Defending champion Chanse Vigen aims for rare back-to-back Stampede title
Reigning Rangeland Derby champion Chanse Vigen returns to the Calgary Stampede with his sights set on winning consecutive chuckwagon titles, a feat not accomplished in nearly a decade. Kurt Bensmiller was the last driver to achieve back-to-back victories, claiming the Rangeland Derby crown in 2017 and 2018.
Vigen put together a near-perfect run in last year's championship dash, executing a flawless figure-eight turn around the barrels to secure the rail before racing around the Stampede Park track in 1:13.44. The run allowed him to defeat defending champion Jason Glass by 1.27 seconds and capture his first Calgary Stampede title.
Vigen reflects on the challenge of repeating
"It's extremely tough to win the Stampede," Vigen said. "Everybody comes here ready to go. This is the biggest show of the year and there are 26 other competitive outfits here. A lot has to go right. You need your horses peaking at the right time, you have to be on your game, your crew has to be dialled in at the barn, and then you need a little luck on top of all that."
Beyond the prestige, a Stampede victory carries special significance for Vigen, who has deep family roots in the sport. "It's always been the one I've been most attached to. I grew up in these barns. My dad raced chuckwagons here, and so did my grandfather, so there's a long family history with this show," he said. "I've always wanted to win it myself. I watched a lot of other guys do it over the years and helped many of them as an outrider, so it was pretty special to finally do it ourselves."
Vigen unfazed by pressure, focused on performance
Despite entering this year's event as the defending champion, Vigen said he isn't letting the challenge get to him. "I don't feel any outside pressure coming in here. I'm just looking forward to getting the races underway," he said. "We've had a tough season, like we talked about earlier. It's been one step back after another with the weather and track conditions at different venues. I'm looking forward to getting my horses out there and showing people what they can do."
As the World Professional Chuckwagon Association season rolls on, Vigen sits second in the standings with 587 points, trailing only Obrey Motowylo, who leads with 609.5. Vigen has already claimed a victory at the Medicine Hat Stampede this season, but persistent rain and poor track conditions have made it difficult for teams across the circuit to find consistency. "We've lost several days of competition because of cancellations," Vigen said. "The days we have raced have been productive and I feel like we're in a better spot this year than we were last year. It's just been very hot and cold."
