 one-hundreds of a second and finished in 6th place. The $50,000.00 final day at the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard on the chuckwagon radio network starting at 7:15 mountain time.

Billy Melville

Chad Harden Posts The Fastest Time Of The Week So Far At The Grande Prairie Stompede

News — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:59:16 GMT

Chad Harden - Fast Time Of The Week On Night 3 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

Night 3 of the 32nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship saw a big shake up at the top of the leaderboard. Some drivers came back into contention with some rapid runs while other drivers knocked themselves out of contention with penalties and slow runs. Track and weather conditions were once again ideal for the chuckwagon races in Grande Prairie.

2005 Grande Prairie Stompede finalist Chad Harden posted the best time of the meet so far with a 1:15.08. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 7, Harden, driving the Spartan Controls outfit won top money for the day by just 58 one-hundreds of a second over overall leader Rae Croteau Jr. Day 1 winner Grant Profit placed third on the night with Jason Glass and Darcy Flad rounding out the top 5 for the night.

Rae Croteau Jr. continues to lead the overall standings with a 3 day total time of 3:47.39. Grant Profit moved into 2nd place overall, with Jason Glass and Chad Harden filling out the top 4 after 3 nights. Defending Jerry Bremner sits just 54 one-hundreds of a second outside the final 4 in 5th place overall. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and $50,000.00 added to the final day at the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

Jason Glass Places 1st On Day 2 In Grande Prairie

News — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:45:39 GMT

Jason Glass - Places First On Second Night In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

It was another great night of racing at the 32nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. Once again track conditions were perfect and a number of very competitive chuckwagon races were enjoyed by the fans up in Grande Prairie.

2008 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass recorded the best time of the night. Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit posted a time of 1:15.44 and won top money for the day by just 6 one-hundreds of a second over former Grand Prairie Stompede champion Reg Johnstone. Rae Croteau Jr. and Barry Hodgson placed 3rd and 4th respectively, while Jerry Bremner and Kelly Sutherland split 5th place for the night.

Rae Croteau Jr. vaulted to the top of the overall standings with a 2 day total time of 2:31.73. Reg Johnstone sits 2nd overall followed by day 1 winner Grant Profit with Kelly Sutherland holding down 4 place overall. Just on the outside of the final four is Jason Glass. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and $50,000.00 added to the final day at the 2009 Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

Grant Profit Wins First On First Night Of The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour

News — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:39:49 GMT

Grant Profit - Day Money Run On Night 1 In Grande Prairie
Photo By Carol Easton

The professional chuckwagon season kicked off on Wednesday night with the 32nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Jerry Bremner came into this year’s event in search of his 3rd consecutive Grande Prairie championship and the 4th of his career on a cool cloudy night in Grande Prairie.

Grant Profit opened up the chuckwagon season with the top time on opening night. Track conditions were fast, and outside of a few glitches in the first few heats, some great races were seen by the Grande Prairie chuckwagon fans.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Profit, driving the Ja-Co Welding & Consulting outfit posted a time of 1:15.09 and placed first overall for the day by 63 one-hundreds of a second over Jason Johnstone who placed 2nd for the night. Doug Irvine, Codey McCurrach and Chad Harden rounded out the top 5 for the night.

Once again there will be $50,000.00 added to the final day at the Grande Prairie Stompede. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the sudden death championship final heat where the winner will take home the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Billy Melville

Grande Prairie Stompede Established As One Of The Top "Dash For Cash" Events

News — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:21:10 GMT

The Grande Prairie Stompede has now been established as one of the top "Dash for Cash" events on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Thanks to the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation, $50,000 will now be awarded in prize money at the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation is a not for profit group of dedicated volunteers that promotes the preservation of Alberta's number one sport, professional chuckwagon racing. In addition to helping establish the "Dash for Cash" the foundation's main objective is to preserve our western heritage.

The concept for the foundation was developed as a result of a need to recognize the importance and cultural significance that chuckwagon racing has had on our community for the past 86 years. The foundation has helped to recognize that Grande Prairie is home to some of the greatest chuckwagon competitors, both pas and present, including several generations of Sutherland, Vigen and Sinclair, and showcases photos, race memorabilia and information for access by the general public.

The impact that the foundation has, and will continue to have, on the sport of chuckwagon racing has not gone unfounded by the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). The WPCA recognizes that the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation and its bountiful "Dash for Cash" event will be monumental in helping to attract greater competition and increased fan attendance to the Grande Prairie Stompede.

"The tremendous support this foundation and its sponsors have provided not only showcases our unique sport but it helps to confirm that chuckwagon racing is a credible competitive sport with competitive dollars" stated Carmen Stone, Marketing Coordinator of the World Professional Chuckwagon Asssociation. "With foundations such as the Grande Prairie Hertiage Foundation, we can be sure that professional chuckwagon racing will be around for many more years to come".

For more information on how you can help preserve our western heritage and support the Grande Prairie Stompede, email gpchucks@telus.net.

Thank you to the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation for making the "Dash for Cash" event possible!

Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation Board of Directors:

Pres: Justin Tidd; Vice-Pres: Barry Smith; Treas: Lori Sinclair; Vice-Treas: Patsy Smith; Sec: Carolyn Sinclair; Board Members: Ron Bates, Garth Lawrance, David Glenn, Kelly Sutherland, Hugh Sinclair; Volunteers: Danny Ireland, Julie Lawrance

Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation "$50,000 Dash for Cash" Sponsor Levels:

Dash of Platinum ($10,000)

Dash of Gold ($5,000)

First Choice Pipehandlers Ltd.
Savage Oilfield Rentals Ltd.

Dash of Silver ($3,000 - $4,000)

Drifters Casing Service Ltd.
High Gear Water Services
Peter-Lane Concrete Ltd.
Phoenix Oilfield Rental Ltd.
Velocity Oilfield Rentals
Windsor Ford

Dash of Bronze ($2,000)

BarrPats
All-Star Masonry
Bermar Rewind Ltd.
Derrick Husky
Magnum Electric
Rees NDT Inspections Services Ltd.
Ritchie Bros Auctioneers
Sheldon Hannah Insurance Services Ltd. - The Co-operators

Demin Supporters ($500 - $1,000)

Big Rig (GP) Ltd.
Bob Banser Water Hauling
Bruce Power Ltd.
Capstan Hauling Ltd.
Charles Auto Body and Collision
Executive Answering Service
First Choice Electrical Supply Ltd.
Golden Star Restaurant
Great Northern Casino
J&L Bit Supply-Dennis Robinson
Fletcher Mudryk & Company
Neufeld Petroleum & Propane Ltd.
North Side Collision Sandblasting & Painting
Northern Metallic Sales (GP) Ltd.
Overhead Door
Regulators Oilfield Hauling
Risely Steel Services
Ross Mather
Stahl Peterbilt Ltd.
The Lawrance Family - In Memory of Rick Lawrance
Vector Communications Ltd.
Wapiti Gravel Supplies Ltd.
Zydeco Tank Truck Services

Gift in Kind

Sportswear Plus
Menzies Printers
Baron Oilfield Supply
Sunburst Graphics Ltd.
Grande Prairie Stompede
Meyers Norris & Penny

Note: PARDS will be receiving a portion of the monies raised as a result of the Grande Prairie Chuckwagon Heritage Foundation's fundraising effort and will be presented with a donation during the Stompede.

Meyers Norris Penny Helps Keep the WPCA On Track

News — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:38:06 GMT

Meyers Norris Penny (MNP), the seventh largest chartered accountancy and advisory firm in Canada, has been a proud sponsor of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) since 2007. Throughout the sponsorship years, Meyers Norris Penny has continued to provide straight-up business advice and specialized expertise when crunching the WPCA's official numbers.

In addition to supporting the WPCA through accounting services, MNP is once again the offical sponsor of the Dodge truck that tows the WPCA Benevolent Trailer. The truck can be seen this race season travelling from one end of the province to the next, making sure the merchandise trailer is present at every WPCA Dodge Pro Tour location. Proceeds from the WPCA Benevolent Trailer go to support chuckwagon drivers or their families in the event that they are severally injured.

MNP's commitment to the communities in which it operates and the WPCA demonstratees the high level of corporate citizenship they continue to exhibit.

About MNP

MNP has grown to become the seventh largest chartered accountancy and advisory firm in Canada with more than 75 locations across the country. Since MNP was founded in 1945, MNP has helped the agriculture community, business owners, oil & gas service companies, and individuals achieve their goals. As an MNP client, you receive straight-up business advice each and every time. That's because MNP takes the time to udnerstand where you are coming from - and where you want to go. The MNP team has specialized expertise working with a ride range of clients, including:

Aboriginals
Agriculture & Food
Business Owner Services
Credit Unions
Entrepreneurs
Forest Industry
Healthcare
Hutterian Brethren
Manufacturing
Not-For-Profit
Oilfield Services
Public Companies
Public Sector

MNP provides world-class expertise, in-depth knowledge and personalized service to find the right solution for every client, every time. MNP is committed to knowing your vision, your business and you.

Former Chuckwagon Judge Mary Anne Hammer Passes Away

News — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:40:43 GMT

Mary Anne Hammer
January 08, 1946 - May 07, 2009

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of former chuckwagon judge Mary Anne Hammer on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the age of 63 after a valiant struggle with ALS. Mary Anne started her juding career with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) prior to moving to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) where she judged for five years prior to retiring after the 2004 season.

Mary Anne is survived by her three children, Robert Hammer and his wife, Elaine; and Danny Hammer, all of Calgary; Brandee Fossen and her husband, Wayne of New Sarepta; three brothers, Wayne Dagg and his wife, Diane of Melfort, Saskatchewan; Larry Dagg of Toronto, Ontario and Kevin (Carol) Dagg of Killam; six grandchildren, Jamie, Kyleigh, Leighton, Jordon Anne, Mason and Kaycee. A Memorial service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. from the Killam Community Hall with Reverend Steve Haughland officiating. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Clinic 8315 – 114 St. Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7. FEE & SONS FUNERAL SERVICE OF KILLAM, ALBERTA IN CARE OF ARRANGEMENTS. PHONE 780-385-3642.

Mary Anne will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Hammer Family.

2009 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Results

News — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:10:13 GMT

Chad Harden - 2002 Ponoka Stampede Champion & High Bid of 2009
Photo By Paul Easton

The final canvas auction of 2009 was for the 2009 Ponoka Stampede Championship was held on Friday May 8, 2009 at the new Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede grounds in Ponoka, Alberta. The auction brought in a very respectable $264,500.00, down $40,000.00 from 2008 totals.

Chad Harden and Jason Glass tied for the high bid at $18,000.00, down $7,000.00 from last year’s high bid of $25,00.00 for Kelly Sutherland and Mark Sutherland. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $7,347.22 down $1,111.11 from $8,458.33 in 2008, with the median bid being $6,000.00 down just $1,000.00 from $7,000.00 in 2008. Only 1 of the 36 drivers sold for less than $4,000.00, as compared to 5 in 2008.

The 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Will begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville

2009 Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction Results

Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd./ Cinch Jeans & Shirts/ John Scott Productions/ Western Financial Group
Kelly Sutherland	Red Deer Motors
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Geometric Pipeline Solutions
Luke Tournier	Cow Camp Bobcat Services
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Reg Nitschke Vacuum Truck Service
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Ltd.
Mark Sutherland	Land Core Technologies
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	ATB Financial/ Conoco Phillips Supporting Farm Safety/ EnCana/ Image Distributors/ Spartan Controls/ Team Rig Supply
Tyler Helmig	Pidherney's From Start To Finish
Léo Tournier	Wolf Creek Golf Resort
Rick Fraser	Double W Ranches
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services Inc.
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Service Plus Inns & Suites
Dave Bensmiller	Wagon Buddies For Cancer
Barry Hodgson	McLean Construction
Kirk Sutherland	EMCO
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	FL Bar Ranches
Mike Vigen	Longscore Saloon
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Friends Of Troy Flad
Chance Bensmiller	Alberta Flares Energy Services Ltd.
Tim Haroldson	Busted Ladies Lingerie
Darcy Flad	Communications Consulting Fiber & Copper
Jason Johnstone	Irvine Tack And Trailers
Cody Ridsdale	Frontier Energy
Floyd Bradshaw	Calnash Trucking
Lincoln Douglas	Anchor R Ranch Equine & Wellness Centre

Total Amount Bid	$264,500.00

Average Bid	$7,347.22

Median Bid	$6,000.00

High Bid	$18,000.00

Low Bid	$3,500.00

Final Auction Of 2009 For The Ponoka Stampede To Take Place On Friday

News — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:42:39 GMT

The final chuckwagon canvas auction of 2009 will take place on Friday, May 8 in Ponoka, Alberta. This will be the last chance for advertisers to get their name on a wagon at what is arguably the biggest and most prestigious stop along the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour - the Ponoka Stampede.

The auction will be held at the new Stagecoach Saloon located on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds. There will be a reception: 5:00 p.m followed by the auction at 6:30pm. You can RSVP and book your bid card by calling 403-783-3120 or 403-783-6088. The auction will be carried live over the internet at cslauction.com.

The Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction will coincide with the grand opening of the new Stagecoach Saloon which has replaced the old Beer Gardens at the east end of the grandstand. There will be a dance to follow featuring the Tera Lee Band, and tickets can be purchased at Jones Boys Western Wear for $10.00.

Billy Melville

Buddy Bensmiller On Shortlist For Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame

News — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:44:02 GMT

Cheyenne, WY – The nominations for Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) Hall of Fame Class of 2009 are in, and chuckwagon driver Buddy Bensmiller is on the shortlist. Buddy competed at Cheyenne from 1981 to 1995 winning a record nine championships along the way. Chuckwagon racing was discontinued at the Cheyenne Frontier Days after 1998.

Other notables that also made the shortlist include vetran rodeo announcer Hadley Barret and World Champion roper Dean Oliver, with a host of other local Cheyenne heroes. If successful, Buddy would join Orville Strandquist as the only other Canadian chuckwagon driver to be inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame. Others who have had this honor bestowed on them include such dignitaries such as Johnny Cash, Jim Shoulders, George Strait, Casey Tibbs and Harry Vold just to name a few.

Nominations to the CFD Hall of Fame are open to the public, but only members of the CFD Old West Museum at the Associate Level or above will be eligible to vote. All ballots must be received by May 15, 2009.

The CFD Hall of Fame celebrates the history of individuals, livestock, and organizations whose distinctive contribution over the past 113 years has grown Cheyenne Frontier Days into the world’s largest rodeo and western celebration.

For more information about voting for the 2009 Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame, contact Christina Bird at (307) 778-1490 or visit www.oldwestmuseum.org.

Billy Melville

Are You The Next Les McIntyre?

News — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:09:34 GMT

Les McIntrye, the long time World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Track Announcer, was given the opportunity of a lifetime when he took over for legendary Joe Carbury as the new voice of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby. This exciting announcement will in turn bring some changes to the WPCA and its Dodge Pro Tour.

In 2010, a new announcer will be attempting to fill some large shoes by calling chuckwagon races at a number of WPCA Dodge Pro Tour locations. The WPCA is excited to offer this unique opportunity to anyone that is interested in submitting their application.

The WPCA is looking for a passionate, experienced, motivated announcer to call chukwagon races at a minimum of five (5) WPCA Dodge Pro Tour stop locations in 2010. Being a track announcer for the WPCA, however, is much more than just calling a chuckwagon race. Les McIntyre is an all-round ambassador for the sport of chuckwagon racing and manages to entertain and inform at the same time. The WPCA is looking for an individual that will benefit the sport and their tour in all capacities.

Are YOU interested in becoming a track announcer for the WPCA?

What you'll be doing:

Announcing the chuckwagon races live in front of thousands of spectators
Entertaining, informing and giving colourful commentary on tour sponsors, canvas sponsors, chuckwagon drivers, outriders and many other supporters
Representing the sport of chuckwagon racing and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour

What you need to apply:

Experience as an announcer or auctioneer
Resume
Sample(s) of work (if available)
Enthusiasm
Passion for the sport of chuckwagon racing

What's in it for you:

Competitive salary
The chance to experience the unique world of chuckwagon racing
The chance to travel throughout Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia

Please apply by emailing carmen.stone@wpca.com or mailing your resume to:

Carmen Stone

Marketing Coordinator

RE: ANNOUNCER

World Professional Chuckwagon Association

#3A, 2828 - 18 Street NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7B1

Once the WPCA has narrowed down successful candidates, selected candidates will be asked to announce at one of the 10 tour stop locations during the 2009 race season.

Application deadline: May 31, 2009

UFA Celebrates 100 Years All Summer Long

News — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:21:35 GMT

Founded in 1909, we’re celebrating 100 years of business success, an
unwavering commitment to our communities, and a passion for rural life.

And we want to recognize the very people who helped build and sustain one
of Canada’s largest and most successful co-operatives: you.

So, thanks to all of our members and customers, employees, petroleum
agents, elected officials, retirees, and business partners who have contributed
to our success and continue to make us stronger.

View Celebration Poster

Bensmiller Boys Win Allan Cup With The Bentley Generals

News — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:54:23 GMT

(L-R): Kurt Bensmiller and Chance Bensmiller
Champions on the Track, Champions on the Ice
Photos By Billy Melville

Over the last few years chuckwagon drivers Kurt and Chance Bensmiller have proved themselves to be champions on the racetrack. Both drivers won their first career show championships at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek - Kurt in 2007 and Chance last year in 2008. Now the two popular World Professional Chuckwagon Association chuckwagon drivers can sport championship rings to go with their championship buckles as members of the Bentley Generals hockey club that won the 2009 Allan Cup - symbolic of Canadian Senior AAA Hockey Champions in Steinbach, Manitoba on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

The Bentley Generals captured the Allan Cup by defeating Manitoba's South East Prairie Thunder 4-3 in double overtime. Kurt Bensmiller recorded 2 assists in the final game, including one on the overtime winner. Kurt was also tied for number one spot in tournament scoring with 7 points (3 goals, four assists) in four games. Also part of the Bentley Generals winning team was Riley Lang, who spent many years traveling the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour as an integral part of Kurt Bensmiller's professional chuckwagon outfit. The Generals triumph in this year's Allan Cup marks only the 5th time an Alberta team has won the championship in its 100 year history joining the Stony Plain Eagles in 1999, the Drumheller Miners in 1966, Edmonton Flyers in 1948 and the Calgary Stampeders in 1946. Now the Bensmiller boys will concentrate on getting their chuckwagon outfits primed for the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour which begins on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association would like to congratulate Kurt, Chance, Riley and the rest of the Bentley Generals on your tremendous accomplishment this year at the Allan Cup.

Billy Melville

The Calgary Herald Continues To Promote All Things Western Including The WPCA

News — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:49:55 GMT

Photo Credit: Colleen DeNeve, Calgary Herald

The Calgary Herald is once again the official newspaper supplier and sponsor of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Dodge Pro Tour. With their renewed commitment, fans and spectators alike can continue to expect the trusted editorial coverage that the Calgary Herald has become known for on a national basis. The Calgary Herald is the official voice of record for the local chuckwagon community based on the exceptional coverage it has provided throughout the years.

For more than 100 years, the Calgary Herald has been a proud supporter of promoting all things Western - from wranglers and wagons to belt buckles and mutton busting. Community is at the heart of what the Calgary Herald does every day and that is why as an official tour sponsor the Calgary Herald is such an appropriate fit for promoting and supporting the WPCA’s family orientated western cultural events.

Enthusiastic fans and curious newcomers to the sport should be sure to pick up a copy of the Calgary Herald today for all the highlights and complete coverage of the sport of chuckwagon racing. A copy of the Calgary Herald newspaper will also be found at the doorstep of all trailers and barns during this year’s Calgary Exhibition and Stampede from July 3 – 12, 2009.

About the Calgary Herald

The Calgary Herald's mission is to provide its readers with the highest quality news and information about their city and their world, delivered with accuracy and integrity.

The Calgary Herald is proud of initiatives such as the Calgary Herald Christmas Fund, the annual Raise-a-Reader literacy campaign, and the recent Sandy Beach Riverbank Rescue Project. The Calgary Herald also lends their support to many individuals, organizations and charities that perform admirable work on their community’s behalf. Together with the community, the Calgary Herald is making Calgary the best place to live, work and play.

Experiencing Life As Part Of A Chuckwagon Team

News — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:08:36 GMT

The WPCA 4-H Mentorship Opportunity, sponsored by EnCana, is returning again this year. The program provides a life changing opportunity for 4-H youth members. By pairing 4-H members with chuckwagon drivers at each stop on the tour, members are given the opportunity to experience life as part of the chuckwagon team. 4-H participants get a chance to learn first hand what goes into the sport of chuckwagon racing.

For more information regarding this program visit the Alberta 4-H website here. The deadline for 4-H members to get their application in is April 15, 2009.

2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Satellite Auction Results

News — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:33 GMT

In a year of economic uncertainty, the price for chuckwagon tarps on the professional chuckwagon circuit were down 11% over the same shows in 2008. While 7 of the 8 shows sold were down over their 2008 totals. The Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship saw the only increase over 2008 up $12,500.00. The greatest decrease came at the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, which saw their sale fall $38,500.00 over 2008.

The total for 2009 was $1,183,250.00 down $126,250.00 from the 2008 total of $1,309,500.00. The following are the detailed results of the 2009 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Satellite Canvas Auction:

2009 Grande Prairie Stompede Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Twilight Oilfield Hauling/Ken Sargent Pontiac Buick GMC
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing
Luke Tournier	Keddies Tack & Western Wear
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Blue Wave Energy
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Inc.
Mark Sutherland	EnCana/Northern Bridge & Mat Rentals/Triple J Pipelines
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Image Distributors/Spartan Controls/Source Energy/EnCana/ATB
Tyler Helmig	The Wild Bunch
Leo Tournier	Happy Trails RV
Rick Fraser	Swede's Wildhorse Consulting
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	Basnett Truck Service
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Muddy Creek Rentals
Barry Hodgson	GD Cornish Trucking
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Pentagon Optimization Services Inc.
Brian Mayan	H & M Meats
Mike Vigen	Sundown Oilfield
Cliff Cunningham	Smash & Sons Contracting
Colt Cosgrave	Dukes Country Club
Troy Flad	TriStar Contracting
Chance Bensmiller	S & R Rentals
Tim Haroldson	All Peace Petroleum Maintenance
Darcy Flad	Mayne Towing & Transportation Services
Jason Johnstone	Pomeroy Inn & Suites Inc.
Floyd Bradshaw	Hellfires Suppression Services
Cody Ridsdale	Teepee Creek Stampede
Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Construction

Total Amount Bid	$176,000.00
Average Bid	$4,888.89
Median Bid	$4,250.00
High Bid	$14,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Porter & MacLean Livestock Management
Kelly Sutherland	United Way Park City Toyota
Jerry Bremner	Park City Toyota
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	GeoForce / Val's Drilling
Luke Tournier	Perlich Brothers Auction
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Blue Wave Energy
Rae Croteau Jr.	Highwood Distillers
Mark Sutherland	Stirling Trailers
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls
Tyler Helmig	Medicine Hat New Holland
Leo Tournier	Medicine Hat Exhibition
Rick Fraser	Integra Safety
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	Medicine Hat Exhibition
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	DA Electric
Brian Mayan	Provident Energy Trust
Mike Vigen	Swede's Wildhorse Consulting
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Enerstar Inc.
Chance Bensmiller	Affordable RV
Tim Haroldson	The Shriners
Darcy Flad	Millendale Directional Drilling
Jason Johnstone	Weir Construction
Floyd Bradshaw	Hellfires Suppression Services
Cody Ridsdale	D & E Excavating
Lincoln Douglas	HKS Aggregate Management

Total Amount Bid	$117,500.00
Average Bid	$3,270.00
Median Bid	$3,000.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 North American Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Condominium First Management Services Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Chariot Express
Buddy Bensmiller	World Fincial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Deerfoot Inn & Casino
Luke Tournier	Anchor Ridge Enterprises
Troy Dorchester	The Roadhouse
Reg Johnstone	The Town of High River
Rae Croteau Jr.	Highwood Distillers
Mark Sutherland	Trimac Electrical
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Tex Inc./Spartan Controls
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	JLT Construction Inc.
Rick Fraser	Peter Niemans Water Well Drilling
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	Affordable RV
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	High River Home Hardware
Mike Vigen	T1 Services Group
Cliff Cunningham	Canada Diagnostic Centers
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Lifestyle Homes
Chance Bensmiller	Okotoks Country Living & Garden
Tim Haroldson	The Shriners Hospital For Children
Darcy Flad	Half Mile of Fusion/ Diamond Optical & Associates/ E.Murphy Enterprises/ Millandale Directional Drilling
Jason Johnstone	Dice Plant Maintenance
Floyd Bradshaw	Denny Bradshaw
Cody Ridsdale	Okotoks Rentals
Lincoln Douglas	The Mortgage Wagon

Total Amount Bid	$157,500.00
Average Bid	$4,375.00
Median Bid	$4,000.00
High Bid	$10,500.00
Low Bid	$1,750

2009 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Gen-Mec Construction Co Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Bear Slashing Ltd.
Jerry Bremner	TrailBlazer RV Centre
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Bonnyville Voyageurs Football Club
Luke Tournier	Tri-City Contracing Ltd.
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Kal Tire
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Ltd.
Mark Sutherland	DLM Enterprises
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Source Energy/Spartan Controls
Tyler Helmig	Bonnyville Chrysler
Leo Tournier	Cougar Fuels
Rick Fraser	Extreme Oilfield Technologies
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	Pride of the Lakeland
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Moko Oilfield
Dave Bensmiller	Town & Country Developments
Barry Hodgson	Bonnyville Neighbourhood Inn
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	CE Franklin
Brian Mayan	Ross & Sylvestre LLP Chartered Accountants
Mike Vigen	Hamel's Meat Market
Cliff Cunningham	Lakeland Homes
Colt Cosgrave	Apex Distribution & Valve Service Inc.
Troy Flad	DLN Enterprises
Chance Bensmiller	Overdrive Heavy Duty Supplies
Tim Haroldson	Tomco Production Services
Darcy Flad	Canwest 2000 Inc.
Jason Johnstone	The Player's Lounge
Floyd Bradshaw	Silver Concrete Ltd.
Cody Ridsdale	Sign Solutions
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$191,500.00
Average Bid	$5,319.44
Median Bid	$5,000.00
High Bid	$13,000.00
Low Bid	$2,500.00

2009 Badlands Dinosaur Derby Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Riverside Packers
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources
Buddy Bensmiller	Git R Down Drilling Ltd.
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.
Luke Tournier	Brass and Pocket
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	KJ'S Klan
Rae Croteau Jr.	Ramada - Drumheller
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	EnCana/Spartan Controls/Chariot Express
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	Drumheller Stampede Association
Rick Fraser	Cartiers Neck Yoke Bunch
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Wild Roses
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	McLean Construction
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	ChemServ Products Inc.
Mike Vigen	T1 Services Group
Cliff Cunningham	The Banditos
Colt Cosgrave	Dinosaur Campground & RV Park
Troy Flad	Enerstar Inc.
Chance Bensmiller	Trojan Safety Services
Tim Haroldson	Drumheller Chamber of Commerce
Darcy Flad	H & H Huxtsted
Jason Johnstone	Drumheller Stampede Association
Floyd Bradshaw	NuWay Oilfield
Cody Ridsdale	The Track Builders
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$108,250.00
Average Bid	$3,006.94
Median Bid	$2,250.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede & WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	CMP Automotive
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Wildflower Ranch - Cancorp Property Group
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Denali
Luke Tournier	Harman Holdings
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Chariot Express
Rae Croteau Jr.	Strathmore Sobey's
Mark Sutherland	MS Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	EnCana/Spartan Controls/ATB Financial/Tex Inc.
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	JLT Construction Inc.
Rick Fraser	Ralph's Motorsports
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Lundgren & Young Insurance Ltd.
Barry Hodgson	Affordable RV
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Bumper to Bumper
Brian Mayan	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.
Mike Vigen	Dodge Trucks
Cliff Cunningham	Benevolent Pirates
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Lifestyle Homes
Chance Bensmiller	Strathmore Station
Tim Haroldson	Friends of Heritage Park
Darcy Flad	Strathmore Ag Society
Jason Johnstone	Home Hardware
Floyd Bradshaw	Denny Bradshaw
Cody Ridsdale	Breaker Ranch & Farm
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$171,500.00
Average Bid	$4,763.00
Median Bid	$4,000.00
High Bid	$10,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Battle of the North Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Specialized Tech Inc.
Luke Tournier	Keddies Tack & Western Wear
Troy Dorchester	VJV Dawson Creek Auction
Reg Johnstone	Near North Ventures
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield Services Ltd.
Mark Sutherland	MS Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Bill Streeper/EnCana
Tyler Helmig	Wildman
Leo Tournier	Happy Trails RV
Rick Fraser	Blue Wave Energy
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	Basnett Truck Service
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Muddy Creek Renntals
Barry Hodgson	Pomeroy Inn & Suites
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	Independent Electric & Controls Ltd.
Mike Vigen	K & C Oilfield Hauling Ltd.
Cliff Cunningham	Arrow Insurance
Colt Cosgrave	Dukes Country Club
Troy Flad	Tri Star Construction
Chance Bensmiller	Trojan Safety Services
Tim Haroldson	Lonestar Oilfield
Darcy Flad	Dawson Creek Fall Fair
Jason Johnstone	Michalchuk Bros. L Contractors Ltd.
Floyd Bradshaw	Dawson Creek Fall Fair
Cody Ridsdale	Pentagon Optimization Services Inc.
Lincoln Douglas	Savage Oilfield Construction

Total Amount Bid	$136,750.00
Average Bid	$3,798.61
Median Bid	$3,250.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction Results
Driver	Advertiser
Jason Glass	Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Kelly Sutherland	Kay-Dee Ranching
Jerry Bremner	Walking Eagle Resources
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group
Hugh Sinclair	Friends of Sinclair Racing
Luke Tournier	Glencoe Resources
Troy Dorchester	Lafarge Northwest Division
Reg Johnstone	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Rae Croteau Jr.	Highwood Distillers
Mark Sutherland	Mark Sutherland Ranching
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting
Chad Harden	Image Distributors/Spartan Controls/Coneco/EnCana
Tyler Helmig	Friends of Eastern Slope Chuckwagon Group
Leo Tournier	JLT Construction Inc.
Rick Fraser	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services
Kurt Bensmiller	AIC Construction Ltd.
Shane Cartier	Caradan Chemicals
Layne MacGillivray	Impact 2000 Inc.
Dave Bensmiller	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
Barry Hodgson	Jones Boys Saddlery & Western Wear
Kirk Sutherland	Emco
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing
Brian Mayan	ChemServ Products Inc.
Mike Vigen	T1 Services Group
Cliff Cunningham	Basnett Truck Service
Colt Cosgrave	High River Autoplex & RV
Troy Flad	Enerstar Inc.
Chance Bensmiller	Git-R-Down Drilling
Tim Haroldson	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Darcy Flad	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Jason Johnstone	Red Deer Chuckwagon Championship
Floyd Bradshaw	Mervin Pidherney
Cody Ridsdale	Pentagon Optimization Services Inc.
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management

Total Amount Bid	$124,000.00
Average Bid	$3,444.44
Median Bid	$2,750.00
High Bid	$9,000.00
Low Bid	$1,750.00

2009 Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships Canvas Auction Results

News — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:55:07 GMT

Brian Mayan - 2008 Edmonton Champion
Photo By Paul Easton

In an uncertain economic year, the 2009 Dodge World Chuckwagon Championship Canvas Auction in Edmonton brought in a very respectable $285,500.00, down $44,500.00 from 2008 totals.

Mark Sutherland was the high bid at $20,000.00, down $5,000.00 from last year’s high bid of $25,00.00 for Kelly Sutherland, while the low bid was up $1,500.00 to $4,000 as compared to just $2,500.00 from 2008 as well. The average bid on all 36 wagons was $7,930.56 down $1,236.11 from $9,166.67 in 2008, with the median bid being $7,500.00 down just $500.00 from $8,000.00 in 2008.

Billy Melville

**2009 Dodge World Championships Canvas Auction Results**
**In Auction Order**
Driver	Sponsor	Amount Bid
Brian Mayan	FL Bar Ranches	$8,500.00
Jason Glass	Springwood Developments	$9,500.00
Kelly Sutherland	Chili's Restaurant	$9,250.00
Jerry Bremner	Cohos Evamy/Clark Builders	$9,250.00
Buddy Bensmiller	World Financial Group	$12,000.00
Hugh Sinclair	Western Star Trucks	$6,500.00
Luke Tournier	The Brass and Pocket	$9,500.00
Troy Dorchester	Team Rig & Supply	$10,500.00
Reg Johnstone	Direct Horizontal Drilling	$5,250.00
Rae Croteau Jr.	Max Oilfield	$11,500.00
Mark Sutherland	York Realty	$20,000.00
Grant Profit	Ja-Co Welding & Consulting	$6,500.00
Chad Harden	Spartan Controls/EnCana/Big West/Image Distributors	$10,000.00
Tyler Helmig	Friends of the Eastern Slope	$6,500.00
Léo Tournier	High Quality Machine	$6,000.00
Rick Fraser	Terra Core Rentals	$6,500.00
Obrey Motowylo	H & E Oilfield Services	$11,000.00
Kurt Bensmiller	Stahl Peterbuilt	$8,500.00
Shane Cartier	Cartier's Neckyoke Bunch	$10,000.00
Layne MacGillivray	Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park	$6,000.00
Dave Bensmiller	Tailor Made Insurance	$8,000.00
Barry Hodgson	Howard's Transport Service	$6,500.00
Kirk Sutherland	Emco	$8,750.00
Doug Irvine	B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd.	$9,000.00
Codey McCurrach	Alberta Pressure Testing	$8,000.00
Mike Vigen	KMC Oilfield Hauling	$5,500.00
Cliff Cunningham	Mashak Sales & Rentals	$6,000.00
Colt Cosgrave	McCuaig Desrochers LLP	$5,500.00
Troy Flad	NWT Safety Supplies	$6,750.00
Chance Bensmiller	Pennock Acheson Nielsen Devaney	$8,500.00
Cody Ridsdale	We Love Edmonton	$5,250.00
Jason Johnstone	Blazer Insurance	$5,000.00
Lincoln Douglas	Fountain Contracting & Management	$7,000.00
Darcy Flad	Commercial Solutions	$4,000.00
Floyd Bradshaw	Mustang Controls	$4,000.00
Tim Haroldson	Westeel / Northern Steel	$5,000.00

Total Amount Bid		$285,500.00

Average Bid		$7,930.56

Median Bid		$7,500.00

High Bid		$20,000.00

Low Bid		$4,000.00

The Canvas Auction For The Richest Stop On The WPCA Dodge Pro Tour Set For Tuesday

News — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:52:31 GMT

The best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world will be up for auction on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in Salon 1 & 2 at Northlands Agricom, in Edmonton, Alberta. This is canvas auction for the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships which are schedulled for September 1 - 5, 2009 at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta. This year's event runs from Tuesday through to Saturday, and this is a prime opportunity for advertisers to get premium advertising space on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour's season ending event.

The Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships are a 3 part event where the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, the World Champion Outrider, and Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby Champion are all crowned. The World champions will be crowned on the Friday night, with the exciting sudden death championship final heat to determine Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby champion slated to go on Saturday.

The World Champions are declared through a point system where as the Chuckwagon Driver and Outrider who have accumulated the most number of points over the course of the entire WPCA race season will be named the World Champion. Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby Champion is declared through a sudden death championship final heat opn the fifth and final night of racing in Edmonton, where the driver posting the best total timeof the sudden death final is awarded the top prize. The sudden death is made up of the four drivers who have posting the best aggregate time over the first four night of racing in Edmonton.

This will be the 2nd consecutive year the Dodge World Chuckwagon Championships have been held in Edmonton as the season's final event. Last year Jason Glass and Chad Cosgrave emerged as the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver, the World Champion Outrider respectively. Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby has traditionally been the richest stop on the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour. Brian Mayan captured last year's event, winning his first championship as a chuckwagon driver, and cashing the $50,000.00 winners cheque as well.

Billy Melville