Although still wildly popular amongst fans, there’s no denying the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) is tightening the reins a little when it comes to the 2016 racing season.

Traditionally – and up to and including last year – the CPCA schedule featured at least 11 events per season, including the internationally renowned Calgary Stampede, which welcomes drivers from both the CPCA and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). This year, however, only nine stops, including Calgary, have been announced for the CPCA tour. While the Frog Lake First Nation races are back, missing from this year’s slate are the St. Walburg races, as well as those held in mid-July during Lloydminster’s Colonial Days festival.

The primary catalyst for this is likely the struggling economy. With only so much sponsorship money to go around – further evidenced by the drop in overall dollars bid in Tuesday’s CPCA Finals canvas auction – it’s become challenging for drivers, and for the association as a whole, to persevere.

One thing fans could always count on, though, was a summer filled with exciting action. Even that’s taken a hit, considering the Colonial Days event was always held at the same time as the Calgary Stampede, allowing drivers who did not qualify for the big show to still remain competitive. Going by the current schedule, these drivers will now have close to a month off between races. That’s unheard of, leading even the most die-hard of followers to wonder if the CPCA’s best days have already come and gone.

Adding to this is the fact the CPCA also witnessed the departure of some key individuals this year – both from the track and from behind the scenes. Popular drivers Vern Nolin, Layne Bremner and Curtis Morin have joined the world circuit, while Brian Hebson, the association’s marketing manager, recently accepted a similar role with the WPCA.

Yes, drivers do come and go from the CPCA every year, but it must be difficult when a competitor with a strong following takes that following elsewhere. At least the influx of new drivers eager to make names for themselves will help keep the sport alive. As veteran driver Ray Mitsuing said, new blood is the key to chuckwagon racing’s continued success.

CPCA vice-president BJ Carey, meanwhile, said one association cannot exist without the other. If this is indeed the case, perhaps it’s time the two organizations formed a more formal relationship. It works in other sports, such as hockey, for example, where the American Hockey League (AHL) serves as a farm system for the National Hockey league (NHL). When it comes to the chuckwagon racing, the CPCA could potentially serve as a training ground for young drivers who could eventually race in the WPCA. In turn, veteran drivers looking for a lighter schedule or to refine their skills could also move over to the CPCA. This could allow the two associations to keep each other strong both financially and in terms of talent, both of which will assure a bright future for the sport.

The post CPCA has seen better days appeared first on Northern Pride.

by Derek Cornet

After a one-year hiatus, Devin Mitsuing is preparing for this year’s Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) season.

In recent weeks, Devin – along with his father, Ray Mitsuing – have been completing chores around the family ranch as they wait for the ground to dry. In preparation for the coming season, Devin Mitsuing said the barn is being cleaned and the track harrowed before training the horses begins.

“We’ve also got our wagon to put together and the truck needs an oil change,” he remarked. “We have the tractor running, so we pulled the harrows around. We haven’t done too much with the horses yet, so I’m hoping to have them trimmed and brushed soon.”

The Mitsuing ranch consists of three corrals, which each contain about 12 horses. The property also has a large track complete with grandstands and an announcer’s booth that was used for events in the past. Mitsuing said, once the horses begin exercising, the process will be slow at first, but gradually pick up.

“We have a truck with bars and we hook four at a time on them – two in the front and two in the back,” he commented. “We give them three slow laps around the track. The new ones we hook up and drive them. That’s how we get them into shape.”

Earlier this month at the CPCA Finals Tarp Auction, Mitsuing claimed $17,000 in sponsorship money, the top amount out of 29 drivers. Mitsuing was hoping to be among the top recipients, but was unsure considering the time he was away from the sport.

In 2014, Mitsuing was kicked in the face by a horse in Onion Lake. He was putting the horse to bed when it suddenly kicked without warning. Mitsuing said he never seen the blow coming, but it resulted in the surgical implantation of 19 plates and 60 screws.

“You have to be aware and you can’t always let your guard down,” he noted.

Racing since 2004, Mitsuing’s most memorable highlight of his career was when he captured the 2011 CPCA championship. He nearly won the following year as well, but lost by half a horse length to eventual winner Vern Nolin.

For 2016, he’s hoping to drive the wagon his father raced with last year. He said the wheels run smooth, straight and it pulls easy. The wagon, however, needs repairs including the replacement of two wheels, a seat and the mesh needs to be corrected after a rollover involving Ray Mitsuing on the last day of racing in 2015.

“It was the Sunday Championship Dash at the finals,” Devin Mitsuing remarked. “He came out of the barrels and Wayne Knight came around and hit him on the side and just flipped it. I was scared for him, but he got up and was grabbing the horses. None of the horses were hurt too bad and my dad was a little banged up, but he’s alright now.”

While the Mitsuings enjoy racing in the CPCA, it’s also quite expensive. The horses are purchased for between $5,000 and $10,000 each and then they have to be trained, shoes placed on all the horses and they need to be fed all year long. Also, when travelling from show to show, fuel needs to be paid for five vehicles and the crew needs to eat. Without sponsors, Mitsuing said he likely wouldn’t be taking part.

As for transitioning to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, Mitsuing said the CPCA schedule is less extensive, which works for him at the moment. But, he’s watching where other drivers are going and is making considerations.

“We’ll see how this year goes,” he said. “I’d like to stick around and race, but if it’s not making it worthwhile, then there’s no point sticking around.”

Ray Mitsuing is proud of Devin’s success, noting chuckwagon racing is all in the family. He’s undecided whether he will finish the season with the CPCA following the 2016 Calgary Stampede, but noted Devin has a bright future.

“That’s what people are after nowadays is young drivers,” said the 33-year veteran about the 2016 tarp auction. “He’s got a lot of connections. He knows a lot of people from racing in the past and they know he’s a good driver. I imagine they went after that.”

Devin Mitsuing is also looking forward to his future in chuckwagon racing. When he was child, he said he didn’t think it was for him but his family’s passion for horses runs deep.

“I grew up watching and I thought it was too crazy for me, but once I started driving and getting near the top, I realized I wanted to keep going forever,” he concluded.

The post Mitsuing returns to CPCA appeared first on Northern Pride.

by Terry Villeneuve

For close to 10 years, Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) driver BJ Carey had his share of ups and downs on the track. His efforts behind-the-scenes, however, have been equally as challenging.
“I’ve been CPCA vice-president for the past four years,” said Carey, who grew up in Meadow Lake but now calls Lloydminster home. “It’s my job to help the other directors run the association and to do what’s best for the group as a whole.”
While he continues in the role because he wants to see the CPCA succeed, Carey admits it’s not an easy job to do at times.
“I feel I have what it takes to help the association, and that’s why I stepped up,” he said. “Unfortunately, it can be a thankless job. There are a lot of people out there who, at times, feel they can do a better job, but they’re not the ones coming forward to actually try.”
As for his performance on the track, 2016 hasn’t been Carey’s best year. He finished 15th at the June 29 to July 3 races in Onion Lake, is currently 35th at the Calgary Stampede after five days of racing due to 16 seconds in penalties, and holds down 16th spot in the CPCA driver standings.
Meanwhile, a key departure from Carey’s barn this year has been his wife, Kim, who was hired at the start of June as the new CPCA secretary.
“I saw it as a good opportunity and as an extra income,” Kim Carey said. “I was on the road with the CPCA anyway, and I’ve been part of the association all my life. I used to travel the circuit with my dad (former CPCA driver Brian Laboucane), and my brother (Jamie Laboucane) still drives today. It’s just a passion I’ve always had, and now it’s a new challenge for me.”
So far, Kim Carey said there’s been a lot to learn in a short amount of time.
“But, everyone has been very helpful and appreciative of my efforts,” she said. “As of right now, I’ve been in contact with the various show committees to make sure everything is in place prior to each event, I’m involved with making up the draws, setting up meetings and handling the CPCA’s correspondence.”
She went on to say, in addition to her husband, father and brother, her son has also expressed a serious interest in embarking on a chuckwagon racing career once he’s old enough to do so.
“It certainly is a family affair,” she said. “I want to continue to ensure the CPCA is a thriving association by the time he’s ready to run.”
BJ Carey, meanwhile, said he’s happy for his wife, and wishes her the best in her latest endeavour.
“It took her away from our barn, yes, but it’s a paying job and one she can do year-round,” he said. “To do a good job as secretary, you need to know chuckwagon racing and she grew up around it, so who better?”

The post For the love of racing appeared first on Northern Pride.

The Conversation with former wagon driver Glen Delaronde

Q: When did your chuckwagon racing career begin?
A: I started in the 1960s. I was 17 when I started, so that was around 1968. I was involved with the sport even earlier than that, however. At first I tried to be an outrider, but that wasn’t working out for me. When I was young, I also competed on the rodeo circuit. I rode cows and did some pole bending at the junior level, but chuckwagon racing was always my main thing.

Q: Why is that?
A: It was a family thing, and was just what I always pictured myself doing. My father, Alex, was a wagon driver and eventually I took over. I’ve always had a love for horses, so that’s why I always tried to involve myself in different horse-related activities.

Q: How long did you race?
A: I drove until 1986, but a lot of interesting things happened between that time. I remember in 1968 there weren’t very many drivers – maybe about 10 and about six of us who went to all the shows. It was a lot of fun in those days, and I thought it was great to be paid just to show up and race. Things got even better as the years went along.

Q: Were you part of the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association in those days?
A: No, the CPCA is a completely different association. We were just a bunch of Meadow Lake and area drivers who competed together until, in 1975, we joined what was called Canadian Protective Cowboys Association, but everyone used the word “professional” instead of protective. It featured chuckwagon men, as well as rodeo cowboys. We all belonged to the same group and, as part of that association, I accomplished a lot of good things.

Q: Where did you go from there?
A: The Cowboys Association ran into a bit of a roadblock with the Calgary Stampede and it got to the point where they were no longer invited there to compete. Because we were part of the association, this meant we (chuckwagon drivers) couldn’t compete in Calgary either. That’s why a bunch of us broke away from the association in 1980 and formed what’s known today as the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). I’m a founding member of the WPCA. We figured by forming our own group, we’d have a better chance of getting back into Calgary. It worked and, to this day, the WPCA head office is located in Calgary.

Q: What were the early days of the WPCA like?
A: They were competitive. We ran all the time. If there was a cloud in the sky, we wouldn’t hold a meeting and decide to cancel the show. Everyone brought along dry weather horses and wet weather horses, and we ran. This was especially the case when we were in a place like Fort Nelson, B.C. where we knew, if we ran, we’d make big money. The fact of the matter was, you didn’t get paid for a rain out.

Q: Did you have a lot of success throughout your career?
A: I won various shows and championships in the early days, but never won a championship as part of the WPCA. Then, things really started to slow down for me in 1981. I had a bit of a fender bender, which landed me in the hospital in Saskatoon for six weeks. That took a lot of fight out of me, I lost some good horses and basically had to rebuild from there on in. I’d still have my good shows, but also my fair share of bad ones. I just didn’t have the horsepower anymore. I retired a few years later. If I didn’t have that crash in ‘81, things may have been different.

Q: Do you consider chuckwagon racing a dangerous sport?
A: No, it’s really not that bad. We have had our share of tragedies – we lost Richard Cosgrove in ‘93 when he was bounced out of his wagon at the races in Kamloops. Then, in 1994, we lost George Norman at the Ponoka Stampede, as well as Billy McEwan in Calgary a few years after that. But, it’s like anything else, and things have improved in recent years. In the past, you’d show up to the races with three or four green horses, whereas today everyone has three or four outfits and the horses have all been broke.

Q: How else has the sport evolved?
A: There’s a full 36 drivers these days. They’ve always sold advertising on the tarps, as the wagon racing business has always been more about the sponsorship than what happens on the track, but the sponsorship has grown heavier in recent years. Before, you’d have one sponsor and use the same tarp all season. Now, you sometimes see guys changing tarps between races, while some guys enter more than one wagon. It always was a business and it still is. In my day, it was our way of life. That’s how we paid our bills.

Q: I imagine it must also cost quite a bit to compete.
A: It does, and we poured everything we had into keeping it going. We cut corners as much as we could by packing our own living accommodations and our own meals. It was real chuckwagon living, but it was also a lot of fun. It was difficult to retire when I did because, even to this day, my heart is still in it. But, it’s the young guys’ turn now. I had to leave when I did. I just wasn’t as competitive as I used to be, and I was getting sore. I’d had a hip replacement and a broken back, as well as a terrible concussion (as a result of the 1981 crash). It was time for a new career.

Q: And, what was that new career?
A: We got into ranching. We used to operate a cattle ranch and did OK with it. We worked very hard at it, but I eventually sold the majority of the cattle. I still have some here, but my eyesight isn’t well. I have a hereditary disease called acute retinitis pigmentosa. That made it hard to keep going, so I decided to sell the cattle, as well as some of my land and everything just fell into place.

Q: Do you still follow chuckwagon racing?
A: Yes, I actually went to Medicine Hat for the races recently and we follow the WPCA on the radio. We also have a lot of family members still involved with the sport. Gary Gorst is my wife’s brother, and his two sons, Logan and Dustin, also compete in the WPCA. Our nephew, Layne Bremner, also competes, while our other nephew, Dallas Dyck, races in the CPCA. It’s a great sport.

Q: There’s a certain camaraderie involved too, correct?
A: Yes, it’s like one big family of people all with the same interests. Nobody is there to hurt anybody, but everyone is there to beat everybody else.

Q: Tell me more about your family.
A: My wife, Lorna, and I have been married 47 years. Our oldest son, Leonard, used to race chuckwagons as well. Today, he’s a consultant in the gas fields in Grande Prairie. Our youngest son, Lee, trains race horses and operates the starting gates at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon. We also have six grandchildren.

Q: What’s the secret to a long-lasting relationship?
A: For us, it’s probably because we have the same interests. Lorna came from a 4-H background and probably knows a lot more about cattle and horses than I ever will. And, throughout our relationship, we’ve never really been apart. We’ve always done things together.

Q: Do you have any final words of wisdom?
A: If you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. And, you don’t have to compete with anyone but yourself. Try to get better within yourself, and you’ll become a better person overall.

The post The Conversation appeared first on Northern Pride.

by Phil Ambroziak

It takes a King to know a King.

At the behest of DJ King, his nephew and Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) driver, veteran driver Daniel King has agreed to make his return to the circuit this season.

“I’m going to drive one more year with the CPCA because DJ kept bugging me to do it,” King remarked. “I think he’s hoping we will have a chance to race together – he wants to challenge me.”

Daniel King has competed off and on for several years in the CPCA, but most recently drove in the Alberta-based Western Chuckwagon Association (WCA).

“I drove in the WCA for one summer (2015), but have been involved in chuckwagon racing as a whole for a quite a while,” King added. “I was with the CPCA, quit, joined again, left again – I like change. There isn’t much difference between the WCA and the CPCA, though, except in the WCA you don’t have outriders.”

However, King went on to say he has what it takes to adapt quickly and to make the most of what will indeed be his final CPCA run.

“It will be my very last year with the CPCA because I’m that old,” he said. “The cutoff age is 65 and I will turn 65 before the start of the 2018 season, so this will be it.”

Win or lose, he continued, he’s just happy to be coming back.

Among those also pleased to see King return is fellow chuckwagon driver and CPCA director BJ Carey.

“Along with Daniel, also new to the CPCA this year will be rookie driver Louis Stanley of Frog Lake,” Carey said. “It’s always good to have new people come in. It adds to our sport, which is something we want to see grow not see depleted.”

Carey also said, although no details have been ironed out and nothing is confirmed, efforts are underway to have an event in July to accommodate drivers who are not competing at the 2017 Calgary Stampede.

This news also comes on the heels of a recent announcement confirming the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association, which will host the CPCA finals again this year, has a new corporate sponsor in the form of Denham Chrysler. As such, the finals have been rebranded Denham’s Ram Tough CPCA Finals.

The post Veteran driver returns to CPCA appeared first on Northern Pride.

By Terry Villeneuve

Cash raised from the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association finals tarp auction April 4 is down as a whole, but up for the individual drivers.

“You’re not going anywhere without sponsors and I’m glad to have been able to pick up more at this year’s event,” said three-year CPCA member DJ King of Meadow Lake. “Last year I was able to get $3,250 and this year my total was doubled to $6,500.”

The annual auction, targeted at businesses who want a unique way of promoting their business during the August showdown in Lloydminster, garnered $122,000 in total from the 22 drivers who took to the stage for an average payday of $5,545. Last year’s total was $159,000 for 29 drivers with the average being $5,482.
“We had a great turnout and a large enthusiastic crowd,” said Mike Sidoryk, general manager of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association. “With over $100,000 in sales, we are very happy how tonight turned out. However, the real work for us begins now doing all the final planning, getting the other special events in place to make this an exciting 25th anniversary and one of the best CPCA Finals Lloydminster has seen.”

Track announcer Les McIntyre, who is also the voice of the Calgary Stampede’s Rangeland Derby, hosted the event and acknowledged the support shown for the CPCA finals.

“It’s an exciting new year with a new major sponsor in Denham Chrysler,” he said. “All the great drivers are back along with some exciting new ones, there’s some new sponsors getting involved and some old reliable ones as well. I am certainly looking forward to the 25th Anniversary of the CPCA finals here in Lloydminster.”

One particular sponsor – Tait’s Renegades – won the successful bid on two drivers. Moments before the start of the auction, company representative Angel Stewart stated her group had a couple of drivers in their sights.

“We’re going to try and get both DJ and Daniel King. A lot of us follow them on the CPCA tour and it would mean a lot to us if we were able to reel them in,” she said.
In the end her mission was accomplished.

“We’re very happy to join their group and have a strong showing at the finals at the end of the summer,” DJ King added.

The post Prices up at CPCA tarp auction appeared first on Northern Pride.

by Phil Ambroziak

A piece of Meadow Lake history could be history.

During its regular meeting Nov. 14, Meadow Lake city council voted not to repair the grandstand at the local Stampede Grounds, but instead to close the seating area to the public. The city also plans to hold a public consultation on the future of the facility some time in 2018.

“It’s all about liability,” remarked deputy-mayor Merlin Seymour. “If the engineers aren’t going to stamp it without us spending X amount of dollars, there’s no way we can take a chance of something happening.”

According to the official recommendation provided to council by city clerk Jessica Walters, due to its age, the grandstand has required an engineering assessment every two years in order for it to continue to be used by the public.

“In 2015, the assessment resulted in required repairs of $36,000 to the structural beams,” Walters noted. “This repair work was offset by a donation from the Lions Club of $18,000 to allow the grandstand to continue to be used for the duration of their contract with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA).”

This year, however, the grandstand was assessed again, and the report indicates a significant investment would need to be made in order for the seating area to continue to be used. Repairs to the stands are estimated in the range of $115,000 or more. In addition, the rest of the Stampede Grounds facilities, including the concession booth and fences, are also ageing and will require significant investment in the future.

In light of the significant costs and short timeframe involved, the Lions Club will not be renewing its CPCA contract for 2018. The Lions have sponsored the races for the last decade-plus.

“If the grandstand is not repaired or replaced, it means we will no longer be able to host chuckwagon races in Meadow Lake,” stated Lions Club member Nels Andersen. “It’s not the city’s decision, but rather the decision of the insurance company. They won’t insure it if the necessary work isn’t done, so in the meantime we lose out on this major fundraiser and will have less money to spend on initiatives throughout town.”

Andersen said, on average, the CPCA races would generate between $5,000 and $10,000 for the Lions each year.

Meanwhile, CPCA driver and executive member BJ Carey said it’s disappointing to know there will be no chuckwagon races in his hometown this summer.

“It sucks not to be able to race in front of the Meadow Lake fans, but we have other venues waiting to sign contracts,” Carey said. “It won’t hurt the CPCA, but it will add more miles for our guys because these other venues aren’t as close as Meadow Lake.”

According to city administration, it’s no longer financially viable to keep repairing the current grandstand, and a decision will need to be made about whether the stands should be replaced or permanently removed.

by Phil Ambroziak

The historic grandstand in Meadow Lake may not be down for the count just yet.

Upon learning about city council’s recent decision to close the seating area at the Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds to the public because of safety concerns, a group of local residents are banding together in an effort to find a way to address the grandstand’s current state of disrepair and prevent the community from permanently losing what they feel is an important part of Meadow Lake’s history and tradition.

“The grandstand is important because it is so historical,” stated Loretta King, who is spearheading local efforts to save the grandstand. “So many memories have been made there – not just at the grandstand but at the Stampede Grounds themselves.”

King – whose father, chuckwagon driver Daniel King, retired from the sport this year – said she felt the need to take action after reading about council’s decision online, as well as the numerous complaints made by fellow Facebook users about the situation.

“A lot of people were complaining, but no one was saying ‘let’s do something,’” she added. “So, I put it out there and the response has been great,. There are a lot of community-minded people in Meadow Lake.”

During its regular meeting Nov. 14, city council voted not to repair the grandstand but instead to close it to the public. Every two years, the grandstand requires an engineering assessment. In 2015, this assessment called for repairs of $36,000 to the structural beams, a cost that was offset by a donation from the Meadow Lake Lions Club. This year’s assessment, however, indicates the need for additional repairs in the range of $15,000 or more. Meanwhile, the Lions Club did not renew its contract with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) for 2018 because of the current condition of the grandstand.

“We’re still early in the game as far as what will happen, but we do plan to meet in the near future to throw some ideas around,” King said. “The grandstand has been around for many, many years, while chuckwagon racing and the stampede have been a big part of our community for just as long. Something needs to be done.”

During the recent council meeting, the city also approved holding a public consultation on the future of the facility some time in 2018.

by Phil Ambroziak

The future of the historic Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds could be in the hands of the community itself.

The city is encouraging residents to complete an online survey designed to garner public feedback about the Stampede Grounds before making a decision about the facility’s ultimate fate.

“We made the decision back in the fall when the engineer’s report came in (outlining the current condition of the grandstand located on the grounds) that we had to address this, and we did so in the sense we did not budget any money this year to repair the grandstand,” stated mayor Gary Vidal. “We will not make a permanent decision on what’s going to happen, however, until we have an opportunity to conduct some public consultation and this online survey is one way of doing just that.”

Vidal said the city is looking for feedback from the people who use the facility most in order to to see if there are any other ways we can address this situation.

“This survey is simply a tool we can use to gather the necessary information to make an informed decision,” he added.

In November, city council voted not to make repairs to the grandstand, but instead to close it to the public. Every two years, the grandstand requires an engineering assessment before it can be insured. In 2015, this assessment called for repairs of $36,000 to the structural beams, a cost that was offset by a donation from the Meadow Lake Lions Club. The 2017 assessment, however, indicated the need for additional repairs in the range of $15,000 or more. Meanwhile, the Lions Club did not renew its contract with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association for 2018 because of the current condition of the grandstand.

“The survey will help us make the right decision,” Vidal reiterated. “This is something that doesn’t just affect the City of Meadow Lake. Yes, it’s ultimately our decision and our tax dollars that would be spent, but the Stampede Grounds is an area utilized and appreciated by people throughout the region, and we want to have a chance to include everyone in the decision-making process.”

The mayor also shared some of his favourite memories of the Stampede Grounds.

“When I was a child, the Meadow Lake Stampede was a really big deal,” he said. “The Calgary Stampede is a huge deal, and we used to say we were second only to Calgary. Back then, Meadow Lake and probably the Ponoka Stampede were the next best thing so to speak. There is a sense of history and that is something we also have to consider.”

Among those who would like to see the Stampede Grounds remain operational is Meadow Lake area resident Renée Marshall.

“Of course I would like to see the grandstand maintained, rebuilt or replaced in one form or another, but I don’t know if that’s reasonable, financially or not,” she said. “That remains to be seen, but I would like to see the Stampede Grounds stay rather than be pushed under only to have an apartment complex put up.”

Marshall frequents the Stampede Grounds through her involvement with the Prairie N’ Forest Equestrian Club. That group hosts an annual show on the grounds, as well as other events such as horsemanship clinics and more. She also encourages as many people as possible to complete the survey.

“People need to have their thoughts and opinions known,” she added. “There’s no use talking or complaining about an issue if you don’t talk to the right people. City council cannot read minds. This survey is a good thing because at least it gives people the option of making their thoughts known.”

The survey, which will remain available at the city’s website (www.meadowlake.ca) until March 15, includes nine questions. Feedback being sought includes how many events a person has attended at the grounds in the last three years, the most important project the city should be investing in and where the best location for the Stampede Grounds is among others.

by Phil Ambroziak

Although he’s only been outriding for the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) for one season, it’s a job that comes naturally to Meadow Lake’s Buddy Gran.

“My family has been into chuckwagons my whole life,” Gran remarked. “I even grew up racing chariots, but I never really pursued the big wagons until recently. My friend, Amber L’Heureux, started driving this year and asked me if I would come out and give outriding a shot. So, I attended outriding training and that’s when driver Chance Bensmiller took me under his wing. At first I was only outriding for his non-point wagon, but then driver Louis Stanley picked me up to and, later in the season when outrider Logan Pethick was injured, I ended up getting a lot more work.”

Currently, Gran is ranked six of 13 in the CPCA outrider standings with 1,809.5 points. Leading the charge is Meadow Lake’s Kale Lajeunesse with 5,088.5 points.

“We’re a little short on outriders right now – we only have about eight guys going into this week’s finals in Lloydminster, so we’re going to have to be extra careful out there,” Gran noted.

He also knows all about being careful following a close call during this past weekend’s CPCA races in Turtleford.

“Today was a tough one watching my son outriding,” stated Gran’s mother, Carol, via a social media post Saturday. “The first heat was good, they finished five for the night. In the second heat he had major problems and ended up coming off his horse … I wasn’t sure if he would be out for his next heat, but there he was coming back for the next race and he was safe and clean for that one.”

Gran himself elaborated further stating, after falling from his horse, a damaged quadricep prevented him from quickly getting out of harm’s way in the form of an oncoming wagon driven by Meadow Lake’s Glen Myette.

“My body is starting to give out on me. The inside of my quad is all smashed up,” he said.

Myette, meanwhile, veered his wagon just enough that he ran over a barrel and not the downed outrider.

“The next day we taped my leg up really tight and I was able to ride,” Gran added. “I rode clean that next day and everything would have been fine all weekend if it weren’t for that one hiccup.”

Carol Gran agreed.

“As a mother I was terrified for him, but as a competitor I knew if he wouldn’t have continued on after his wreck his dream of being an outrider would have been over,” she posted.

As for the Turtleford races themselves, Kris Molle of Watson, SK was crowned show champion followed by Bensmiller, then, Todd Baptiste, BJ Carey and Brad McMann. Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation’s Ray Mitsuing was seventh, his son, Dale Mitsuing, was eighth, Kirby Stanley of Meadow Lake was 11th, Meadow Lake’s Mervin McCallum was 15th, DJ King of Meadow Lake was 16th, Eric Gladue of Rapid View was 20th, Myette was 28th and Randall Stanley of Meadow Lake was 30th.

The CPCA finals in Lloydminster got underway Aug. 14 and continue through Sunday. Gran said he can’t wait to be a part of his first CPCA championship show and for the action to resume again next year.

The post Close call for outrider appeared first on Northern Pride.

by Phil Ambroziak

One more Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) championship was not in the cards for Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation’s Ray Mitsuing, but the veteran driver still went out a winner.

Mitsuing tabulated a four-day aggregate time of 5:20.67 to earn the show championship in Lloydminster this past week, but fell short in Sunday’s (Aug. 18) championship dash, finishing second overall to this year’s CPCA champion, Todd Baptiste of Cando, SK.

“I finished second in the dash – I went too wide and couldn’t quite get the result I wanted, but I’m still very happy with how things turned out,” Mitsuing said. “It was my last year as a driver, and I can rest easy knowing – win or lose – I was able to ride away on top.”

Earlier this summer, Mitsuing competed in his final Calgary Stampede. Having reached the mandatory retirement age for that event, he decided to simply call it a career and not return to the wagon box following this year’s CPCA tour.

“I’m kind of relieved it’s over with,” he added. “I have plans going forward with my son, Dale, driving and my other son, Devin, also planning to come back as a driver next year. He and Dale will be taking over the outfit. I still own the majority of the horses, but the boys will be the ones rolling on.”
Sunday’s dash saw Baptiste cross the finish line at 1:18.98 followed by Mitsuing at 1:19.85, Dale Mitsuing (last year’s CPCA champion) at 1:19.97 and Kris Molle of Watson, SK at 1:21.21. Dale Mitsuing said it meant a lot to race against his father during the elder Mitsuing’s final time on the track.

“I was honoured to be part of that final heat and what turned out to be my dad’s final race,” Dale Mitsuing said. “That was my goal this season, and it paid off in a big way.”

Dale Mitsuing went on to say he has no regrets about not repeating as CPCA champion this year.

“I was just really happy with how the horses performed and that they were all able to remain healthy,” he said. “We owe a lot to our sponsors, as well as our entire crew and to the fans. So many people supported the Mitsuing Racing Team this season. Also, congratulations to Todd Baptiste and his outriders on a successful season.”

Ray Mitsuing, meanwhile, said he will look back on the season and his 30-plus years as a chuckwagon career with fondness.

“Sunday they gave me another standing ovation in Lloydminster,” he said. “I have to express my gratitude to the various committees who have looked after us over the years, as well as to the fans who have always given me their support. Ovations such as the ones I have received all season are something a guy can cherish for a long time.”

In addition to winning the show championship in Lloydminster and finishing second in the dash, Mitsuing also won this year’s CPCA Safe Driver Award. Another award winner on the weekend was Meadow Lake’s Kale Lajeunesse who captured the Safe Outrider Award. Baptiste finished first overall in the CPCA driver standings with 1,092 points while Tyler McKenzie of Lloydminster was first in the outrider standings with 5,798 points.

The post Mitsuing bids farewell appeared first on Northern Pride.

The countdown is on for the 100th anniversary of the Meadow Lake Stampede and organizers are pleased to announce the ever-popular chuckwagon races will be part of the 2020 show.

For the first time in 20 years, Stampede Week, which runs from June 1-8 this year, will feature three full days of heart-pounding action of the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) drivers and outriders as part of the week-long festivities. From 2001-2017 the local Lions Club was the sponsoring group that looked after bringing the chuckwagons to town on a different weekend other than rodeo weekend.

“It took us a while to decide, but we are thrilled to inform chuckwagon racing fans everywhere the Meadow Lake Stampede Association, in partnership with Flying Dust First Nation, will be bringing the chucks back to Meadow Lake for our 100th anniversary year,” stated Stampede president Leighton Wood. “For the last five years, our group has been asking community members what they would like to see as part of the 100th anniversary and nearly all the answers were the same: ‘try and make it what it used to be – rodeo and chuckwagons on the same weekend.’”

CPCA wagon driver and executive member DJ King met with Stampede Association members on three occasions the past few months looking to lock up the one vacant weekend for the organization.

“I’m happy,” he said. “I’m very happy we now have a full schedule of race meets this year. Meadow Lake has a lot of chuckwagon history, and on our circuit more than half our drivers come from the Meadow Lake area.”

The Meadow Lake races will be called the ‘Percy Derocher Memorial Chuckwagon Derby’. Derocher was a long-time, avid supporter of chuckwagon races who passed away last fall.

“We were approached by the Stampede Association to be part of their 100th anniversary celebration, and because many of us can remember what a good thing it was for the two communities in years past, we as a council decided to jump on board,” said Flying Dust chief Jeremy Norman. “For them to honour one of our past chiefs and community leaders (Derocher) in this way is something we are very pleased to be a part of.”

Wood noted an event of this magnitude requires commitment from not only the business community, but from everyone.

“We have already had a few sponsors come forward, but more will definitely be needed – it’s a big ask as many already contribute financially to our rodeo,” he added. “We’ll also be looking for more volunteers.”

Wood has been involved with the Stampede Association for about 30 years and has witnessed how the community has supported the annual bullarama and indoor rodeo to make it a success year after year.

“This is a great community,” he said. “I’m confident in our group, our business community and those who will support through their attendance. Together we will make the 100th anniversary of the Stampede a great event we can all be proud of.”

Temporary seating will be brought in for the races.

The post Chuckwagons returning to M.L. appeared first on Northern Pride.

by Phil Ambroziak

From the National Hockey League to the Calgary Stampede, Meadow Lake’s DJ King has cemented his legacy in two professional sports.

The former St. Louis Blue and Washington Capital was recently named as one of two demo drivers for the 2020 Calgary Stampede this July. King, who for the past six years has continued to improve in the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) standings, said this is the next step toward achieving his ultimate goal of one day officially competing at the big show in Calgary.

“It’s exciting news for sure,” King told Northern Pride. “This gets me that much closer to racing in the Calgary Stampede and, hopefully, to some day winning it. I’m very excited and honoured to have been invited to Calgary this year as a demo driver.”

Also invited to be a demo driver this year is Wade Salmond of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). A demo driver’s role is just as the name suggests, to provide a demonstration run prior to each night of racing at the Stampede. Last year’s demo drivers – Lane Tournier and Dale Mitsuing – were both invited to compete at this year’s event, and King is hopeful this will prove to be the case for him as well.

“It’s often served as a stepping stone to Calgary,” he said. “I hope to be there racing next year. When I joined the CPCA six years ago, I had a five-year plan of making it to the Stampede. Sometimes goals take a little longer than expected, but they’re always worth waiting for.”

As for the criteria involved with selecting demo drivers each year, King said any number of things could be taken into account.

“They have different things they’re looking for, but the biggest thing for me is I ran fairly clean last year and was very safe,” he noted. “I’ve also done as much as I can to promote the sport. Chuckwagon racing could be a dying sport if we don’t stick with it and encourage more young people to become involved. I also think they look at who they feel has a good chance of eventually coming to Calgary as a competitor and who they think has a strong future in the sport.”

Last season, King finished 12th overall in the CPCA standings.

“I was aiming for the top 10, but I have seen improvement every year and will continue to improve over time,” he said. “But, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family, my barn crew and my sponsors. None of this would be happening without those three components, that’s for sure.”

This year’s Calgary Stampede runs from July 3-12. The 2020 CPCA season gets underway in Prince Albert May 29-31 with the Meadow Lake show the following weekend, June 6-8.

The post King named Calgary demo driver appeared first on Northern Pride.

When Meadow Lake’s Kale Lajeunesse officially climbs into the wagon box for the first time at the start of the 2021 Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) season, he plans to be a force to be reckoned with.

Lajeunesse, who has served as an outrider in the CPCA for the past seven years, has already been gaining his fair share of experience as a driver, most recently at a non-sanctioned race held Saturday (June 20) at Bear Creek. The event, designed to respect social distancing rules, saw Lajeunesse earn the fastest time of the day, an achievement he believes will benefit him greatly as he pursues the next stage in his chuckwagon racing career.

“As an outrider, you find yourself immersed in the lives of the various chuckwagon drivers,” Lajeunesse told Northern Pride. “My wife, Kristinn, and I, however, have decided to pave our own way and to create our own kind of wagon life. We want to create something other people will want to be around and, hopefully, we’ll have success for many years to come.”

While it was always his dream to one day become a driver when he first became involved in the sport, Lajeunesse said he still plans to outride here and there as a way of supplementing his earnings. His focus as of late, however, has been on developing his skills as a driver. He recently acquired a herd of horses and, even though the 2020 CPCA season was cancelled because of COVID-19, Lajeunesse said non-sanctioned events such as the one at Bear Creek are a great way for drivers to develop their skills, an opportunity to train the horses and keep them active, and a way of entertaining racing fans disappointed in the absence of the CPCA as well as the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) this year.

“It was a great way for people to get out and to simply enjoy themselves,” Lajeunesse said. “As for the racing, it’s all new to me. The goal is for Kristinn and I, along with our children, to do this as a family. It will be a lot more work now because, in addition to racing, we have to care for all these animals, feed them and so on.”

According to fellow driver and CPCA director DJ King, Lajeunesse is a welcome addition to the ranks.

“Kale is one of three new drivers who will be joining us next season depending on how things go,” King said. “We need new drivers if the sport is going to survive and what makes Kale special is, unlike many other drivers who come from chuckwagon racing families, Kale was not born into the sport. He grew to love it, and that love is what will make him successful.”

King, who organized Saturday’s races at Bear Creek, said future non-sanctioned events will be coming up later this summer at different locations as a way of continuing with training efforts and as a treat for racing fans in general.

“Like any sport, you need to stay sharp,” he said. “It’s not good to stay on the sidelines too long or you’ll get rusty and, in this case, that goes for the drivers and the horses. Saturday’s event was what everyone needed. It was great therapy for everyone involved.”

by Phil Ambroziak

The post Outrider transitions to wagon driver appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.

Chuckwagon racing is back… sort of.

While the 2020 seasons for both the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) remain cancelled, drivers from both groups will be back on the track starting Aug. 1.

“Our charity fun races, which are unsanctioned, will be similar to the races we recently held at Bear Creek,” explained CPCA driver and event organizer DJ King. “The races get underway Aug. 1 and 2 in Poundmaker and will continue every Saturday and Sunday for the following six weeks. All social distancing guidelines will be in effect, and the races themselves will be a win-win for everyone involved.”

The host communities, King added, will be able to put the money they raise toward initiatives of their choosing, the participating drivers will earn some funds to put toward their horses by gaining sponsorship for their wagons, while additional money raised will go to charity. While King has yet to announce exactly which charity will benefit from the races, he did confirm it will likely be something involving children.

“A lot of the charity work I do involves youth,” he said.

Following the initial race in Poundmaker, the tour will move back to Bear Creek Aug. 8 and 9. In the weeks that follow there will be stops in Dewberry, Little Pine and Onion Lake before things wrap up in Meadow Lake Sept. 5-6.

“It will be great to finish up in Meadow Lake because a lot of chuckwagon drivers are from this area and chuckwagon racing is such a huge sport here,” King said. “One driver in particular is Gary Gorst who, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 65, was originally scheduled to have his final season in the WPCA this year. Because of the cancellation, I don’t know if they will make an exception and allow him to drive again next season. If not, I want to make sure he drives at our event in Meadow Lake. It will be a nice farewell for him, a chance for him to tip his hat to the local fans and for them to cheer him on one more time.”

Also scheduled to take part in the upcoming races are Gorst’s two sons and fellow WPCA drivers Logan and Dustin Gorst.

“These races are to support the host communities as well as charity,” Logan Gorst said. “It’s also a chance for us to get some new horses into some races. I won’t be able to make all the shows, but Rick Fraser has agreed to drive my horses while I am working. DJ has put a lot of effort into this, so I am sure the communities will come out and support this good cause.”

by Phil Ambroziak

The post Charity fun races hit the track Aug. 1 appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.

Chuckwagon racing returns to Meadow Lake this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 5 and 6) mark the final stop on the Chuckwagon Charity Fun Run tour when drivers from both the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) compete in a non-sanctioned fundraising event at the Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds.

“It’s going to be very exciting,” remarked chuckwagon driver and event organizer DJ King. “With very few things going on, people are hungry for something to do and, because chuckwagon racing hasn’t been held in Meadow Lake in a while, the people here are all the more hungry for it. Add the fact this will be (local driver) Gary Gorst’s last race and he is finishing off his career in front of a hometown crowd, that just adds to the trifecta.”

Gorst competed in last weekend’s races held at Poundmaker, the first time he raced this year as part of the Charity Fun Run tour.

“Chuckwagon racing is a lot like riding a bike, but it’s still good to have a refresher and to touch the reins a bit before coming back for one last big show,” King continued.

Meanwhile, the Meadow Lake races will also add a couple more drivers who have yet to see action this summer. One will be BJ Carey, whereas the final spot will go to either Wayne Knight or Jaycee Myette.

“I’m not sure which one it will be at this point, but one of them will fill the last opening in the draw for that first heat,” King added.

As for the venue itself, the Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds no longer has a grandstand but King said there will be plenty of seating options for the public all of which will be laid out in a way to promote social distancing.

“We hauled in 15 stands and spread them out around the track,” King said. “The front area where the grandstand used to be has been left open for easy access for parking, while we will also have the big screen in place so people can always look up at that if the wagons drive into a blind spot. There will also be some parking on the infield much like the other races on the tour. All we hope for now is for Mother Nature to do her part.”

This past weekend in Poundmaker, the weather was a little colder than what was experienced at previous races. However, it was not enough to stop Todd Baptiste of Cando, SK who earned the fastest time on the weekend to pick up cash he immediately donated to KidSport.

“It was a little chilly on those two days, but we just piled on some extra layers and away we went,” King said. “If we can get two more good days this weekend to finish up the tour, it will be a great experience for everyone involved.”

by Phil Ambroziak

The post Chuckwagons return to M.L. this weekend appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.

According to Meadow Lake’s Gary Gorst, he couldn’t have asked for a better way to close the book on his chuckwagon racing career.

The final stop on this summer’s Chuckwagon Charity Fun Run tour – held Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 5 and 6) at the Meadow Lake Stampede Grounds – also served as Gorst’s farewell weekend, as he officially retired from the sport following Sunday’s final that saw him cross the finish line ahead of his sons and fellow drivers, Logan and Dustin Gorst.

“It was a dream come true,” Gorst told Northern Pride. “To race in front of a hometown crowd in the final heat against my sons was a great way to not only cap off a great weekend, but also a great career. It was tough emotionally, but the support shown by everyone was unbelievable.”

Gorst began his career in 1969 as an outrider for his father, Art. He started driving in 1970 and, in the five decades since, earned numerous accolades including a Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) championship in 2010, as well as the CPCA High Point Driver Award in 2008, 2010 and 2011. His barn has also earned several Calgary Stampede Equine Outfit of Excellence Awards, and Gorst also won 13 CPCA show championships in a five-year stretch.

In recent years, Gorst competed in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and was scheduled to complete his career with that group until the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to both this year’s WPCA and CPCA seasons.

“I was glad I could be part of some stops on this summer’s (unsanctioned) Fun Run tour,” Gorst continued. “It turned out to be a really good year.”

As noted, Gorst is a second generation wagon man whose father competed at the Calgary Stampede in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Along with his wife, Janice, Gorst has three children, Logan, Dustin and daughter, Jenalee. Gorst said he is proud to have been able to carry on his father’s legacy and is equally as proud to know his sons, as well as members of his extended family, have been and continue to be involved in chuckwagon racing as well.

“My sister, May, is still involved (as official starter during the Fun Run), but she started as an outrider and was actually the first female outrider at the Calgary Stampede,” Gorst noted. “My entire family has been a part of things one way or another over the years – it’s been a really good way for us to all come together, and I am glad so many of them were at the races on the weekend – it’s quite the family deal. I’m retired now but things just keep rolling on for our family.”

Gorst also said he plans to still be involved in the sport one way or another, most likely as a spectator and as a fan, however, as he cheers on his sons.

“I’ve had a lot of great sponsors during my career and have met a lot of great people,” he stated. “I thank all my followers. I may have had both good days and bad days throughout my racing career, but the support has always been there.”

Meanwhile, as for this past weekend’s races themselves, the show winner was Obrey Motowylo of Bluffton, AB.

“We wrapped up the Fun Run yesterday (Sunday) here in Meadow Lake,” noted driver and event organizer DJ King. “I would like to thank everyone who did their part to make the last six weeks run as smooth as they did. It takes a big family to put on events like these … So, I thank all the drivers who came out to support the cause, all the great communities for hosting us and all the awesome sponsors that helped out, and all the awesome volunteers.”

Motowylo donated his winnings from the show to the Flying Dust Youth and Disabled Wish Foundation.

“We also were able to have a great send off to such a well respected man and his family,” King added. “Gary Gorst… you deserved the send off.”

by Phil Ambroziak

The post Gorst caps off chuckwagon racing career at home appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.

While COVID-19 continues to cause uncertainty, it appears as though there could be an official chuckwagon racing season this year after all.

Recently, the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) announced the first official show of 2021 will be held the June 24 weekend.

“We’re a couple shows short because of COVID-19,” stated CPCA driver and director BJ Carey. “We also start a couple weeks later.”

The races are tentatively scheduled to run June 24-27 in North Battleford, June 30 to July 4 in Onion Lake, July 9-17 in Lloydminster for the North American Chuckwagon Championship event, July 23-25 in Little Pine, July 29 to Aug. 1 in Frog Lake, AB, Aug. 5-8 at Poundmaker, SK, Aug. 13-15 in Meadow Lake and finishing up back in Lloydminster Aug. 18-22 for the CPCA finals.

“Our schedule is not 100 per cent concrete, however,” Carey said. “There is a possibility a couple of the shows might not go yet. It will depend on applications and whatnot.”

Last year the CPCA season was cancelled because of the pandemic, but some drivers did compete in a charity fun run tour organized by CPCA driver DJ King.

Carey, meanwhile, said he looks forward to racing if and when the season does indeed get underway, adding it will be up to the various show organizers to concern themselves with the various COVID-19 guidelines that will be in place come that time.

“It’s not on us to worry about accommodating for crowds and so on, that is on the various show committees,” he said. “We provide the product and the show committee provides the venue. It will be up to them to accommodate, but we will work with them the best we can depending on what needs to be done. It really comes down to what their restrictions are and our ability to work with them.”

Carey also said it will be good for both the drivers and the horses to be active again.

“We need to feed these horses regardless,” he said. “We have animals to feed and to take care of, and it’s a big expense for us if we can’t let them do what they love and if we can’t do what we love doing. That expense adds up when there is no income coming in to offset it. Either way, the season should be a good one. We’re hoping for seven shows, but well see how it goes.”

Originally from Meadow Lake, Carey also said he is excited to return and to compete in front of a hometown crowd once again.

“You bet,” he remarked. “It’s my home town and where I grew up, and it’s always nice to come home. It will be good for sure. But, it’s good racing everywhere. I love going to all the events. I don’t have one specific favourite, but I get to see family and friends when I come to Meadow Lake. That part of it is always nice.”

by Phil Ambroziak

The post CPCA racing schedule revised for 2021 appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.

The recent decision to cancel chuckwagon races at this year’s Calgary Stampede could mean more horsepower for the first-ever North American Chuckwagon Championship.

The NACC, a new event announced for Lloydminster July 9-17, was originally booked as an alternative for drivers who were not invited to compete in Calgary. However, Calgary Stampede officials recently announced the Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races have been cancelled for 2021 because of “pandemic-related impacts on the 2020 and 2021 chuckwagon racing season across western Canada.”

According to Canadian Professional Chuckwagon association driver DJ King, an organizer and proponent of the NACC, this could mean big things in terms of cementing the new July event as the premier chuckwagon event of the year.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I didn’t want Calgary to run,” King said. “If Calgary had gone ahead, it would have meant 27 drivers for that event in addition to the 36 for our show. Saying that, however, we have come to realize we can’t all rely on Calgary anymore.”

King went on to say, with the cancellation of the Calgary races this year, plans to build the NACC into an even bigger show over the next few years have amplified quickly.

“We’ll probably jump ahead a few years in the process just for the fact there will be no races at the Calgary Stampede, and all eyes will instead be on the NACC,” he said, adding there are 34 drivers confirmed for the NACC. “With Calgary now cancelled, we have more drivers phoning left, right and centre.”

King said organizers are working on a plan to accommodate as many of these drivers as possible.

“We want to take advantage of the situation,” he said. “It’s unfortunate Calgary is not going, but we are two steps forward with the NACC, so it’s not like we’re starting from Day 1 right now. We already had the ball rolling. It would be great to try to figure out a way to bring in some bigger names. We don’t know what the process will be yet, but with bigger names comes bigger dollars, and with bigger dollars comes more people in the stands. It will still be a growing process, but we will grow that much faster.”

Among those to express interest in competing at the NACC is Meadow Lake driver Dustin Gorst who was originally hoping to be on the track in Calgary this July.

“It’s very frustrating,” Gorst said with regard to the Calgary cancellation. “They led us on all spring – making sure we were spring training, getting our sponsor information in and telling us to get prepared. Then, to surprise us with this is no good. I’m still trying to sort things out as we speak.”

Gorst went on to say he applied to compete at the NACC, but is still waiting for a response.

“There are lots of us who want in now, and they had plenty of drivers to begin with so they’re also in a tough spot. What the Calgary Stampede did to the drivers dropping so many of them last year, well, that was garbage. And, it’s even worse what they did to us this year. That’s not how you treat a business partner or people in general. Hopefully this show in Lloyd (NACC) is good and we can just stick with it and help it grow.”

King, meanwhile, believes COVID restrictions should, for the most part, all be lifted by the time the NACC rolls around.

“It’s going to be the big show, so let’s hope everyone comes out and supports it,” he said.

by Phil Ambroziak

The post New chuckwagon event gaining in popularity appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.

Logan Gorst has come home.

The Meadow Lake chuckwagon driver and defending Calgary Stampede champion has returned to the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) for the upcoming 2021 season after competing for several years in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA).

“With not knowing exactly what was going to happen with the WPCA season this year, as well as the decision by the Calgary Stampede not to include chuckwagon racing at this year’s event, I was invited to compete at the CPCA’s newest show, the North American Chuckwagon Championship,” Gorst explained.

The NCAA, which will take place July 9-17 in Lloydminster, was looking to add some experienced competitors and Gorst decided to not only come on board, but to also join the CPCA for the entire 2021 tour. And, his decision proved fruitful, as he took the top spot at the CPCA finals tarp auction held Tuesday (June 8), garnering $39,000 in sponsorship money from top bidder PWM Steel of Lloydminster.

“I was just as surprised as everyone else by the results of the tarp auction,” Gorst continued. “I had never been in contact with PWM Steel before, but a few of my friends and fellow drivers put in a good word for me… quite a few drivers received some high bids that night. It’s great to see so much support for western heritage.”

Other top results from Tuesday’s tarp auction include: $32,000 for Jamie Tom; $26,000 for Todd Baptiste; $25,000 for Luke Tournier; and $15,000 for Duane Antoine.

This year, a total of $318,250 was bid on the 32 CPCA drivers, an average of $9,945 per driver.
Meanwhile, Gorst’s decision to return to the CPCA also worked in his favour in terms of his current work schedule.

“Recently, I was laid off (from my previous job) and, after doing a few jobs here and there, found employment in the area of technical services with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council,” he said.

Racing closer to home, he added, makes it easier for him to manage his responsibilities at MLTC while still being part of the sport he loves.

“I also started off my racing career in the CPCA, and I know a lot of fans are excited for my return and for the return of (former WPCA drivers) Ross Knight and Luke Tournier,” Gorst noted. “Combined with the rest of the CPCA roster including so many young guys, it’s going to be an exciting year.”

While the WPCA itself still plans to have a season of sorts, many of the key shows have been postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“They not only have to rely on the Alberta government to allow them to do shows, but if the show committees are not able to make money by getting fans in the seats it’s simply not viable,” Gorst said. “There are a lot of factors.”

As for his own future, Gorst said he will likely stick with the CPCA for the next few years even if the WPCA is back full force by next year.

“We’ll play it by ear, but MLTC wanted me to race in the CPCA because of the fact the shows are a lot closer to home,” he said.

This year’s CPCA finals will feature eight heats of four wagons each. Traditionally there are nine heats and a total of 36 drivers.

by Phil Ambroziak

The post Logan Gorst tops CPCA finals tarp auction appeared first on Northern Pride Publications.