The Calgary Stampede has announced a one-year extension of the current Chuckwagon Agreement with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) to include the 2008 GMC Rangeland Derby.
The total prize purse for the world’s premier chuckwagon championship will rise to $1,154,000 in 2008 – an increase of $100,000. The additional purse will mean more daily prize money, and doubling of the overall aggregate bonus money divided among the top drivers, to $100,000.
The aggregate winner will again be awarded a new GMC truck. The Calgary Stampede will continue to award $150,000 to the participants of the Final Heat, with the GMC Rangeland Derby Champion receiving $100,000, with second prize earning $25,000, third receiving $15,000 and fourth place $10,000.
The current driver invitational formula will remain in effect for 2008. The 36 wagon drivers will be invited as follows: the top 10 wagon drivers competing in the 2007 GMC Rangeland Derby; 12 wagon drivers based on 2007 CPCA standings; 12 wagon drivers based on 2007 World Professional Chuckwagon Association standings; and, two wagons drivers based on Stampede qualified positions.
“We are pleased to extend the existing arrangement into 2008,” said Mike Whittle, vice-president of Agriculture and Western Events, Calgary Stampede.
“The short-term arrangement gives us the option and flexibility to adjust the invitational formula in the future so we can continue to invite the very best drivers from both driver associations.”
The 2008 Calgary Stampede will run from July 4 to 13.
