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(Image Credit: WPCA)
By Erika Rolling
Chuckwagons

Gorst crowned Bonnyville Champion, some permit drivers earn full status

Jun 9, 2026 | 12:08 PM

Logan Gorst has been crowned the Bonnyville Chuckwagon Champion following washout conditions at the track on what was to be Championship Monday in Bonnyville.

As a result, the championship was awarded based on the best three-day aggregate time rather than being decided in the Championship Final Heat.

Gorst, driving the Flashpoint Electric Ltd. outfit and assisted by outriders Brendan Nolin and Tyson Watson, was declared the 2026 Bonnyville Chuckwagon Champion for his three-day aggregate time of 3:53.68 and was awarded the prestigious George Normand Memorial Buckles. The victory marks his first Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship and the first show championship for outrider Tyson Watson.

Grande Prairie native Chanse Vigen, who was the 2022 Bonnyville Champ, claimed the runner-up position. Darcy Flad finished third overall, while Rae Croteau Jr. and reigning Grande Prairie Stompede champion Obrey Motowylo rounded out the top five in the final standings.

The event also determined which permit drivers would earn full status for the remainder of the 2026 WPCA Pro Tour. Vern Nolin led the way among the eight challengers with 209 points. Ryan Baptiste finished second with 164 points, Fairview’s veteran driver Cody Ridsdale placed third with 153 points, and rookie Gage Flad secured the fourth and final advancement position with 143 points.

Dallas Dyck narrowly missed qualifying by just four points, followed by Dale Young, Grande Prairie’s D.J. DeSutter, and Phil Arcand.

The next stop on the professional chuckwagon racing schedule is Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, June 14, at the Medicine Hat Stampede.

by Erika Rolling