WPCA Annual Awards Banquet & Presentation – Calgary, AB
A night of celebration took take place at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary with the annual World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Awards banquet 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.
Jason Glass was the top honoree this year as he captured the World Chuckwagon Championship for the 4th time in addition to being the champion of the GMC Sierra Cup series as well. Chad Fike was the 2012 World Champion Outrider for the first time in his distinguished career.
The WPCA Chuckwagon Person of the Year is the WPCA’s highest honor, with this year’s recipient being 2012 Calgary Stampede Top Rookie Driver Codey McCurrach receiving the prestigious award. The WPCA Special Tribute was given to 1986 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver Mel Haase. The Calgary Stampede received Special Recognition in celebration of their 100th Anniversary in 2012.
The George Normand Lifetime Builders Award is given to individuals who have dedicated a minimum of 5 years of service to the sport of Chuckwagon racing as a competitor, sponsor, race official, or somehow affiliated with chuckwagon racing and the WPCA. This year’s recipient was former WPCA President Bruce Watson.
Barry Hodgson received the WPCA Clean Drive Award for having the least amount of penalty seconds during the 2012 season, former World Champion Outrider Chanse Vigen was named the WPCA’s Top Rookie Driver, Quaid Tournier received the Rod Glass Memorial Award for Most Improved Outrider, and Evan Salmond received the Herman Flad Memorial Award for Most Improved Driver Award.
The horses also shared in the awards through the WPCA Equine Outfit of Excellence. Chanse Vigen’s “MARKET” was named the champion Right Leader, Kirk Sutherland’s “COUGAR” was named the champion Left Leader, Evan Salmond’s “D.J.” was named the champion Right Wheeler and Hugh Sinclair’s “BUMP” was named the champion Left Wheeler. The champion Outriding Horses were Jason Glass’ “RATT” and Rick Fraser’s “BEAU”.
Other award winners included Doug McLaughlin, Garth Lawrence, Victor Ringuette and VISA Rentals & Leasing who each received a WPCA Active Supporter Award, the Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association received the WPCA Top Race Committee Award, Shaw TV received the WPCA Media Award, Brian Burby received the Judging Award, and Olana Vigen received the Ty Tournier Memorial Award.
The event, hosted by Global TV Calgary’s Brienne Glass was a tremendous success, and congratulations to all the 2012 champions and award winners.
Written by: Billy Melville