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Photo courtesy Chanse Vigen Chuckwagon Racing Team Facebook
By Erika Rolling
WPCA

Vigen makes history and wins Ponoka Stampede Championship

Jul 3, 2023 | 2:49 PM

Former Grande Prairie resident and chuckwagon driver Chanse Vigen swept the competition and made history at the 2023 edition of the Ponoka Stampede.

Vigen captured his first career Ponoka Stampede crown with a run time of 1:15.05 in the Championship Final Heat on Sunday.

It was an undisputed victory for Vigen after winning the aggregate title for having the best combined time after the first four days of racing.

The championship run was not just the best of the night, but Vigen’s sixth consecutive first place run over the six nights in Ponoka.

Vigen’s runs broke the previous record of five consecutive first place runs held by Dale Flett at the 1962 Calgary Stampede.

Ironically, Flett’s five day streak was ended by Chanse’s grandfather Ralph Vigen on the final night of the Calgary Stampede.

Vigen takes home bragging rights and the $75,000 Tommy Dorechester Championship title.

Vigen’s team also won the Grande Prairie Stompede season opening weekend for the WPCA in 2023.

The next stop on the WPCA Pro Tour is the Calgary Stampede from July 7-16.

by Erika Rolling