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Sun, Sand and Hot Hands at Vegreville Chariot and Chuckwagon Races
Sun, Sand and Hot Hands at Vegreville Chariot and Chuckwagon Races
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
The summer heat was intense and so was the fast paced racing action on the Vegreville Agricultural Society’s track during the five day chariot and chuckwagon show from Aug. 7-11.
Before chariot racing got underway on Aug. 9, a special tribute was held in honour of James Leo (Jim) Cartier of Vegreville who passed away on July 16, 2024. As described in his obituary, “Jim led a full, rich life touching the hearts of everyone he knew. He was generous with his time and knowledge and was known for his warm smile, hearty laugh and unwavering sense of right and wrong.”
Jim was the oldest of nine siblings, (five boys and four girls). Brother Terry Cartier said at one time, all of his brothers and their father Leo raced chuckwagons. Terry said Jim raced for approximately 15 years from the late 70’s to early ‘80’s. He was an infield judge at times and served as a director with the Alberta Professional Chariots & Chuckwagon Association. Additionally, Jim was a director with the Vegreville Agricultural Society and would help organize indoor rodeos.
Immediately following Albert Buckingham’s final race on Aug. 11, fellow drivers, track officials and family members cheered and clapped loudly, taking their hats off as Albert’s wagon circled the infield driving past the grandstand as fans applauded.
Albert hails from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He began following the chariot and Chuckwagon circuit with his uncle in the 1970’s and began racing chariots in 1988 and chuckwagons in 1993. He joined the Alberta Professional Chariots & Chuckwagon Association in 2006 and was awarded the Most Sportsmanlike driver in 2012.
Ryley Braaten was crowned champion in the chuckwagons with the best aggregate score. Braaten also won the Dash for Cash in the chuckwagons. Cody Leach clinched top spot in the chariots. During the presentation, Leach expressed his appreciation to his sponsor Autumn Rose Funeral Home. The Dash for Cash winner in the chariots was Darren Twerdochlib (driver Brett Dubuc).
