Kurt Bensmiller – Kirk’s Trail Tire Wheels On Fire Fast Time On Night One In Bonnyville
Photo By Shellie Scott
Following a successful stop at the Grande Prairie Stompede Championship, the WPCA Pro Tour resumed Thursday night in Bonnyville, Alberta, for the opening night of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship. Jamie Laboucane entered the event as the defending champion.
Heavy rainfall in the weeks leading up to the races presented a challenge for organizers, but the Bonnyville race committee worked tirelessly to prepare the grounds for competition. Their efforts paid off, as drivers and fans were greeted by pleasant weather and excellent track conditions for the opening night of racing.
When the dust settled, former Bonnyville champion Kurt Bensmiller captured the Kirk’s Trail Tire Wheels on Fire Fast Time of the Night with a clean run of 1:16.80.
Driving the Heart Lake First Nation Construction/Pevach Corp outfit, Bensmiller posted a time exactly one-half second faster than Chanse Vigen, who finished second on the evening. Logan Gorst placed third, Darcy Flad was fourth, and Dustin Gorst rounded out the top five fastest times of the night.
The top four drivers in the aggregate standings following Saturday night’s performance will advance to Sunday’s $22,000 Championship Final Heat. The winner of that final will be crowned the 2026 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship champion.
Day 2 of the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship can be heard live on WPCA Radio on Friday, June 5, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 7:00 p.m. Central, and 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time on 96.5 The Ranch. Fans can also listen through the WPCA website, iHeartRadio, and Radioplayer Canada, while live video coverage will be available through the WPCA livestream at watch.wpca.com.
Billy Melville
