It seems Jason Glass can’t do anything in regards to the Calgary Stampede without someone having to take another look.
Glass, who missed his first Rangeland Derby championship last July on an interference call, had a hiccup in the final bids when his tarp was on the auction block for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. However, this time Glass came away smiling as he took home his highest total in his Stampede history at $155,000 on March 21 in Calgary.
“I am not sure what happened things stopped at $150,000 but suddenly there was another bid for $155,00 — I can’t complain,” Glass said.
Glass’s tarp was purchased by Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick for the 23rd year.
“I am glad to be back with them, we have had such a great relationship over the years,” Glass said. “I thought I had lost them when it got to $150,000, but they made another bid.”
Glass’ total was the third highest among the 36 drivers, but only second among his family. Cousin Colt Cosgrave went for $170,000.
“I am glad for him he has been working hard the past few years,” Glass said.
“But I sure didn’t expect that much.”
Glass, the defending world champion, said he will return to his Mazeppa area home and start training for the upcoming season — with a keen eye on winning his first Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby.
Okotoks chuckwagon driver Mark Sutherland’s tarp was sold for $90,000 to Rocky Mountain Equipment, which sells agricultural machinery such as combines and tractors.
“It was such a weird sale going up and down between different drivers,” Sutherland said.
“I was really worried about this year because it didn’t seem to be a lot of interest after the Centennial year (in 2012).”
He said he felt he would go for more money this year, but he is delighted with his sponsor. Sutherland said he has already discussed the possibility of Rocky Mountain Equipment sponsoring his tarp on stops on the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) tour where the company has a presence.
Sutherland had a subpar Calgary Stampede last year due to an injured shoulder suffered the week before at the Ponoka Stampede.
He said he is back to 100 per cent and has added to his stable of horses to strengthen what was already a strong team.
The total amount bid on the 36 drivers at the Stampede tarp auction was $3,605,000, the third highest in history. The WPCA tarp auction, which will include the High River Guy Weadick Chuckwagon races, is April 9 at the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary.
