The 2011 World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) racing series ended with two world title winners and 1st career win during the three day weekend event held at Drumheller’s Dino
saur Downs.
On Friday, August 26, the chuckwagons began their last leg of the
season, with warm weather and sunny conditions.
Another feather in his cap for Kelly Sutherland who won his 12th career World Chuck wagon Championship, he won the title with a narrow 27.5 point margin over Troy Dorchester.
“We had to come in here and we had to be steady, the outriding crew had to be clean, so it was a matter of the horses working right, and lady luck going your way.” said World Chuckwagon Championship winner Kelly Sutherland.
Clinching his second career world title was local outrider Chad Cosgrave from Hand Hills who won the title of World Outriding Champion.
After three days, rookie driver Mitch Sutherland, successfully with his outriders Chance Vigen and Reo King had his first career win by taking top time for the second consecutive day at the event and won the 2011 Richard Cosgrave Memorial Badlands Dinosaur Derby champion show beating Buddy Bensmiller by 1 one-hundredth of a second.
“It feels really good,” said Mitch Sutherland with a smile on his face. “I had a lot of ups and downs this summer and to finish on a high note like this really gets your confidence going for next year.”
Buddy Bensmiller who ran his last race with WPCA Dodge Pro Tour this past weekend was given a special tribute. The outriders raised their hats and fans clapped loudly, showing him their respect as he and his team made the final lap around the track at Dinosaur Downs.
This past weekend has ended with a final qualifying spot for the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede.
