John Walters - Track Record Run On Night One In Saskatoon
Photo By Paul Easton

It was a successful day 1 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the inaugural Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races. The event is dedicated to the memory of Ashley Richards, who was accidentally killed while working with a road crew near in 2012. It was a beautiful 20°C under a few clouds with excellent racetrack conditions. When opening night wrapped up, it was John Walters who established the track record with a penalty free run of 1:16.81.

In the opening heat from barrel number one, Walters, driving the Sienna Contracting outfit, established the WPCA track record at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park with a very speedy 1:16.81. That put him a whopping 1.53 seconds faster than former Calgary Stampede champion Chad Harden. Mitch Sutherland, Gary Gorst and Troy Dorchester rounded out the top five on opening night.

The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards and will drive off in a new GMC Sierra Pickup Truck. Live coverage of Day 2 of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races can be heard live on Friday, June 7 starting at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Chanse Vigen - Tops All On Night 2 In Saskatoon
Photo By Carol Easton

It was a cool 15°C with some light showers in Saskatoon for night two of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards. Despite some off weather conditions, some great chuckwagon racing was witnessed by the Saskatoon fans nonetheless. Sophomore driver Chanse Vigen was tops on the night after a penalty free run of 1:17.84.

From barrel number four in heat number four, Vigen, driving the Ashley Richards Memorial outfit, placed first overall for the day by just 42 one-hundredths of a second over last week’s Grande Prairie champion Rick Fraser. Day 1 winner John Walters placed third, with Roger Moore in fourth place on the night and Jordie Fike rounding out the top five.

After two runs, John Walters driving the Sienna Contracting outfit is tops in the aggregate standings with a two day combined time of 2:35.27, giving him a huge 2.55 second lead over Chad Harden in the overall aggregate standings. Gary Gorst is in third place overall, a little better than three seconds behind the overall leader John Walters, with Rick Fraser and Jerry Bremner sitting in fourth and fifth place respectively. The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards and will drive off in a new GMC Sierra Pickup Truck.

Live coverage of Day 3 of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races can be heard live on Saturday, June 7 starting at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

John Walters - Leading the Overall Aggregate in Saskatoon
Photo By Carol Easton

Heavy overnight and all day rains have forced the cancelation of night three of the the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards. The event will be shortened to a three day aggregate, with the final day of racing re-scheduled on Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm  to Sunday evening at 6:30pm.

After two runs, John Walters driving the Sienna Contracting outfit is tops in the aggregate standings with a two day combined time of 2:35.27, giving him a huge 2.55 second lead over Chad Harden in the overall aggregate standings. The driver posting the best aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards and will drive off in a new GMC Sierra Pickup Truck.

Live coverage of Day 3 of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races can still be heard live on Saturday, June 7 starting at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. Host Arnie Jackson will have a lineup of special guests.

Billy Melville

Heavy overnight and all day rains on  Saturday forced the cancelation of night three and ultimately night four of the the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards. The event was be shortened to a two day aggregate.

The decision to cancel the races on Saturday and Sunday was not an easy one. The WPCA driver representatives and the Marquis Downs track coordinators jointly agreed that due to the rain the track was no longer in a safe condition on which to race. Although everyone is disappointed the safety of animals, drivers and outriders is the most important issue.

We appreciate everyone's understanding in this matter.

2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races Champions
Sienna Concracting Outfit
(L-R): Wheaton GMC's Brian Peet and HJR Ashphalt's Reg Willick
Presenting, Outrider Dustin Gorst, Driver John Walters, 
Prairieland Park's Brenda Sapergia Presenting, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo by Billy Melville

Inclement weather on Saturday made for unsafe racetrack conditions that did not improve in time for Sunday night racing in Saskatoon, thus shortening the 2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards to a two day aggregate competition. John Walters, driving the Sienna Contracting Outfit, and along with outriders Chanse Vigen and Dustin Gorst, captured the 2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races championship after posting the best two day aggregate time of 2:35.27. It’s Walter’s first career victory on the WPCA Pro Tour in just his fourth year competing on the professional chuckwagon circuit. For his efforts, Walter's drove off in a new GMC Denali Pickup Truck, and a Silver Buckle symbolic of the 2013 Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races in Memory of Ashley Richards.

Despite the weather shortened event, Walter’s performance in Saskatoon was nothing short of spectacular as he established the WPCA track record at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on Thursday, and backed it up with a third place run on Friday. His aggregate time was 2.55 seconds faster than former Calgary Stampede champion Chad Harden and more than 3 full seconds faster than three-time Saskatoon champion Gary Gorst. Arnie Jackson and Billy Melvillle will have a full recap of the event and talk to the winners tonight - Sunday, June 9, 2013 - at 6:15pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

The WPCA Pro Tour now moves to Medicine Hat for the 2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede starting on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:00pm, with the Sunday, June 16, 2013 races starting at 2:00pm. Live radio coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard starting at 6:45pm on Thursday to Saturday and 1:45pm on Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

 
Jason Glass - First Place On First Night In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

After a couple of rain out days in Saskatchewan, the WPCA Pro Tour resumed on Thursday night with the running of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Track conditions were perfect and the races were run under partly cloudy skies and a 16°C. Evan Salmond came into this year’s event as the defending Medicine Hat champion, but it was defending World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Jason Glass who opened up the show with the top time of 1:01.54.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 6, Glass, driving the Birchcliff Energy Ltd. outfit placed first overall for the day by just 16 one-hundredths of a second faster than 2012 Calgary Stampede finalist Gary Gorst who placed 2nd on the night. Layne MacGillivray, Kirk Sutherland and Kurt Bensmiller rounded out the top 5 for the night.

The top 3 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into Sunday’s winner-take-all championship final heat. Winner of Sunday’s final wins the 2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship.

Live radio coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard starting at 6:45pm on Friday and Saturday and 1:45pm on Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Gary Gorst - First Place In All Categories On Night 2 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

Night 2 of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in Medicine Hat, Alberta was run under partly cloudy skies and a cool 12°C. Despite some afternoon showers, track conditions were very good and Gary Gorst had the best time of the show so far with a very rapid 1:01.20.

Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 11, Gorst, driving the HJR Ashphalt outfit placed first overall for the day by 53 one-hundredths of a second over Medicine Hat track record holder Kurt Bensmiller. World points leader Rick Fraser was third, followed by Obrey Motowylo and Luke Tournier.

The top 3 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into Sunday’s winner-take-all championship final heat where the winner takes home the 2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship. The day money run puts Gary Gorst in first place overall with a two run total of 2:02.90. Kurt Bensmiller is in second place overall with Rick Fraser making out the top three after day 2. Luke Tournier sits just outside the top three in fourth place overall, 10 one-hundredths of a second outside of the final qualifying spot in Sunday’s final, with Obrey Motowylo in fifth place another 3 one-hundredths of a second behind Tournier

Live radio coverage of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard starting at 6:45pm on Saturday, with Sunday’s races going at 1:45pm on Sunday on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Mike Vigen - Best Time Of The Week On Night 2 In Medicine Hat
Photo By Paul Easton

After three nights of intense competition, Gary Gorst, Rick Fraser, and Colt Cosgrave survived the cut and will make up Sunday’s winner-take-all championship final heat for the 2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship.

Gorst, driving the HJR Asphalt outfit, was the top wagon in the aggregate standings after three runs with a total time of 3:04.31. Rick Fraser was a close second, 48 one-hundredths of a second behind the leader Gorst, with Colt Cosgrave jumping from eighth place overall at the start of a night to grabbing the third and final spot in Sunday’s final. Kirk Sutherland ended up in fourth place overall and just missed the winner-take-all final by a mere 15 one-hundredths of a second, with Kurt Bensmiller falling from second place overall at the start of the day to fifth overall.

On the night, the races were run under overcast skies and 18°C. Racetrack conditions were the best of the week and Mike Vigen driving the Zedcor Oilfield Rentals outfit had the best time of the show so far with a penalty free run of 1:00.51 from barrel number one in the eleventh heat. Rae Croteau Jr. was second overall for the day, 28 one-hundredths of a second back of Vigen, with Rick Fraser, Colt Cosgrave and Hugh Sinclair rounding out the top five on the night.

Live radio coverage of the finals of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede can be heard starting at 1:45pm Sunday afternoon on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Champions
Hellfire Suppression Services/Northwell Oilfield Hauling Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chad Fike, Driver Rick Fraser, Medicine Hat Exhibition
 & Stampede's LeRay Pahl presenting, Outrider Chanse Vigen
Photo By Jessica Hoy

The finals of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede wrapped up on Sunday afternoon on a fantastic racetrack and under partly cloudy skies at 17°C. It was a classic sudden death final that featured Gary Gorst, Rick Fraser and Colt Cosgrave. When the dust settled on what was an exciting final, it was Rick Fraser, driving the Hellfire Suppression Services/Northwell Oilfield Hauling outfit, and along with outriders Chanse Vigen and Chad Fike who captured the 2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Championship. It’s the second victory on the season for Fraser, and the second time he has taken the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede championship.

Coming off barrel number 1 in the feature heat number 12, Fraser’s penalty free run of 1:00.75 was 1.22 seconds faster than Colt Cosgrave’s penalty free run from barrel number three. Gary Gorst ran second in the race from barrel number two, but a late outrider penalty bumped him back to third place overall in Sunday’s winner-take-all final.

On the day, Logan Gorst won his first ever day money as a member of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association with a very fast 1:00.53 from barrel 3 in heat 6. He was tops on the day, by 22 one -hundredths of a second over eventual champion Rick Fraser, followed by 2012 Medicine Hat champion Evan Salmond, with Darcy Flad and John Walters rounding out the top five on the day.

The WPCA Pro Tour now moves to High River for Guy Weadick Days starting on Thursday, June 20 and continuing through to Sunday June 23. Coverage from High River can be heard live starting Thursday at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville
 

Jason Glass - Track Record Run On Night 7 In Calgary
Photo By Carol Easton

Tremendous chuckwagon racing was witnessed on Night 7 of the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. Racetrack conditions were excellent, temperature was a cooler 18°C under a few clouds, and for the fourth time in seven days the track record fell, this time to Jason Glass with the week’s best run of 1:10.38.

Coming off barrel number 1 in the 9th heat, Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit won top money by 55 one-hundredths of a second over aggregate leader Rick Fraser. Kirk Sutherland, Hugh Sinclair and Chanse Vigen filled out the top five on the night.

With just one run to go to try and qualify for “Semi-Final Saturday,” Rick Fraser continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a seven-day total of 8:37.18. That puts him just 35 one-hundredths of a second ahead of track record holder Jason Glass, followed by Chanse Vigen Kirk Sutherland, Kurt Bensmiller, Gary Gorst, Jerry Bremner, and Doug Irvine who has been driving Jamie Laboucane’s outfit six of the seven nights. Chad Harden is in 9th place overall, just 5 one-hundredths of a second out of the final semi final spot, with Obrey Motowylo rounding out the top ten.

The aggregate winner will be declared tomorrow night, Friday, July 12, and the top 8 in the aggregate after tomorrow’s run will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from the two semi-final heats on semi on Saturday on July 13 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2013 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day 8 of the 2013 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby can be seen on television coverage can be seen Friday, July 12 starting at 8:00pm MT on CBC TV, Digital Cable - BOLD (available on Bell TV channel 641, Shaw Digital channel 96 and Shaw Direct channel 512) and online at CBCSports.ca, with local coverage on SHAW TV Calgary starting at 11:00pm MT. Radio coverage begins at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville
 

2013 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award Winners
Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champions
Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick Outfit
(L-R): Ourtrider Chad Cosgrave, Driver Jason Glass, Outrider Reo King
Photo by Jamie Tiessen

It was a fantastic day 8 at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby under overcast skies, 20°C, and excellent racetrack conditions. The Calgary Stampede aggregate was on the line, and it was the last night for the drivers to try and get into the top eight for “Semi Final Saturday.” When the night wrapped up, a one second late outrider penalty to Rick Fraser opened the door for Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Reo King, to win the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Trophy - symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Championship after posting the best 8 day aggregate time of 9:48.09. It’s the third time Glass has won the Calgary Aggregate title.

In addition to Jason Glass, Rick Fraser, Chanse Vigen, Kirk Sutherland, Jerry Bremner, Kurt Bensmiller, Gary Gorst, and Doug Irvine who has been driving Jamie Laboucane’s outfit seven of the eight nights complete the top eight and will compete in “Semi Final Saturday”. 2009 GMC Rangeland Derby Champion Chad Harden just missed the top eight, placing 9th overall, just 57one-hundredths of a second outside of the final spot for “Semi Final Saturday”.

As far as the day results are concerned, top time went to John Walters, driving the BKDI Architects outfit who won his first Calgary Stampede day money, followed by Jason Glass, Vern Nolin, Jordie Fike and Doug Irvine driving his own outfit. Chance Bensmiller, whose sponsor Xtreme Oilfield Technology put tonight’s tarp up for auction to aid in the flood relief, drove for Rocky Mountain Aircraft who paid $25,000.00 towards flood relief

“Semi-Final Saturday” at the 2013 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby can be seen on television Saturday, July 13 starting at 8:00pm MT on CBC TV, Digital Cable - BOLD (available on Bell TV channel 641, Shaw Digital channel 96 and Shaw Direct channel 512) and online at CBCSports.ca, with local coverage on SHAW TV Calgary starting at 11:00pm MT. Radio coverage begins at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville
 

Jason Glass - Track Record Run Again In Calgary
Photo By Paul Easton

It was 20°C under a few clouds on an exciting day 9 at the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. After two very exciting semi-final heats, the sudden death championship final heat for the 2013 Calgary GMC Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship has now been set as Jason Glass, Jerry Bremner, Kirk Sutherland and Rick Fraser will make up the championship final for the 2013 GMC Rangeland Derby. Kurt Bensmiller was the odd man out, 64 one-hundredths of a second out of fourth place, followed by the Doug Irvine piloted Jamie Laboucane outfit, Gary Gorst and rookie sensation Chanse Vigen who was penalized 2 seconds for his wagon being ahead of the barrel prior to the start of the race.

For the 5th time this week, the track record fell and Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit, becomes the only driver this week to break the 1:10.00 mark with a blistering run of 1:09.87. Coming off barrel number 1 in semi-final heat number 9, Glass won top money by 77 one-hundredths of a second over Jerry Bremner who placed 2nd for the night, followed by Kirk Sutherland, Kirk Sutherland and Shane Nolin who filled out the top five for the night. The top four times on the night came from the two semi-final heats.

The finals of the 2013 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby can be seen on television Sunday, July 14 starting at 8:00pm MT on CBC TV, Digital Cable - BOLD (available on Bell TV channel 641, Shaw Digital channel 96 and Shaw Direct channel 512) and online at BCSports.ca, with local coverage on SHAW TV Calgary starting at 11:00pm MT. Radio coverage begins at 7:30pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary, 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville. 96.5 CKFM out of Olds.

Billy Melville
 

2013 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Champions
Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick Chuckwagon Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Reo King, Driver Jason Glass, Outrider Chad Cosgrave
Photo By Jamie Tiessen

The 2013 GMC Rangeland Derby Championship is in the books, and Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit, and along with outriders Chad Cosgrave and Reo King emerged from the sudden death championship final heat as the champions and $100,000.00 richer. It is the first Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Championship for Glass, who completed a dream week and one of the most dominating performances in GMC Rangeland Derby history.

In a start studded penalty free championship final, Glass won the winner-take-all final sudden from barrel number 1 in heat number 9, death final by just 16 one-hundredths of a second over Kirk Sutherland who placed 2nd from barrel number 3, Jerry Bremner placed 3rd from barrel number 2 and Rick Fraser who was 4th from barrel position number 4. The championship final produced the top three times on the night as well.

Kirk Sutherland also received the Calgary Stampede’s Safe Drive Award for the first time in his career for being the least penalized driver over the first 9 nights of the Rangeland Derby. Chanse Vigen received the Orville Strandquist Award for Top Rookie Driver. Vigen won the award over Chance Bensmiller, Evan Salmond and Mitch Sutherland.

The Equine Outfit of Excellence was presented at the beginning of the evening. “TYCOON” of Jason Glass’ outfit was named Champion Right Leader for the second consecutive year, “NICKLE” of Rick Fraser’s outfit was named Champion Left Leader, “WOODY” of John Walter’s outfit was named Champion Left Wheeler, “CANDY” of Chanse Vigen’s outfit was named Champion Right Wheeler, “ALLEN” of Gary Gorst’s outfit and “PAMJET” of Reg Johnstone’s outfit were named the Champion Outriding Horses.

The WPCA Pro Tour now resumes at will now embark on Bonnyville for the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship starting Thursday, July 18, 2013 and running through to Sunday, July 21, 2013. Racing from Bonnyville can be heard live starting at 6:45pm Thursday through Saturday, with Sundays coverage starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

After a 10 day hiatus for the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby, the WPCA Pro Tour now resumes and will now embark on Bonnyville for the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship starting Thursday, July 18, 2013 and running through to Sunday, July 21, 2013.

This year the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee has come up with a new concept called the “Six Pack Track Attack.” Six companies have come forth to be part of this - B&R Eckels Transport, Tomco Group of Companies, Morgan, Bonnyville Welding, MSK Ranch, and TICA Enterprises. The 36 drivers who make up the 2013 WPCA Pro Tour have been broken into 6 tems based on the world point standings after the Ponoka Stampede, and were grouped from high to low. i.e 1, 36, 2, 35, 3, 34 etc.  After 4 days of racing the team with the best combined aggregate will win a minimum of $30,000 to be disbursed among the six drivers making up the team.

The teams are as follows:

The individual posting the best aggregate time after four days of racing will win the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and be awarded the George Normand memorial buckle.

Racing from Bonnyville can be heard live starting at 6:45pm Thursday through Saturday, with Sundays coverage starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Kirk Sutherland - Breaks Own Track Record In Bonnyville
Photo By Paul Easton

After a two-week break for the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby and Colonial Days Fair, the WPCA Pro Tour resumed with the sixth running of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. The dust was flying under cloudy skies and a warm 24°C in Bonnyville, and when night one wrapped up, it was Kirk Sutherland who won top money with a track record run.

Coming off barrel number 4 in the 9th heat, Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation outfit posted a track record time of 1:13.80 and placed first overall for the day by just 4 one-hundredths of a second over world leader Rick Fraser who placed second on the night. Jerry Bremner, Luke Tournier and Colt Cosgrave rounded out the top five on the night, all of which bettered the old track record of 1:15.20 that was set by Kirk Sutherland in 2012.

The driver posting the best 4-day aggregate time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2012 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and the George Normand Memorial Buckle. In addition, the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee has come up with a new concept called the “Six Pack Track Attack,” a team concept where 6 drivers will share in a substantial prize pot.

Day 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on Friday night starting at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Heavy early morning and late afternoon rains in Bonnyville have made for unsafe racetrack conditions resulting in the races on day 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship not being run as scheduled on Friday night. Officials from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee and the World Professional Chuckwagon will be meeting to discuss whether the show will be shortened or postponed. Keep checking www.halfmileofhell.com for further details.

Day 3 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on Saturday night starting at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Despite earlier reports, Saturday night chuckwagon races in Bonnyville are still scheduled to go ahead as planned. An official announcement to suggest otherwise will be made at 4:00pm Mountain Time.

Crews are working extremely hard to get the racetrack to the standard it needs to be to be for safe racing, and there is a great deal of optimism that this will happen.

Officials from the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Committee and the World Professional Chuckwagon will be meeting at 4:00pm to evaluate the racetrack and discuss whether the show will ahead as scheduled. Keep checking www.halfmileofhell.com for further details.

Day 3 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on Saturday night starting at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Saturday night chuckwagon races in Bonnyville are going ahead as scheduled, with 7:00pm being the time the first race is run. There will be no pre-race entertainment tonight however.

Crews have been working extremely hard to get the racetrack up to standard, and world class chuckwagon racing will run tonight in Bonnyville. Tickets purchased for Friday night's races will be honored tonight.

Day 3 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on Saturday night starting at 6:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

Kirk Sutherland - 5th Consecutive Day Money On Bonnyville Track
Photo By Paul Easton

After an unscheduled night off, day 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship went off on a cool and drizzly Saturday night. Crews worked extremely hard to get the racetrack up to proper standard, races went off without a hitch, and for the second consecutive night it was defending Bonnyville champion Kirk Sutherland who won the top money.

Coming off barrel number 1 in the 9th heat, Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation outfit posted the nights fast time of 1:20.29 and placed first overall for the day by 29 one-hundredths of a second over Kurt Bensmiller. Logan Gorst, Troy Dorchester and Rick Fraser rounded out the top five on the night. It’s the fifth consecutive day money run for Kirk Sutherland atb the Bonnyville racetrack going back to the races in 2012.

After two runs, Kirk Sutherland leads the overall aggregate by 99 one-hundredths of a second over Rick Fraser, followed by Jerry Bremner, local hero Doug Irvine, and Troy Dorchester completing the top five. The 2013 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship has been shortened to a 3-day aggregate where the driver posting the best combined time after Sunday’s run will be declared the champion of the 2013 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and will receive the George Normand Memorial Buckle.

The finals of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on Sunday afternoon starting at 1:45pm on Classic Country AM1060 out of Calgary and 99.7 FM The Wolf out of Bonnyville.

Billy Melville

2013 Bonnyvile Chuckwagon Championship Champions
George Normand Memorial Buckle
EMCO Corporation Outfit
(L-R): Outrider Chance Flad, Driver Kirk Sutherland, Outrider Dustin Gorst
Photo By Billy Melville

After rains washed away day 2, the sun was shining on Bonnyville on the final day of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. When the day wrapped up, it was Kirk Sutherland, driving the EMCO Corporation, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Dustin Gorst who captured the 2013 George Normand Memorial Buckle, symbolic of the 2013 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship champions. It was a successful defense of the title that Kirk Sutherland won in 2012.

Sutherland won the title after posting the best 3 day aggregate time of 3:58.44, 38 one-hundredths of a second better than local hero Doug Irvine who settled for a runner-up finish. Reigning Ponoka Stampede champion Roger Moore placed third, with Gary Gorst in fourth and Logan Gorst rounding out the top five overall.

As far as day results are concerned, Roger Moore, driving the Rusway Construction Ltd. Outfit, had the fast time of the afternoon with a penalty free run of 1:21.96, only 2 one-hundredths of a second faster than Doug Irvine, followed by Tim Haroldson in third, Kurt Bensmiller in fourth, while Barry Hodgson and Reg Johnstone split fifth and sixth.

The WPCA Pro Tour will take one weekend off before embarking on Strathmore for the Strathmore Heritage Days Stampede from August 2 - 5, 2013.

Billy Melville