In the heart of Alberta’s chuckwagon racing community, Mitch Sutherland stands as a beacon of dedication and experience. As a veteran driver on the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) tour with over 20 years under his belt, Sutherland has not only inherited a legacy from his father, legendary driver Kirk Sutherland, but he is also carving out his own path as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 season. After a 2025 season of ups and downs, Sutherland is determined to bounce back stronger than ever, setting ambitious goals while remaining a respectful figure among his peers.
Having grown up in Grande Prairie surrounded by the excitement of the chuckwagon races, Sutherland’s life has been a blend of family tradition and personal ambition. The son of a notable competitor, he has maintained a steady presence in the sport, recently earning the WPCA’s prestigious Chuckwagon Person of the Year award in 2023. With a competitive streak that started long before his racing career, he was an All-Canadian football player for the University of Alberta Golden Bears, Mitch continues to push his own limits both on and off the track.
Reflecting on last season, Sutherland expressed mixed feelings. “I made the semis in Ponoka but didn’t make the finals,” he recounted. “At the Calgary Stampede, I was in the running for the Safety Award, but I hit a barrel toward the end of the week, and the penalty cost me. Consistency eluded me throughout the rest of the year.” As a seasoned driver, he knows the importance of stability and performance; he mentioned that penalties hindered his chances for average points and nearly cost him an invite back to Calgary for the 2026 season.
Now, as the 2026 season nears, Sutherland is not one to dwell on the past. “I ran out of explosive wheeler power in the back half of the season,” he said candidly. “But I’ve made strides to address that. I’ve purchased 12 new racehorses from tracks in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Vancouver, Phoenix, and Toronto to freshen things up.†With these new additions, he aims to inject vitality into his performances, especially with the support of his veteran leaders on the roster.
To stay ahead of the competition, Sutherland has also embraced innovative training methods. “I acquired an equiciser last fall,” he explained. “It allows me to train earlier without waiting for the snow to melt. Grande Prairie is crucial for the start of the season; coming out strong there is essential to setting up the rest of the year.†An equiciser is a horse exerciser machine designed to safely condition and train horses without a rider. It’s commonly used by racehorse trainers, performance barns, and rehabilitation programs to exercise multiple horses at once and improve fitness and stamina.
Returning for the Mitch Sutherland Racing Team will be his top lead team off the number one barrel, Zingara and Slew. “They worked well together last year, Mitch expressed, “Zingara drives in crooked, but he always starts and charges. He’s the type of left leader who will push the right leader around the top. This will be Slew’s 3rd year on the right lead. He was a natural the first time I drove him there, and he gets better every trip.”
Sutherland has set his sights high for 2026. He aims to have a strong showing at the Grande Prairie Stompede, finish in the top 10 in the world standings, and secure a place in the finals at both Ponoka and Calgary. “It’s the same goals every year, but I believe this time we’ll have the horsepower to back them up,†he stated with determination.
As he gears up for the 2026 WPCA Pro Tour, which kicks off with the Grande Prairie Stompede Tarp Auction Gala on April 11, 2026, Mitch Sutherland stands poised for a promising season.
GREG BUCHANAN
