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Kurt Bensmiller at 2026 Battle of the North Day 1. (Image Credit: Shellie Scott/WPCA)
By Erika Rolling
Chuckwagons

Kurt Bensmiller claims Day 1 at Dawson Creek Battle of the North

Aug 6, 2026 | 8:54 AM

It was a cool and drizzly Wednesday evening in Dawson Creek, B.C., to kick off the Battle of the North stop on the WPCA Pro Tour.

After the final times were posted, it was Kurt Bensmiller who was the top wagon of the night with a run time of 1:15.15. Fairview’s Cody Ridsdale was a close second, only 0.14 seconds shy of the top spot. Wade Salmond posted third, Troy Dorchester fourth, and Obrey Motowylo to round out the top five on Day 1.

The driver leading the aggregate standings following Saturday night’s final day of preliminary competition will receive a one-year lease on a 2026 GMC truck, courtesy of Banister GM Dawson Creek.

The top four drivers in the aggregate will then advance to Sunday’s $30,000 Championship Final Heat, where the winner will be crowned the 2026 Battle of the North Champion.

The Battle of the North serves as the final stop before the WPCA World Finals. When the weekend concludes, the top 12 drivers in the WPCA World Standings will advance to the playoff round of the Kirk’s Trail Tire Series down in Rocky Mountain House.

by Erika Rolling