WORLD PROFESSIONAL CHUCKWAGON ASSOCIATION
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
POWERED BY:
Ron Carey
January 24th, 1939 - November 3rd, 2019
1984 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champions
Back Row (L-R): Outrider Jerry Bremner, Ron Carey, Driver Dallas Dorchester, Outrider Jim Nevada
Front Row (L-R) Outriders Brent Woolsey and Rick Fraser. (Ron Carey Inset)
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of one of its founding members - Ron Carey - on Friday, November 3, 2019 as the result of a highway accident outside of London, England while participating in a vintage car rally. He was 80 years old.
Ron Carey first got involved with chuckwagon racing in the late 1970’s as a tarp sponsor for chuckwagon driver Dallas Dorchester under the canvas of his J & L Supply Co. Ltd. It was a partnership that continued for nearly a decade and a friendship that lasted a lifetime. But Ron did not stop at signing a cheque and providing a canvas, he was one of the first sponsors to do many “extras” for his drivers such as painting the horse liner, filling up the trucks with gasoline, and when they won the Calgary Stampede in 1984, Ron had special belt buckles made up for the key members of the outfit to commemorate the accomplishment. He would also dive into the stalls and help with the horses.
In 1980, when the professional chuckwagon drivers decided to leave the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and form the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), Ron was a founding member and served for many years on the WPCA board of directors in many capacities including president. For the first 15 years of the WPCA’s existence, the WPCA office was generously housed at the headquarters of Ron’s J & L Supply Co. For years after Ron helped out some of the up and coming drivers, sponsored several WPCA Awards, and for years he sponsored the Calgary Stampede’s prestigious Guy Weadick Award.
Ron was also asked to be part of the Calgary Stampede’s Chuckwagon Safety Committee. It was position and responsibility he took very seriously and passionately. His common sense, knowledge and experience were an invaluable asset to the committee as they addressed and implemented alterations geared towards the overall betterment of chuckwagon racing.
For over 40 years Ron Carey dedicated much of his time, resources, and himself to chuckwagon racing, and often times elected to remain anonymous. For all of his efforts, in October 2010 Ron was honored by the WPCA with its “George Normand Lifetime Builders Award,” and by the Calgary Stampede with its “Chairman’s Award.” Both awards are very exclusive in the fact that they are not presented annually, and the recipients are part of a very special and elite group. He was the recipient of the WPCA’s highest annual award, the WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year in 1982, and was named to the Calgary Stampede’s Pioneers of Rodeo in 2005.
For Ron Carey it was his passion, not recognition, that was his motivation for all he did. He was one of the best friends that chuckwagon racing has ever had.
Ron is survived by his wife Billi Carey, her daughter Jaime (Aaron) and their two children Carter and Asher and her son Christopher. Ron was the father of three children Kurt Carey (deceased) his daughter Jasmine, (great granddaughter Jorgia) Shon Carey (Kim) their son Logan (deceased), Jody Carey (Corey) and their three daughters Maggie, Elly and Lucy.
He will be missed by siblings, Eileen (Jim and Blair), Alice (Harvey; Patrick, Roger, Deborah, Dale), Bill (Doreen; Janet, Susan and Coleen) along with numerous cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park, on December 9th at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stars Air Ambulance or Heritage Park.
Ron will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Carey family.
Billy Melville
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association is mourning the passing of former chuckwagon Driver Ray Croteau on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the age of 91 years.
It was back in 1959 in the Lakeland that the chuckwagon legacy of the Croteau family was born with Ray Croteau. He mainly raced with the Northern Chuckwagon Racing Association, but also competed on a permit with the Canadian Rodeo Cowboys Association in the 1970's. When the WPCA was formed in 1981, Ray was a permit holder with the WPCA from 1982 to 1984 and again in 1987.
Well identified with the famous rainbow wagon, Ray won several shows throughout his career, most notably the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1986. He raced at the Calgary Stampede from 1979 until his retirement in 1997, where was named the winner of the CPCA's Roy Bremner Memorial Award. He was a finalist at the Calgary Stampede in 1987, and was honored by the Calgary Stampede as a Pioneer of Rodeo in 2003.
Ray's son Bert and grandson Rae Jr. followed in Ray's footsteps and became champion chuckwagon drivers of their own. The Croteau family joins the Bensmillers as the only families to have 3 generations qualify for the championship final heat at the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. In 2016 the town of Bonnyville honored Ray and his family in a ceremony just prior to the start of the Bonnyville World Chuckwagon Races to officially retire the rainbow chuckwagon design..
Ray is lovingly survived by his seven children, fifteen grandchildren and twenty six great grandchildren.
Ray was predeceased by his wife: Thérèse Croteau nee Rivard on August 27, 2010; grandson: Evan Croteau; three brothers: Lucien Croteau, Paul Croteau, (infant brother) René Croteau; four sisters: Irene Croteau, Jeannette Croteau, Lucienne Croteau, Claire Bourbeau.
Prayer Service, Friday, November 8, 2019, at 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, Bonnyville, AB. Mass of Resurrection, Saturday, November 9, 2019. Eulogy will be starting at 10:45 a.m. Mass starting at 11:00 a.m., St. Louis Roman Catholic Church with Father Rene Realuyo officiating. Final resting place, Holy Family Roman Catholic Cemetery, Bonnyville, AB.
Memorial tributes in memory of Raymond may be sent to Haying in the 30's, Box 35, Mallaig, AB T0A 2K0 or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 17312-107 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5S 1E9.
Ray will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Croteau family.
Billy Melville
A night of celebration took take place on October 26th at the Grey Eagle Casino in Calgary with the 39th annual World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Awards Gala that honored those who achieved greatness this past season, as well as those who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the most exciting professional sport in the world today.
The evening was a tremendous success, with one of the highlights being the video presentations highlighting the 2019 season and all the champions who were well received by a near capacity crowd.
As well, the WPCA remembered those who "went west" over the past year which included active supporters Donald Cross, Dr. Gary Harbin, Ray Ostrom, Rick Smith and Wayne Scaddan, champion chuckwagon horse Comet, and former competitors Terry Vigen and Hugh Greenwood.
Kurt Bensmiller was the top honoree this year as he captured the 2019 World Chuckwagon Championship for the 3rd consecutive year and the 4th time in his illustrious career, and Rory Gervais was the 2019 World Champion Outrider for the for the second consecutive year.
2019 World Champion Outrider Rory Gervais (L) receives a trophy buckle from WPCA President Ed Wittchen (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
The Jim Bottomley Trophy given to the WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year is the WPCA’s highest annual honor. This year’s recipient being WPCA Marketing Manager Bryan Hebson receiving the prestigious award.
The 2019 "Jim Bottomley Trophy" for WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year was presented to recipient Bryan Hebson
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
The George Normand Lifetime Builder's Award was given to former driver Jerry Bremner who accepted the award in an emotional speech.
The 2019 George Normand Lifetime Bilder's Award was presented to recipient Jerry Bremner (L) and his wife Donna Bremner (C) from WPCA President Ed Wittchen (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
The WPCA Special Tribute was given to former chuckwagon great Hugh Sinclair. Vern Nolin received the WPCA Clean Drive Award for least penalized driver for the second consecutive year.
Wendy Daniel (L) of the Ranchmans Cookhouse and Dance Hall presents a commemorative statue to former driver Hugh Sinclair (R) for being recognized with the 2019 WPCA Special Tribute Award.
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
The Herman Flad Memorial Award for Most Improved Driver went to sophomore driver Josh Hrynuik, while Rory Armstrong received the Rod Glass Memorial Award for Most Improved Outrider.
Josh Hrynyk (L), the recipient of the Herman Flad Memorial Award revives a trophy buckle from chuckwagon driver Troy Flad (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
Rory Armstrong (L), the recipient of the Rod Glass Memorial Award revives a trophy buckle from Loreena MacGillivray (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
Chance Flad was named the WPCA's Top Rookie Driver, and Hayden Motowylo was named the WPCA Top Rookie Outrider.
Chance Flad L), the recipient of the WPCA Top Rookie Driver revives a trophy buckle from Shelby Lockwood of Olson Silver Company (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
Hayden Motowylo (L), the recipient of the WPCA Top Rookie Outrider receives a trophy buckle from Cynthia Williams of William Joseph Communications (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
The horses also shared in the awards through the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence. Equine outfit of Excellence winners included “JACK” of Logan Gorst’s outfit on Right Lead, “HAWK” of Vern Nolin’s outfit on Left Lead, “TEX” of Chanse Vigen’s outfit on Right Wheel, “LUTESIFER” of Kurt Bensmiller’s outfit on Left Wheel, and “NIGHTLY” of Doug Irvine’s outfit and “Barb” of Mark Sutherland’s outfit were the champion Outriding Horses.
Outrider Eddie Melville (2nd from right) from Import Tool Corp. Ltd., presents the 2019 Equine Outfit of Excellence Awards to:
(L-R): Rory Gervais on behalf of Mark Sutherland's horse "BARB,"
Britt and Doug Irvine on behalf of his horse “NIGHTLY,”
Rochelle Normandin on behalf of Chanse Vigen's horse “Tex.”
Kurt Bensmiller on behalf of his horse "LUTESIFER,"
Brendan Nolin on behalf of Vern Nolin's horse “HAWK,”
Logan Gorst on behalf of his horse "JACK,"
Jenifer Dorchester (C), the recipient of the Ty Tournier Memorial Award revives a trophy bracelett from Lynn Fountain (L) and Steve Fountain (R).
Photo By Fred Vidiuk
Other award winners included Walter Fritsche, Nathan Stone, Gina Berreth and Precede who each received a WPCA Active Supporter Award, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino received the WPCA Top Race Committee Award, Jamie Tiessen received the WPCA Media Award, Jenifer Dorchester received the Ty Tournier Memorial Award, while Lyle Bates and Harvey McKernon received Special Recognition from the WPCA.
The event, hosted by track announcer Jodi Hughes was a tremendous success, and congratulations to all the 2019 champions and award winners.
Billy Melville
Success is no accident. It is the result of hard work, perseverance and the love for what you are doing. On October 26th the 2019 WPCA Awards Gala will be the stage to recognize those who achieved success in 2019. Drivers, Outriders, Members and the Equine Athletes will have their name carved in WPCA history.
Join the WPCA in celebrating success at the Grey Eagle Casino on October 26th, 2019.
Email office@wpca.com for ticket information
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is pleased to announce a three-year partnership agreement with FLO SPORTS whereby FLO SPORTS will be the official streaming partner of the WPCA. 6 WPCA Pro Tour events each year will be streamed on FLO's western events channel FLO RODEO.
In 2019 the agreement includes live streaming of the Grande Prairie Stompede, High River Guy Weadick Days, Ponoka Stampede, Strathmore Stampede, Dawson Creek Battle of the North and the Century Downs World Finals.
The WPCA is excited to offer chuckwagon racing fans the opportunity to watch some of the sports premiere events through the convenience of their mobile device or the comfort of their home on their computer or television if it has the internet capabilities.
This agreement will put the WPCA and chuckwagon racing in front of more people and offers WPCA Driver Tarp Sponsors, Corporate Partners and Sponsors of our Host Committees added value for their investment into the sport and the western heritage.
"Along with sponsors, fans who buy tickets and attend the live events are investing into the sport and it's future" says WPCA Director of Marketing Bryan Hebson. "They may not realize it but they are making a difference as do the people who subscibe to watch on FLO RODEO when they can't attend. Their support is appreciated."
In addition to live coverage and replays, FLO RODEO will host archives from past streamed events.
WPCA fans and supporters can access all live streams and premium content on FLO RODEO via a monthly subscription during the race season or annual subscribers receive a universal pass to all premium content across the FloSports network.
The WPCA will determine the 6 events to be streamed in 2020 and 2021 at the conclusion of the 2019 season after consultation with our host committees who have the infrastructure in place required to stream live events.
It was great racetrack and a highly anticipated final day at the Grande Prairie Stompede with $25,000.00 and the 2019 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship on the line. In what was truly an exciting chuckwagon race, Luke Tournier – driving the Barrack Energy Services Outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Quaid Tournier, captured the first show of the 2019 WPCA race season.
In what was a brilliantly driven chuckwagon race, Tournier captured the Grande Prairie crown with a penalty free run of 1:16:66 after coming off of barrel position number 1 in the championship death final. Kurt Bensmiller from barrel position number 2 placed second in the heat, 15 one-hundredths of a second behind the winner Tournier. Codey McCurrach finished in third place from barrel position number 3, followed by Vern Nolin who settled for fourth place in the heat from barrel number 4. All four drivers raced penalty free.
As far as day results go, Mike Vigen had the fast time on the night with a 1:16.28. 2019 Grande Prairie Champion Luke Tournier had the second fastest time on the night, with Evan Salmond, Kurt Bensmiller and Darcy Flad filling out the top five on the final night.
The WPCA Pro Tour presented will move on to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for the running of the Saskatoon World Chuckwagon Races presented by Dakota Dunes Casino starting on Thursday, June 6 and running through to Sunday, June 9, 2019. Kurt Bensmiller is the defending champion, and live coverage can be heard starting Thursday night, June 6, 2019 at 9:00pm Eastern, 8:00pm Central, and 7:000pm Mountain time on Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 147 Satellite Radio, Country 99 in Bonnyville, and Real Country 910 starting at 9:30pm Eastern, 8:30pm Central, 7:30pm Mountain Time.
Billy Melville
Night 4 of the Grande Prairie Stompede was the final night for the drivers to try and qualify for Sunday’s Championship Final Heat where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque and the 2019 Grande Prairie Stompede Championship. When the aggregate times were calculated Luke Tournier, Kurt Bensmiller, Vern Nolin and Codey McCurrach will be the four drivers bidding for the championship.
Luke Tournier, driving the Barrack Energy Services outfit, qualified for Sunday’s final in first place overall with a four-day combined time of 5:04.91 and will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award for having the best aggregate time, and a year’s use of a brand new GMC Truck compliments of Summit Fleet. Former Grande Prairie Stompede Champion Kurt Bensmiller qualified in second place overall, with Vern Nolin qualifying in third place overall, with Codey McCurrach jumping from 7th place overall into the fourth and final place in Sunday’s championship final. For the second consecutive year Cody Ridsdale missed out of the final four, finishing fifth overall and missing the championship final by just 22 one-hundredths of a second.
On the night, Kurt Bensmiller was the day money winner on a perfect night from barrel one in the ninth heat. Bensmiller’s Trans Peace Construction outfit placed first on the day by 12 one-hundredths of a second over Chanse Vigen, with Codey McCurrach, Logan Gorst and Luke Tournier filling out the top five on the night.
The finals of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Sunday night, June 2, 2019 on Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 147 Satellite Radio, Country 99 in Bonnyville, and Real Country 910 starting at 9:30pm Eastern, 8:30pm Central, 7:30pm Mountain Time. As well, fans can watch the races live on the FLO RODEO streaming platform.
Billy Melville
Night three of the Grande Prairie Stompede was another excellent night of chuckwagon races. Once again, racetrack conditions were excellent, and when the nightly times were calculated, it was Ross Knight who was the fast man with a penalty free run of 1:16.71.
Coming off barrel number 3 in heat number 4, Knight, driving the Chrome Diesel Repair and Diehard Fluid Pump outfit placed first overall for the day by a mere 1 one-hundredth of a second over defending Grande Prairie Stompede champion Evan Salmond who placed 2nd overall for the night. Layne MacGillivray placed third, with Logan Gorst and John Walters rounding out the top five on Friday night.
After three runs, Luke Tournier moved into top spot in the overall aggregate standings at the Grande Prairie Stompede with a three-day total of 3:48.00. That puts him 41 one-hundredths of a second ahead of Vern Nolin who sits second, Kurt Bensmiller holds strong in third place overall, with Cody Ridsdale currently holding down fourth place overall. With one run to go to try to make the top four, Evan Salmond sits just outside in fifth place overall 47 one-hundredths of a second out of the fourth and final qualifying spot for Sunday’s Championship Final.
The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and the use of a new GMC Truck for one year. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.
Day four of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Saturday night, June 1, 2019 on Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 147 Satellite Radio, Country 99 in Bonnyville, and Real Country 910 starting at 9:30pm Eastern, 8:30pm Central, 7:30pm Mountain Time. As well, fans can watch the races live on the FLO RODEO streaming platform.
Billy Melville
It was a good night of racing on night 2 of the Stompede. Racetrack conditions were great and some outstanding chuckwagon races were witnessed by the crowd on hand. When the night wrapped up, it was former World Champion Luke Tournier who took the day money after a penalty free run of 1:15.26.
Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 7, Tournier, driving the Barrack Energy Services outfit placed first overall for the day by just 32 one-hundredths of a second over Cody Ridsdale, with day 1 winner Vern Nolin placing third, Codey McCurrach placing fourth, and Mike Vigen rounding out the top five on the night.
After two runs, Vern Nolin leads the Grande Prairie Stompede with a two day total of 2:30.74. That puts him just 16 one-hundredths of a seconds ahead of Luke Tournier who sits second, Kurt Bensmiller is third and Codey McCurrach holding down fourth place overall. Mark Sutherland is fifth overall just 22 one-hundredths of a second out of fourth hole.
The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and the use of a new GMC Truck for one year. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.
Day three of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Friday night, May 31, 2019 on Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 147 Satellite Radio, Country 99 in Bonnyville, and Real Country 910 starting at 9:30pm Eastern, 8:30pm Central, 7:30pm Mountain Time. As well, fans can watch the races live on the FLO RODEO streaming platform.
Billy Melville
The start of the 2019 chuckwagon season kicked off on Wednesday night with the 42nd running of the Grande Prairie Stompede. Evan Salmond came into this year’s event as the defending Grande Prairie Stompede Champion, and Kurt Bensmiller came into the 2019 season as the reigning World Champion Chuckwagon Driver.
Weather conditions were hot under mostly skies, racetrack conditions were very good, and some spectacular chuckwagon races were seen by the Grande Prairie fans on opening night of the professional chuckwagon season. When the night wrapped up it was 2018 Ponoka Stampede Champion Vern Nolin who opened up the 2019 season with the fast time of the night with a fast run of 1:14.68.
Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Nolin, driving the Crowbourne Capital Corp. outfit placed first overall for the day by 47 one-hundredths of a second over Kurt Bensmiller who placed 2nd overall for the night. Doug Irvine was third, Jason Glass placed fourth, while Mark Sutherland, Codey McCurrach and Luke Tournier all split fifth place on the night.
The top wagon in the aggregate after Saturday's run will receive the Ralph Vigen Memorial Award and the use of a new GMC Truck for one year. The top 4 drivers in the aggregate after Saturday night will go into the championship final heat on Sunday where the winner will receive a $25,000.00 winner’s cheque and the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship.
Day two of the Grande Prairie Stompede can be heard live Thursday night, May 30, 2019 on Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 147 Satellite Radio, Country 99 in Bonnyville, and Real Country 910 starting at 9:30pm Eastern, 8:30pm Central, 7:30pm Mountain Time. As well, fans can watch the races live on the FLO RODEO streaming platform.
Billy Melville
