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The 2025 World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Pro Tour launches Wednesday, May 28th, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and the grounds are already buzzing. Drivers have begun arriving, with some already hooking and breezing their horses around the track in preparation for the season opener. The competition will feature 44 drivers and more than 400 horses, racing over 11 heats nightly.

The 44 driver line up is full of talent with the spotlight shining bright on Heats 10 and 11, where the top 8 drivers from the 2024 season will clash on opening night.

Heat 10: Legends and Momentum Builders

Luke Tournier (PIDHERNEY’S) – Barrel #1
The legendary driver from Duck Lake, SK, returns after finishing 8th in the 2024 standings. A former World Champion (2016), two-time Rangeland Derby Champion, and multiple show winner, Tournier proved he’s still a threat with wins in Bonnyville and Ponoka last season.

Layne MacGillivray (CASCADE ENERGY SERVICES) – Barrel #2
One of the sport’s hottest competitors, Layne placed 6th in 2024. He won the Calgary Stampede’s Aggregate/Safety Award for the second time in three years and made his third straight Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Final. MacGillivray also reached the championship heat in Bonnyville.

Kurt Bensmiller (TRIPLE THREAT DIESEL) – Barrel #3
A four-time World Champion and four-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Champion from Dewberry, AB, Bensmiller is one of the most decorated drivers on the WPCA Pro Tour. His standout horse “Hume,” a 2024 Equine Outfit of Excellence award winner, returns to action this season.

Chad Fike (TOMCO GROUP OF COMPANIES) – Barrel #4
Fike’s 2024 campaign was his strongest yet, placing 5th overall and qualifying for three championship finals, including Grande Prairie. His horses "J.J." and "Rider" also earned WPCA and Calgary Stampede honors, making his barn one to watch in 2025 as they return to race.

Heat 11: The Powerhouse Four

Chanse Vigen (MEDALLION ENERGY SERVICES) – Barrel #1
Back-to-back World Champion and dominant force in 2024, Vigen had 16 first-place runs and finished first in the aggregate at six shows. He captured four tour titles and will rely on his star horse “Grayson,” last year’s Champion Left Leader, to kickstart a potential three-peat.

Rae Croteau Jr. (BAR L5 RANCHES) – Barrel #2
A seasoned pro, Croteau finished 3rd overall in 2024 and repeated as Battle of the North Champion. With five championship heat appearances in 2024 and fast barreling and running horses he remains a consistent contender.

Jamie Laboucane (WILD ROWS PUMP & COMPRESSION) – Barrel #3
The reigning Grande Prairie Stompede Champion, Laboucane is entering his third WPCA season with momentum. His horse “Marshmallow,” a back-to-back Champion Left Wheeler, returns to anchor another strong team effort.

Jason Glass (BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY) – Barrel #4
Glass capped off 2024 with a 2nd-place finish in the season standings, a Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby Championship, and the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino WINNERS Zone Series win at the Wild West WPCA Finals. His horse “Chaska” swept the Champion Right Leader titles for both the WPCA and Calgary Stampede. Expect fireworks from the veteran driver.

With multiple World and Calgary Stampede Champions in the lineup and top equine athletes ready to run, the Grande Prairie Stompede promises to deliver high-speed action, roaring crowds, and unforgettable finishes.

The dust flies Wednesday night—get ready for the thunder of the WPCA PRO TOUR presented by GMC

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NIGHT 1 BARREL DRAW