The Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is a world-renowned festival celebrating Western heritage, culture, and community spirit. Among its many heart-pounding events, the Chuckwagon Races stand out as one of the most thrilling and iconic competitions, captivating audiences from around the world.
What Are the Chuckwagon Races?
The Chuckwagon Races are a high-speed, adrenaline-filled event where teams of drivers, outriders, and horses race around a dirt track in a battle for victory.
🚛 How the Race Works:
- Each team consists of:
✔️ A chuckwagon, pulled by four powerful horses 🐎
✔️ Two outriders on horseback 🏇
- The race kicks off as the outriders “break camp”, symbolically loading a stove into the wagon before it takes off.
- Teams navigate tight turns, dodge obstacles, and push their horses to the limit to cross the finish line first.
💡 Where to Watch:
The Chuckwagon Races are the main event of the Calgary Stampede’s Evening Show, officially known as the Rangeland Derby.
A Brief History of the Chuckwagon Races
The Chuckwagon Races date back to the early days of the Calgary Stampede in the 1920s.
📌 Key Moments in History:
- 1923 – The first official Chuckwagon Races were introduced by Stampede founder Guy Weadick, inspired by the wagons used by cowboys on cattle drives and settlers heading west.
- 1930s-1950s – The event grew in popularity, becoming a fan favourite at the Stampede.
- Today – The Rangeland Derby is a professional competition with major prize money, attracting elite drivers, top horses, and teams from across North America.
💡 Why Are They Called Chuckwagons?
In the Old West, chuckwagons were mobile kitchens used by cowboys and ranchers to carry food and supplies across long cattle drives. Today’s races honor that history with a modern, high-speed twist!
Why Are the Chuckwagon Races So Popular?
The Chuckwagon Races offer a perfect blend of history, skill, and sheer excitement.
🎯 What Makes Them a Must-See?
✅ High-speed action – Wagons careen around the track at incredible speeds.
✅ Unpredictable finishes – No two races are ever the same!
✅ Precision teamwork – Drivers, outriders, and horses must work in perfect sync.
✅ A true Western spectacle – The event embodies the spirit of cowboy competition.
💡 More Than Just a Race – For many, the Chuckwagon Races aren’t just a sport—they’re a symbol of Western resilience and tradition.
How to Get Tickets for the Chuckwagon Races
The Chuckwagon Races are part of the Calgary Stampede Evening Show, which starts at 7:30 PM at GMC Stadium.
🎟️ Ticket Info:
- Where to Buy: Tickets are available on the official Calgary Stampede website or at the Stampede Ticket Office.
- Pricing: Ticket costs vary based on seating preferences, from standard grandstand seats to premium reserved seating with VIP amenities.
- Discounts: Special pricing is available for children & seniors.
💡 Pro Tip: All Evening Show tickets include full-day admission to the Stampede Grounds, so arrive early to enjoy the festival before the races!
Final Thoughts: A Must-See Stampede Tradition
For anyone looking to experience the thrill of the Calgary Stampede, the Chuckwagon Races are an absolute must-see.
🏇 Fast-paced, adrenaline-filled, and deeply rooted in Western heritage, these races offer edge-of-your-seat excitement that no other event can match.
🎡 Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Stampede-goer, watching the Chuckwagon Races will be a highlight of your experience! 🤠🔥
