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(Image Credit: Shellie Scott/WPCA)
By Erika Rolling
Chuckwagons

First Rangeland Derby title for Laboucane

Jul 13, 2026 | 10:43 AM

In an exhilarating and historic finale at the 2026 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby, chuckwagon driver Jamie Laboucane driving the Panorama Advisory Group outfit, along with outriders Hayden Motowylo and Kale Lajeunesse, captured the Championship in the final heat on Sunday, defeating two-time champion Jason Glass by an impressive 2.09 seconds. Glass finished second, while defending champion; Grande Prairie native Chanse Vigen, knocked over a barrel and settled for third.

The victory gave Laboucane his first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby crown in just his second consecutive appearance in the Championship Final Heat. The WPCA says Laboucane’s performance over the 10-day competition was one of the most dominant and memorable in Rangeland Derby history.

The Richard Cosgrave Memorial Safe Drive Award was won for the second consecutive year by Logan Gorst for being the least penalized drivers over 10 nights of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby and for having the best time in the overall Aggregate Standings. Gorst was penalty free for all ten days and had the best aggregate time of all penalty-free drivers with a total time of 12:08.24.

The Orville Strandquist Memorial Top Rookie Driver Award went to Cruise Bensmiller for having the best 10-day Aggregate time of 12:16.32 among all of the first-time drivers.

Rory Gervais was named the Calgary Stampede’s Outstanding Outrider for a record ninth time.

The Equine Athlete of Excellence Awards recognizing the “real stars” of the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby were also handed out. Chanse Vigen’s “Greyson” was recognized as the Champion Left Leader, Jason Glass’ “Proud” the Champion Right Leader, Jamie Laboucane’s “Ghost” the Champion Left Wheeler, Rae Croteau Jr.’s “Appreciated” the Champion Right Wheeler, and the Champion Outriding Horses were “Easter” of Logan Gorst and “Goji” of Obrey Motowylo.

On the final night, Laboucane’s championship run turned out to be Kirk’s Trail Tire Wheels on Fire Fast Time of the Night, as well as the top time of the 10-day Stampede with a 1:10.18. Cruise Bensmiller placed second, Mitch Sutherland was third, with Logan Gorst and Chance Bensmiller filling out the top five on the last night of the competition.

The WPCA Pro Tour is now taking a well deserved break and will resume in High River for the Battle of the Foothills starting Thursday, July 23, 2026.

by Erika Rolling