Logan Gorst Leads the Way in Race to Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Championship
Calgary – Not only did Logan Gorst win $6,000 in day money on Saturday, more importantly he qualified in top spot to compete in Sunday’s Dash for Cash at the 2019 GMC Rangeland Derby.
“I’m doing pretty good right now, I’m not going to lie,” said the 37-year-old from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, shortly after winning Saturday’s ninth heat in a fast time of 1:10.84. “It feels great. There are so many good outfits out there, I needed to outrun ’em and I needed the one barrel.”
For finishing first on Saturday, Gorst earned the right to choose which barrel he’ll run off during Sunday’s final race for $100,000 to the winner.
“That’s the only way I can beat them,” said Gorst, who had no hesitation in picking the number one barrel. “It worked tonight. If we do that again we’ll be alright.” Gorst plans on using the same four horses that he deployed on Saturday in the championship dash.
“As long as everything stays sound for us, the same four will go,” he said. “They haven’t done a thing wrong yet.” Gorst will have to watch out for Vern Nolin, who won the first semi-final heat with Saturday’s second fastest time of 1:11.33 to punch his ticket to Sunday’s final race.
“He runs tough all the time, so he’s definitely a threat,” said Gorst of Nolin, adding “They all are.”
Gorst’s father-in-law Luke Tournier who has a pair of Rangeland Derby titles in 2005 and 2007 to his credit, finished second behind Nolin in 1:11.40 to also advance to the final.
“I’m going for the win,” said Tournier, who Gorst referred to as one of the best barrel turners in the business. Gorst wasn’t surprised to hear that Tournier has his sights set on winning his third title at the Calgary Stampede.
“He’ll do the same,” Gorst said. “He’s out there to win, too.” Locking down the fourth and final spot in Sunday’s dash was Todd Baptiste who finished with the night’s fourth fastest time of 1:11.40.
Evan Salmond finished third behind Baptiste in the ninth heat in 1:11.60 and missed out on earning a chance to race for all the glory by just 16/100ths of a second. Rounding out the semifinalists were Ross Knight (1:12.25), Chad Fike (1:12.75) and Chance Bensmiller (1:12.78).
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
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