GMC Rangeland Derby Daily Wrap-up

July 15, 2012

The 2012 GMC Rangeland Derby Championship at the Centennial Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede is in the books, and Troy Dorchester, driving the Fireside of Cochrane Chuckwagon outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Eddie Melville 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 Dorchester, who completed a dream week on a cool 16°C, rainy night with sloppy racetrack conditions.

Coming off barrel number 4 in heat number 9, Dorchester won the winner-take-all final sudden death final by just one one-hundred of a second over first time qualifier Doug Irvine who placed 2nd from barrel number 1, another first time qualifier Gary Gorst placed 3rd from barrel number 3 and Jason Glass who was 4th from barrel position number 2 after receiving a 2 second penalty.

As far as day results are concerned, Kirk Sutherland won his third day money in 10 days after posting the top time of the night with a 1:17.08, 21 one-hundreds of a second faster than Rick Fraser who placed second. Jerry Bremner was third, rookie driver Codey McCurrach placed fourth, with Kelly Sutherland filling out the top five for the night.

Troy Dorchester 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. Codey McCurrach received the Orville Strandquist Award for Top Rookie Driver. McCurrach won the award over John Walters and B.J. Carey.

The Equine Outfit of Excellence, which was added to this year’s GMC Rangeland Derby to honor the real stars of chuckwagon racing was presented at the beginning of the evening. “TYCOON” of Jason Glass’ outfit was named Champion Right Leader, “RIVER” of Mike Vigen’s outfit was named Champion Right Leader, “SKIPPY” of Kirk Sutherland’s outfit was named Champion Right Wheeler, “CIANO” of Hugh Sinclair’s outfit was named Champion Left Wheeler, “SMILES” of Gary Gorst’s outfit and “MAX” of Rick Fraser’s outfit were named the Champion Outriding Horses.

Earlier in the day, Kelly Sutherland received the Calgary Stampede’s prestigious Guy Weadick Award. This award is presented annually to the one chuckwagon or rodeo competitor who best embodies what the cowboy stands for, and who best typifies the spirit of the Calgary Stampede. It is based upon ability, appearance, showmanship, character, sportsmanship and cooperation with other cowboys, the arena crew, the media and the public.

July 14, 2012

It was 19°C and overcast on an exciting day 9 at the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. The sudden death championship final heat for the 2012 Calgary GMC Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship has now been set as Jason Glass, Doug Irvine, Gary Gorst and Troy Dorchester will make up the championship final for the 2012 GMC Rangeland Derby. Vern Nolin, for the second consecutive year was the odd man out, 79 one-hundreds of a second out of fourth place, followed by Tim Haroldson. Colt Cosgrave and Luke Tournier, both hit barrels and were eliminated from Sunday’s final.

Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit, had the fast time of the night with a 1:15.30. Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 7, Glass won top money by 74 one-hundreds of a second over rookie driver John Walters who placed 2nd for the night, followed by Chad Harden, Hugh Sinclair and Doug Irvine who filled out the top five for the night.

Prior to the start of the evening races, reigning World Champion Outrider Chad Cosgrave received the Calgary Stampede’s Outstanding Outrider Award. Chad Fike and Dustin Gorst were the runners up. It’s the first time Cosgrave has received the award.

Television coverage can be seen Sunday, July 15 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.

July 13, 2012

It was a fantastic day 8 at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby with just a few clouds, 25°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, Troy Dorchester, driving the Fireside of Cochrane outfit, and along with outriders Chance Flad and Eddie Melville, who took home the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Trophy - symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Championship after posting the best 8 day aggregate time of 10:18.40. It’s the first time Dorchester has won the Calgary Aggregate title.

In addition to Troy Dorchester, Colt Cosgrave, Jason Glass, Luke Tournier, Gary Gorst, Tim Haroldson, Doug Irvine and Vern Nolin complete the top eight and will compete in “Semi Final Saturday”. Jamie Laboucane just missed the top eight, placing 9th overall, just 12 one-hundreds of a second outside of the final spot for “Semi Final Saturday”.

As far as the day results are concerned, top time went to Kirk Sutherland for the second time this week, followed by Jerry Bremner, Colt Cosgrave, Jamie Laboucane and Grant Profit.

The top 4 times from heats 7 and 9 after Saturday’s run on July 14 will go into the sudden death championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage can be seen Saturday, 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 CBCSports.ca, with local coverage on SHAW TV Calgary starting at 11:00pm MT.

July 12, 2012

Night 7 of the GMC Rangeland Derby saw good racetrack conditions under overcast skies and 24°C. Mike Vigen, driving the Tesla Exploration outfit, won the day money with a blistering run of 1:15.26.

Coming off barrel number 2 in the final heat of the night, Vigen placed first on the night by just 6 one-hundreds of a second faster than 4-time GMC Rangeland Derby champion Hugh Sinclair. Rae Croteau Jr., Rick Fraser placed third, Cliff Cunningham fourth, and Wayne Knight rounded out the top 5 on the night.

With one night to go in the race for “Semi Final Saturday”, Troy Dorchester is still tops in the aggregate standings with a 7 day aggregate time of 9:01.70. Colt Cosgrave is back in second place overall, just a little less than 2 seconds behind the leader Troy Dorchester. Jason Glass moves up to third, Vern Nolin falls to fourth, and Hugh Sinclair makes a jump up into the top five. Gary Gorst, Luke Tournier and Doug Irvine complete the top eight after 7 runs, while Tim Haroldson now finds himself in 9th place overall, just 8 one-hundreds of a second outside of the final spot for “Semi Final Saturday”.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 13, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top 4 times from the two semi-final heats on semi on Saturday on July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage can be seen Friday, 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.

July 11, 2012

With just a few nights to go for the drivers to try to get into the top 8 by Friday, record crowds in the 27°C heat witnessed some hot runs at the chuckwagon races on night 6 of the GMC Rangeland Derby. Racetrack conditions were very good once again, and Jason Glass, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick outfit, had the fast time of the night and picked up the $6,000.00 day winner's cheque.

Coming off barrel number 2 in the final heat of the night, Glass posted a time of 1:15.65 and placed first on the night by 30 one-Rick Fraser placed third, rookie driver John Walters was fourth, and Roger Moore rounded out the top 5 on the night.

There are only two nights to go for drivers to make "Semi Final Saturday, " and the right now the top eight has Troy Dorchester leading the way with a 6 day aggregate time of 7:45.52. Vern Nolin moves up into second place overall, Colt Cosgrave slides to third, followed by Jason Glass, Chad Harden, Doug Irvine, Luke Tournier and Kelly Sutherland completing the top eight, with Gary Gorst still in 9th place overall, just 13 one-hundreds of a second outside of eighth spot.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 13, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into "Semi Final Saturday." The top 4 times from the two semi-final heats on semi on Saturday on July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage can be seen Thursday, 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.

July 10, 2012

After 4 nights of tremendous racing, the drivers were re-shuffled and the chuckwagon racing at the centennial Calgary Stampede just keeps getting better. Temperatures reached in excess of 28°C and on night 5 of the GMC Rangeland Derby, and Kirk Sutherland, driving the Ghostpine Environmental Services Ltd. outfit, was the day money winner after posting the fast time of the race meet so far with a run of 1:15.54.

Coming off barrel number 2 in the 7th heat, Sutherland took the day money by 52 one-hundreds of a second over 3-time World Champion Jason Glass. Obrey Motowylo, Colt Cosgrave and Chad Harden filled out the top 5 on the night.

Drivers have their sights on the top 8 right now, and after 5 days of running, Troy Dorchester now leads the overall aggregate standings with a 5 run total of 6:29.02. Colt Cosgrave is in second place overall, 43 one-hundreds of a second slower than the leader Dorchester, followed closely by Vern Nolin, Reg Johnstone, Doug Irvine, Luke Tournier, Kirk Sutherland, and Kelly Sutherland completing the top eight, with Gary Gorst is in 9th place overall, just 23 one-hundreds of a second outside of eighth spot.

The aggregate winner will be declared after 8 nights on Friday, July 13, and the top 8 in the aggregate on that day will go into "Semi Final Saturday." The top 4 times from the two semi-final heats on semi on Saturday on July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage can be seen Wednesday, July 11 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.

July 9, 2012

It was another hot evening in Calgary as the chuckwagons rolled under partly cloudy skies and 30°C on the fourth night of the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. Some fine races were seen by the huge crowds, and Doug Irvine, driving the B & R Eckel's Transport Ltd. outfit, emerged with the fastest time of the night with a run of 1:16.34.

Coming off barrel number two in the opening heat, Irvine won his first career Calgary Stampede day money by 30 one-hundredths of a second over former Calgary Stampede finalist Mike Vigen who ran in the same heat. Troy Dorchester, Reg Johnstone and Luke Tournier filled out the top five on the night.

After four days of running, Hugh Sinclair continues to lead the overall aggregate standings with a four-run total of 5:10.52. Troy Dorchester is in second place overall a little better than one second behind the leader Sinclair, followed closely by Reg Johnstone, Colt Cosgrave and day four winner Doug Irvine. Kelly Sutherland, Vern Nolin and Gary Gorst are the top eight, with two-time Rangeland Derby Champion Luke Tournier in ninth place overall a mere three one-hundredths of a second outside of eighth spot.

The aggregate winner will be declared after eight nights on Friday, July 13, and the top eight in the aggregate on that day will go into "Semi Final Saturday." The top four times from the two semi-final heats on Saturday, July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage can be seen Tuesday, July 10 starting at 8 p.m. 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 p.m. MT.

July 8, 2012

It was a scorching 27°C under clear skies, and some spectacular chuckwagon races were witnessed by a capacity crowd on night three of the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. The night was a hotly contested affair, and when times were tabulated, Hugh Sinclair, driving the Poseidon Concepts outfit, emerged with the fast time of the week so far after posting a run of 1:16.11.

Coming off barrel number two in heat one, Sinclair won his second day money of the week by 71 one-hundredths of a second over former Calgary Stampede semi-finalist Vern Nolin. Rae Croteau Jr. was third, Mike Vigen fourth, with Jason Glass and Tim Haroldson splitting fifth and sixth on the night.

After three days of competition, Sinclair now leads the overall aggregate standings with a three day total of 3:52.35. Rick Fraser and Troy Dorchester are tied for second place overall a little better than two and a half behind the leader Sinclair, followed closely by Colt Cosgrave and Reg Johnstone. Troy Flad, Gary Gorst and Kelly Sutherland complete the top eight at this time with 2009 Rangeland Derby Champion Chad Harden in 9th place overall just 21 one-hundredths of a second outside of ninth spot.

The aggregate winner will be declared after eight nights on Friday, July 13, and the top eight in the aggregate on that day will go into "Semi Final Saturday." The top four times from the two semi-final heats on semi on Saturday on July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage of day four from the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby can be seen Monday, July 9 starting at 8 p.m. 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 p.m. MT.

July 7, 2012

Night two of the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby ran on a hot Saturday night. The temperature was 25°C under sunny skies with good racetrack conditions. When the night wrapped up, it was Gary Gorst, driving the Friends of the Calgary Food Bank outfit, who posted the top time of the night at 1:17.23.

Coming off barrel number two in heat seven, Gorst won his first career Calgary Stampede day money by 18 one-hundredths of a second over former Calgary Stampede finalist Wayne Knight. 2012 Ponoka Stampede champion Troy Dorchester was third for the second consecutive night, with Kirk Sutherland and Rae Croteau Jr. filling out the top five on the night.

The day money run vaulted Gary Gorst to the top of the overall aggregate standings with a two-run total of 2:35.51. Troy Dorchester is in second place overall just 24 one-hundredths of a second behind Gorst, followed closely by Rick Fraser, Colt Cosgrave and Hugh Sinclair. Reg Johnstone, Wayne Knight and Troy Flad complete the top eight at this time with rookie driver Codey McCurrach in ninth place overall just 41 one-hundreds of a second outside of ninth spot.

The aggregate winner will be declared after eight nights on Friday, July 13, and the top eight in the aggregate on that day will go into "Semi-Final Saturday." The top four times from the two semi-final heats on Saturday, July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion.

Television coverage of day three from the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby can be seen live 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.

July 6, 2012

The Centennial edition of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicked off on Friday night in Calgary with the 90th running of the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. It was a warm night for racing at 21°C under mainly sunny skies with good racetrack conditions, and the day saw four-time Calgary Stampede champion Hugh Sinclair, driving the Layfield Environmental Systems outfit, open the 2012 GMC Rangeland Derby with the top time of 1:17.51.

Coming off barrel number four in the opening heat, Sinclair won top money by 53 hundredths of a second over three-time finalist Rick Fraser. 2012 Ponoka Stampede champion Troy Dorchester was third, Gary Gorst placed fourth and Colt Cosgrave rounded out the top five for the night.

The aggregate winner will be declared after eight nights on Friday, July 13, and the top eight in the aggregate on that day will go into “Semi Final Saturday.” The top four times from the two semi-final heats on Saturday,July 14 will go into the winner-take-all championship final heat. The winner of the final heat will be declared the 2012 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby Champion.

Day two from the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby can be seen starting at 8:00 p.m. 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 11:00 p.m. MT.