Monday April 29th

WPCA announces a 1 year agreement with Classic Country AM1060 in Calgary to provide live radio and web streaming on 41 race dates (all shows except Calgary). Radio coverage extends to the 1060 listening area. In addition the WOLF in Bonnyville will carry all 41 dates live on the radio as well as streaming the broadcasts. Races in Saskatoon, Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek will be broadcast on the WPCA Radio Network but we currently do not have a radio station partner in those areas.

Broadcasts will be produced by JSA Sports with on air personalities Arnie Jackson and Billy Melville as co-hosts and Jessica Hoy as a roving reporter who will also be contributing over social media (Twitter and Facebook) during and after races. Track announcers will be Les McIntyre for shows in Grande Prairie, High River, Ponoka, Strathmore and Dawson Creek and of course Calgary on their network. Gary Gross will call the races in Saskatoon, Medicine Hat, Bonnyville and Rocky Mountain House.

Defending Ponoka Stampede Champion Troy Dorchester
Photo By Paul Easton

Your last chance to be part of the Chuckwagon Action and the WPCA is just around the corner with the Ponoka Stampede Canvas Auction, on Friday May 3, 2013.  The 36 best drivers will be auctioned off at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds, beginning at 5:00 pm.

The Ponoka Stampede goes from, June 26 - July 1, 2013 and is celebrating 77 Years of Western Heritage and Culture at their famed rodeo and chuckwagon event.  Last year's event produced one of the most popular champions as local  hero Troy Dorchester thrilled the crowed with a come from behind victory over Tim Harolson, John Walters and Roger Moore in the winner-take-all final that is named after his grandfather - the legendary Tommy Dorchester.

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

You can sign up to bid online below, or come down to the Stagecoach Saloon on May 3, 2013 at 5:00 pm.  For more information please visit, www.ponokastampede.com.

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2013 Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction

Your last chance to be part of the Chuckwagon Action and the WPCA is today, Friday May 3, 2013,  for the Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction. The 36 best drivers will be auctioned off at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds, with the reception beginning at 5:00 pm and the auction at 6:30pm.

 

To sign up as a sponsor please follow the instructions below.

Ponoka Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction
Friday May 3, 2013
Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede Grounds, Ponoka, Alberta
Reception: 5:00pm Auction: 6:30pm

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2012 Ponoka Stampede Reserve Champion Tim Haroldson (L)
Is All Smiles As World Champion Auctioneer Dan Skeels (R) sells
him at the Stagecoach Saloon in Ponoka
Photo By Billy Melville

The final chuckwagon canvas auction for 2013 took place for one of chuckwagon racing's premier events - the Ponoka Stampede - on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Stagecoach Saloon on the Ponoka Stampede grounds in Ponoka, Alberta. Prime advertising space on the wagons of the best 36 chuckwagon drivers in the world today on chuckwagon racing predominant racing circuit sold for a very respectable $427,500.00.

Although the sale was down slightly from 2012 total of $497,500.00, for the fourth consecutive year the Ponoka Stampede sale was the highest of all of the shows that will comprise the 2013 WPCA Pro Tour.

Defending World and former Ponoka Stampede Champion Jason Glass was the high bid at $24,000.00. The average bid was $11,875.00, with the median bid at an even $10,000.00.

The first stop on the WPCA Pro Tour will go in Grande Prairie, Alberta from May 29 –  June 2, 2013 with the running of the Grande Prairie Stompede.

Billy Melville
 

Megan Steele

The WPCA welcomes Megan Steele to the 2013 WPCA team. Megan has joined the WPCA as our Office Assistant and will be one of the main contacts for phone and email inquiries.

She will have primary duties in the clerical side of the office operations including receptionist, filing and mailing duties. Megan graduated from Lethbridge College with a diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management and has work experience in the Oil and Gas sector.

She spends her spare time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a big sister and sits on a few event committees that give back to the community. Megan loves to travel, having been to Europe three times, and also loves to spend time with her two dogs.

Dr. Doyle Mullaney
August 1, 1944 - May 5, 2013

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of former chuckwagon driver and fan favorite Dr. Doyle Mullaney on Sunday, May 5, 2013 from an apparent heart attack while battling a grass fire near his home at Hartell, Alberta, at the age of 68.

Known affectionately as “Doc” by most, or as the “Colorful Irishman,” by legendary Calgary Stampede track announcer Joe Carbury, Doyle recently celebrated 50 years in the chuckwagon business after his annual trip to the Houston Astrodome to run pony wagons this past winter. “Doc” was one of the greatest ambassadors chuckwagon racing ever had, and raced wagons all over the North American continent from Fort Nelson, B.C to Mexico, from Vancouver Island to the eastern Maritimes.

Doyle was a 2nd generation chuckwagon man who started his career as a chuckwagon driver and outrider in 1964 as part of Cliff Claggett’s legendary barnstorming chuckwagon show. He was the 1971 World Pony Chuckwagon Champion, and during his career driving thoroughbred chuckwagons, “Doc” posted victories at the Meadow Lake Stampede, the Dawson Creek Fall Fair & Rodeo, and twice won the Chuckwagon Championship of Fort Nelson, B.C. He won the 2002 WPCA Clean Drive Award for least penalized driver and received the WPCA’s Most Improved Chuckwagon Outfit Award in 1985. Doyle also competed in bull riding and bareback bronc riding, and graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973. He owned and operated the Big Rock Animal Clinic in Okotoks, Alberta until he sold his practice in 2010.

Throughout his career “Doc” participated in numerous parades and exhibitions, including driving chuckwagons as part of the opening ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, and even embarking on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. “Doc’s” lifetime dedication to chuckwagon racing earned him a record four WPCA Active Supporter awards, and in 1993 he was honored with the WPCA’s highest award, the Chuckwagon Person of the Year. In 2005, Doyle received the WPCA’s prestigious George Normand Lifetime Builder’s Award.

Dr. Doyle Mullaney will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Mullaney family. Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time. Keep checking wpca.com or halfmileofhell.com for more information on the life and death of chuckwagon driver Doyle Mullaney.
 

Billy Melville
 

Dr. Doyle Mullaney
Photo By Carol Easton

Funeral Services for Dr. Doyle Mullaney will be held at the Oilfields Regional Arena, 611 – 3 Street S.W., in Black Diamond, Alberta on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow. Interment will take place at the Okotoks Union Cemetery.

Donations may be made in “Doc’s” name to S.T.A.R.S (1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7.) To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home (Okotoks) Ltd. Ph. (403) 938-3111.
 

Heat of the Moment

With reality TV shows being the current rage on television, the WPCA is pleased to announce a partnership with Shaw Community TV that will bring the excitement and behind-the-scenes insight of the wagon community into homes across Canada this Spring and Summer.

“Heat of the Moment” is an eight part television series that captures two of the WPCA’s most revered competitors -- Mark and Kelly Sutherland -- in the sport of professional chuckwagon racing during the 2012 racing season.

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association features 36 of the best wagon drivers in the world in a season long competition to declare a World Champion. Kelly Sutherland is perhaps the best known driver and widely considered as the best of all time due to his record breaking 12 World Championships and 12 Calgary Stampede Championships. WPCA Chuckwagon racing attracts stadium sized live audiences and thousands of radio listeners and television viewers to the exhilarating realm of chuckwagon racing.

The father and son duo battled each other and the rest of the field through the 2012 pro chuckwagon season. This series provides exclusive, behind-the-scenes access and in-depth interviews from Mark, Kelly, family, friends, teammates and competitors. Catch the un-scripted drama as it unfolds -- in this brand new, 8 part all-access experience!

"Heat of The Moment" is scheduled to debut on Sunday nights starting May 12th at 7pm on Southern Alberta Shaw TV stations in Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

“Heat of The Moment” will be shown eight times per week in Calgary on:
Shaw TV, Channel 10 Day Time: Mon-Friday at 10:00am MST
Prime Time: Sunday, Thursdays and Friday at 7:00pm MST
(entire series repeats after Calgary Stampede with same scheduled days and times)

“Heat of The Moment” will be shown once per week in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat on:
Shaw TV and on Shaw Direct, Channel 299 nationally across Canada
Prime Time: Sunday at 7:00pm MST

It may be delayed one week depending on the outcome of the WHA Finals. If there is a game 6 the debut will be on May 19th at 7pm.
 

Cal Loree
August 16, 1930 - May 9, 2013

The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the passing of longtime chuckwagon supporter Cal Loree peacefully on the morning of Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the age of 82 years.

Cal became actively involved in chuckwagon racing in the early 1990's as a canvas sponsor with the Fracmaster Group that had partnered up with drivers Grant Profit and Kelly Sutherland. In the mid 1990's he served as an officer with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. For several yars following his retirement from the Fracmaster Group, Cal and his wife Rosemarie's Loree Quarter Horses generously donated awards at the annual WPCA Awards Banquet and Presentation. Cal and Rosemarie were honored with a WPCA Active Supporter Award in 1997. Cal was an active member of Kelly Sutherland's outfit right up until his passing.

Cal will forever live in the hearts of his lovely wife Rosemarie; four daughters, Sandra, Sherry, Sharon and Valerie; eight grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren, with one in the making. He also leaves behind his brother Dwight Loree and his sister Jane Karbinski, as well as many nieces and nephews.Cal was predeceased by his parents Isabelle and Max Loree; his brothers Greg, Joe and James.

The family would also like to make a special mention to a team of doctors, namely Dr. Peter Dunham, his doctor for thirty years, and Dr. Anne Gillis and her team from the Electrophysiology Department. Special mention goes to Dr. Isreal Belenkie, Head of the Cardiac Function Clinic FMC (Foothills Medical Centre) and to his "Angel" nurse Tracy French.

A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 781-1978, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Calvyn Loree, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.

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

 

The Troy Flad Family
On Wagon L-R: Trez Flad, Shayle Flad
Front Row L-R: Gage Flad, Blaid Flad, Troy Flad, Shannon Flad
Photo By Ed Wittchen

May 15, 2013 - Warburg, Alberta

Troy and Shannon Flad welcomed the students, staff and parents of Warburg School to their ranch to get a first hand view of what goes into making a chuckwagon team. Warburg is a small town of approximately 750 people west of Leduc and south of Stony Plain. Troy and Shannon have lived in the area for 8 years and all of their kids have attended the school. About 100 students and parents made a field trip to see what wagon racing is all about.

Students From Warburg School Enjoying The Day At The Troy Flad Ranch
Photo By Ed Wittchen

Troy hooked a couple of teams and demonstrated some barrel turns, kids got to sit on the drivers wagon seat, see what the harnesses and equipment looks like up close and get a sense of the excitement of wagon racing. Typical comments from the kids were “awesome” or “exciting”.

Troy and Shannon and their sponsor Lyle Schmidt, President of Ironwood Building Systems provided a hot dog lunch and goodie bags for everyone.

The WPCA has a hundred new fans after today.
 

NEW Blocked Soft Shell Jacket

Hey Chuckwagon Fans, check out the latest WPCA Pro Tour merchandise from KMC Sales - the official merchandise supplier to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association.Commemorate your chuckwagon experience today!

Kick your summer into high gear with official merchandise of the WPCA Pro Tour including Headwear, T-Shirts, Fleece, Outerwear and Golf Wear!

You can order online or buy direct from the WPCA Merchandise Trailer that is on site at each WPCA race location all summer long!

Or Contact KMC Sales at:
Tel: 403 275-8621
Toll Free: 1-855-275-8621
Fax: 403 275-8964
kmcsales@telusplanet.net

Click Here to browse our Official Merchandise online.

The Sherman Manywounds Sr. Memorial Outriding Clinic
Veteran Outriders Eddie Melville (Left in Black), Shawn Calf Robe
(Right in Black) and Chad Fike (missing) and members of the
Tsuu T'ina Nation (in Red) who participated in the the
2013 Sherman Manywounds Sr. Memorial Outriding Clinic
Photo By Char G Photography

Veteran  outriders Shawn Calf Robe, Chad Fike and Eddie Melville, with assistance from Kiera and Dayton Sutherland,  welcomed members of the Tsuu T'ina Nation to get some hands on experience of what it takes to become a chuckwagon outrider. The 2013 Sherman Manywounds Sr. Memorial Outriding Clinic took place at the Harry Dodginghorse Memorial Agriplex on the Tsuu T'ina Nation southwest of Calgary on May 17th and 18th, 2013. Outriding horses were supplied by Mark Sutherland, and the event was named in honor of Sherman Manywounds Sr. who outrode at the Calgary Stampede in the late 1980's.

Approximately nine people took an active part in the clinic with roughly twenty-five spectators on hand to watch and even jump in for a small taste from time to time. It was rewarding experience for the instructors to see the enthusiasm and the improvement that all students demonstrated on the second day of the clinic.

Outrider Eddie Melville Offers Some Pointers To A Student
Photo By Char G Photography

The clinic covered horsemanship with thoroughbreds, how to ride a thoroughbred, and the art of mounting your horse outrider style. Some basic barrel work was done, and a general overview of the roles and responsibilities that outriders play in chuckwagon racing.

The clinic was a first class affair, and everyone who watched or participated enjoyed a very gratifying experience. The Tsuu T'ina Nation has a long history in chuckwagon racing that began with Dave Crowchild back in 1928.

The start of the 2013 edition of the WPCA Pro Tour starts on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 with the running of the Grande Prairie Stompede. Chuckwagon fans can listen live all season long on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary or on 99.7 FM the Wolf out of Bonnyville. For those fans outside the traditional listening area, you can tune in online by visiting the Live Streaming link under Multimedia on halfmileofhell.com.

Live coverage of day 1 of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard each night starting at 7:30pm.

 Meet the On Air Personalities:

ARNIE JACKSON    Veteran radio announcer Arnie Jackson has 50 years experience as a broadcaster and on-air personality. He was the play by play announcer for Scotty Munro's Calgary Centennials on CFAC Radio in the 60's and 70's. He worked as sports announcer on CKXL Radio in Calgary, and even Sports Director for radio stations in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.  Arnie has covered the chuckwagon races on SHAW TV's coverage of Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby and for many years at the Calgary Stampede. Arnie has reported on every level of sport from the local amateur scene to the Calgary Stampede, to the National Finals Rodeo where he is considered one of North America's foremost rodeo broadcasters. His success includes not only the three traditional mediums of radio, television and newspaper, but Arnie keeps in step with the world with his current contributions to social media.

 

BILLY MELVILLE    As the grandson of Chuckwagon legend Orville Strandquist, Billy grew up around Chuckwagon Racing. He has been the Colour Commentator for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association since 2001. He is arguably the most complete and trusted source of information on the sport of Chuckwagon Racing today. Billy has also worked on SHAW TV's coverage of the Ponoka Stampede, Edmonton's Chuckwagon Derby and the Calgary Stampede, and has done some work on CBC's television coverage of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby as well. Billy writes a regular chuckwagon column for Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine called "Wheel to Wheel," and also doubles as a country music entertainer. He is the older brother to champion outrider Eddie Melville.

Tom Glass Making His Induction Speech In Red Deer

May 24, 1013 - Red Deer, Alberta

It was an emotional night in Red Deer as chuckwagon legend Tom Glass was formally inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame at a gala celebration in Red Deer.

"When you get the call that you've been inducted its good, but today blew me away" explains Glass. "I went into the hall of fame today and saw my dad's picture (Ronnie Glass) and beside him his Wayne Gretzky!"

Tom Glass With Some Of His Outriders
(L-R): Chad Cosgrave, Ross Nelson, Tom Glass, Eddie Melville, Brent Woolsey

It was a full house, and the Glass family was well represented, as well as some members of the WPCA, other dignitaries, and some of Tom's former outriders were also in attendance. Many of the ASHOF alumni were also in attendance.

Tom Glass is one of chuckwagon racing's most celebrated champions. Over his 35 years he has more than 40 major awards and victories including 3 World Championships, 4 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championships, 4 Ponoka Stampede Championships, 2 Cheyenne Frontier Days and 2 Calgary Stampede Aggregate Titles among a host of other victories.

The following is the complete list of Alberta Sports Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees:

Tom Glass - Chuckwagon Athlete
Blythe Hartley - Diving Athlete
Orest Korbutt - Multisport Builder
Dean Kozak - Goalball Athlete
Dru Marshal - Field Hockey Builder
Chris Reitsma - Baseball Athlete
Jim Whitelaw - Football/Basketball Builder
Jeremy Wotherspoon - Speed Skating Athlete
Raymond Knight & Earl Bascom Rodeo - Pioneer Award
Bob Scammell Bell Memorial Award (Media Person)

Rick Fraser - Best On Night One In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

The professional chuckwagon season kicked off on Wednesday night with the 36th running of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Jason Glass came into this year’s event as both the defending Grande Prairie champion, as well as the defending the World Champion Chuckwagon Driver that he won for the 4th time in 2012.

Weather conditions were cool 18°C under partly cloudy skies with some rain falling, racetrack conditions were reasonably good, and some good races were seen by the Grande Prairie chuckwagon fans on opening night of the professional chuckwagon season nonetheless. When the night wrapped up it was three-time Grande Prairie Champion Rick Fraser who ended up with the top time of the night with a penalty free run of 1:19.49.

Coming off barrel number 1 in heat number 9, Fraser, driving the Hellfire Suppression Services outfit placed first overall for the day by 1.02 seconds over John Walters who placed 2nd overall for the night. Former Grande Prairie finalists Chad Harden and Mike Vigen placed third and fourth respectively, with former champion Troy Dorchester rounding out the top 5 for the night.

There will be $50,000.00, a new GMC Truck and a Jayco Fifth Wheel up for grabs in the final heat 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 winner-take-all championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. Day two of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary or on 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville starting at 6:45pm.

Billy Melville

Rick Fraser - Has The Hot Hand In Wet Conditions In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a wet and cool 17°C in Grande Prairie for night two of the Grande Prairie Stompede. On a tough night for all competitors, Rick Fraser emerged as the day money winner for the second consecutive night with a penalty free run of 1:19.71.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Fraser, driving the Hellfire Suppression Services outfit placed first overall for the day 81 one-hundredths of a second faster than twelve-time World Champion Kelly Sutherland. Mike Vigen placed third on the night, with Layne MacGillivray and Evan Salmond splitting fourth and fifth on the night.

After two runs, Rick Fraser is tops in the aggregate standings with a two day combined time of 2:39.20. Mike Vigen, Colt Cosgrave and Kelly Sutherland make out the top four, with Layne MacGillivray in fifth place overall, just 14 one-hundredths of a second outside the top four. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque, a new GMC Truck, a Jayco Fifth Wheel and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award.

Day three of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Friday night on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary or on 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville starting at 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

Doug Irvine - First Place On Night Three In Grande Prairie
Photo By Paul Easton

It was cool and damp conditions in Grande Prairie on Friday night for day 3 of the Grande Prairie Stompede. Rick Fraser was in search of his third consecutive day money , but when the night concluded, it was Doug Irvine who posted his first day money run of 2013 with a penalty free run 1:21.35.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 2, Irvine, driving the B & R Eckel’s Transport Ltd. Outfit, took the top time of the night by just 28 one-hundredths of a second over three-time Grande Prairie Champion Jerry Bremner. Rick Fraser, Jason Glass and Kelly Sutherland filled out the top five spots on the night.

Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfire Suppression Services outfit, continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a three day combined time of 4:00.79. That puts him 3.52 seconds ahead of day three winner Doug Irvine, with Kelly Sutherland and Evan Salmond making out the top four. Mike Vigen sits on the outside in fifth place overall, 67 one-hundredths of a second outside the top four.

The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque, a new GMC Truck, a Jayco Fifth Wheel and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award.

Day four of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Saturday night on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary or on 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville starting at 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

 

Mike Vigen - Day Money Run Gets Him Into Sunday's Final
Photo By Paul Easton

Weather and racetrack conditions were much improved for night four of the Grande Prairie Stompede. It was the final night for the drivers to try and qualify for Sunday’s winner-take-all championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque, a new GMC Truck, a Jayco Fifth Wheel and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. When things wrapped up, Rick Fraser, Kelly Sutherland, Mike Vigen and Evan Salmond will be the four drivers bidding for the championship.

Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfire Suppression Services outfit, qualified for Sunday’s final in first place overall with a four day combined time of 5:21.24. Kelly Sutherland qualified in second place overall, 1.87 seconds behind the aggregate winner Fraser, with Mike Vigen and Evan Salmond qualifying in third and fourth place respectively. Day three winner Doug Irvine, who was in second place overall to start the day, slipped to fifth place overall after a slow run and missed the winner-take-all final by 1.25 seconds.

As far as day results are concerned, Mike Vigen posted the fast time of the week from barrel four in the second heat. Vigen’s Zedcor Oilfield Rentals outfit placed first on the day by 46 one-hundredths of a second over Kelly Sutherland, with Obrey Motowylo, Kirk Sutherland and Colt Cosgrave filling out the top five on the night. For the second consecutive night, Jason Glass drove for injured driver Bob Van Eaton.

The final performance of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Sunday night on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary or on 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville starting at 6:30pm.

Billy Melville

2013 Grande Prairie Stompede Champions
Hellfires Suppression Services/Northwell Oilfield Hauling Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chad Fike, Driver Rick Fraser - Driver, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo by Billy Melville

Track conditions were the best of the week and the finals of the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship were run under partly cloudy skies, some light rain and a cool 13°C. It was a popular winner-take-all final with a strong Grande Prairie flavour featuring Grande Prairie natives Rick Fraser, Kelly Sutherland, and Mike Vigen, with Evan Salmond of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan filling out the championship final. When the dust settled, it was Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfire Suppression Services & Northwell Oilfield Hauling outfit, and along with outriders Chanse Vigen and Chad Fike that drove off in a new GMC Truck, a new Jayco Fifth Wheel, a $25,000.00 winners cheque and the 2013 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.

Coming off barrel number two, Fraser captured the Grande Prairie championship with a penalty free run of 1:17.81, exactly one full second faster than Kelly Sutherland who placed second in the heat from barrel number three. Evan Salmond ended up in third place overall from barrel 4, while Mike Vigen, who had drawn the favorable barrel number one, suffered major disappointment in his hometown show by having trouble from the start and failed to get out of the infield for a no time. It’s the fourth time Rick Fraser has won the Grande Prairie Championship and just one win shy of the all time record of five set by Dallas Dorchester.

As far as the day results are concerned, Rick Fraser’s 1:17.81 was number one on the day and the fast time on the week. 2012 Grande Prairie Champion Jason Glass placed second on the night followed by Layne MacGillivray, Rae Croteau Jr., and Jerry Bremner composing the top five runs of the night. All nine heats on Sunday were dash for cash situations, and Chad Harden drove for injured driver Bob Van Eaton.

The WPCA Pro Tour will embark on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the inaugural Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races that will run from June 6-9, 2013 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Live coverage of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races can be heard live on Thursday, June 6 on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

The WPCA Pro Tour embarks on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the inaugural Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races that will run from June 6-9, 2013 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Races will run at 6:30pm Thursday through Saturday with Sunday's races at 2:00pm.

Live coverage of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races can be heard live Thursday, June 6 through to Saturday, June 8 starting at 6:15pm Mountain Time, with Sunday's races starting at 1:45pm Mountain Time on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.