Kelly Sutherland and family at the 2017 Rangeland Derby Calgary Stampede, photo courtesy Calgary Stampede Facebook

By Erika Rolling

Chuckwagon

Kelly “The King” Sutherland honoured as a 2023 Pioneer of Rodeo at Calgary Stampede

Jul 11, 2023 | 11:25 AM

Grande Prairie’s own world-famous chuckwagon driver Kelly Sutherland was recognized with a prestigious award at the Calgary Stampede on Monday.

“The King” was part of a four-man class inducted as the 2023 Pioneers of Rodeo – including Media Personality Jack MacDonald, and Bareback Riders Robin Burwash and Steve Dunham.

L-R: Jack MacDonald, Robin Burwash, Dayton Sutherland on behalf of Kelly Sutherland and Steve Dunham Proudly Display The Trophy Buckles They Received After Being Named To The Calgary Stampede’s Pioneers Of Rodeo., photo courtesy Billy Melville

Sutherland re-wrote the record book at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby over his 50-year career of racing; winning a record 12-times as a driver and once as an outrider, six times as the Calgary Stampede Aggregate winner, and had 21 appearances in the Championship Final Heat.

He ran his final race at the Rangeland Derby in a dramatic fashion in 2017 and ended his notable career at the end of the same WPCA race season.

Kelly’s career spanned from 1967-2017, starting as an outrider and his debut season in ’69. In his 48 seasons, Sutherland placed in the top ten overall 41 times.