Jason Glass’s Victory at Strathmore Stampede: A Tale of Strategy and Trust
Jason Glass, a 54-year-old chuckwagon racing driver from High River, made history by securing his third Strathmore Stampede title on Monday. His victory was not just a result of skill but also the strategic use of a new grey horse named Devil, who played a pivotal role in his success.
Glass had a strong intuition that adding Devil to his lineup would bring positive results. “That was only his fourth race,” he remarked after completing the track in a time of 1:13.94. “He’s going to be something special.” This confidence was well-placed, as Devil proved to be an asset in both the championship heat and the final race.
In the final, Glass demonstrated exceptional teamwork with his veteran lead team of Legit and Chaska, alongside Indian and Devil on the wheel. He crossed the finish line just 0.91 seconds ahead of defending champion Chanse Vigen, who had been on a winning streak, including victories at the Calgary Stampede’s Rangeland Derby and the Battle of the Foothills in High River.
Glass expressed his trust in Devil, highlighting the horse’s adaptability and comfort with the team. “He likes what he’s doing. He’s comfortable. He’s only a four-year-old horse, so I really don’t even know what kind of run he has, but something told me he was ready,” he said. His decision to drive Devil twice in High River paid off, showcasing the importance of taking calculated risks in the competitive world of chuckwagon racing.
Teamwork and Support
The success of Glass’s team also relied heavily on the support of outriders Trey MacGillivray and Tyson Whitehead, who rode Calm and Ed respectively in the final. “Hats off to those guys, they’re great cowboys,” Glass said, acknowledging their contributions. Additionally, he praised Birchcliff Energy for their continued support, which has been instrumental in his career.
Glass is currently leading the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) driver standings with 992 points. Despite his consistent performances with veteran horses this season, he remains open to experimenting with new additions to his lineup. “It’s just what you have to do. You can’t rely on the same older horses night after night,” he explained. This approach keeps the team fresh and adaptable, ensuring they can perform at their best.
Competing Against the Best
One of the key competitors in the WPCA standings is Chanse Vigen, whose impressive performances have motivated Glass to refine his strategies. “He’s been flying for several years now and driving amazing,” Glass said. “It’s changed the way I buy horses … everything. It always takes someone like that to step up, to make myself work even harder.”
Vigen has climbed into second place in the standings, just 21.5 points behind Glass. With multiple drivers within striking distance, the competition remains fierce. “It’s tight,” Glass noted, emphasizing the challenge of securing his fifth world title. He has already won titles in 2000, 2008, 2009, and 2012, making this season a crucial one for his legacy.
The Road Ahead
With only two shows left this season—the Battle of the North in Dawson Creek, B.C., and the WPCA World Finals at the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House—Glass knows he still has work to do. “We only have 10 racing days left,” he said. “It’s a lot of points still up for grabs and a lot can happen as fans see from night to night.”
Fans can stay updated with live action every night from the Battle of the North on WPCA Radio starting at 7:30 p.m. MT on 96.5 The Ranch or through streaming options available on the WPCA website, iHeart Radio, or Radioplayer Canada.
WPCA World Standings
Here is a look at the current standings:
- Jason Glass – High River – 992 points
- Chance Vigen – Calgary – 970.5 points
- Evan Salmond – Hudson Bay, Sask. – 968.5 points
- Obrey Motowylo – Hoadley – 953.5 points
- Chad Fike – Cremona – 944 points
- Jamie Laboucane – St. Walburg, Sask. – 923 points
- Layne MacGillivray – Coronation – 923 points
- Rae Croteau Jr. – Rapid View, Sask. – 865 points
- Kurt Bensmiller – Dewberry – 864.5 points
- Logan Gorst – Meadow Lake, Sask. – 861.5 points
This list continues with other drivers, showing the depth of competition in the WPCA. As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Glass and his team as they aim for another historic win.