Kirk and Mitch weren’t the only Sutherlands competing in the Rangeland Derby final on Sunday.
Recent Foothills Comp grad Dayton Sutherland was chasing his cousin Mitch’s wagon as an outrider. Mitch finished second in the final.
It was the first-time the 18-year-old Dayton had ever been on chuckwagon racing’s biggest stage.
“It was a really, really great feeling, this is my second real Calgary Stampede and I’m just super happy to be part of it, it was a great ride,” Dayton said. “I am super-proud of my cousin Mitch.”
(Mitch is the son of 2016 Calgary Stampede champion Kirk Sutherland, who is the brother of 12-time Calgary Stampede champion Kelly Sutherland. Kelly is the father of Mark, another chuckwagon driver. He is Dayton’s dad.)
Dayton was more nervous than a reporter trying to explain the Sutherland family tree in less than 40 words.
“I was incredibly nervous, but that is part of the job — I had to get the job done,” he said.
A job well done.
He was able to get the stove in the wagon, turn both barrels and get around the track.
Outriders are like referees, if you don’t notice them, they have done a good job.
Dayton was penalty free on the run in conditions that were ideal for mud bogging.
Mark was a proud father back in the barns after the final.
“This is great for him — it’s a confidence booster, he knows he can do it,” Mark said. “He’s already been in the Stampede for three years. He’s riding well and he’s young.”
Mark was an outrider before becoming one of the top drivers in the circuit, recently winning the Guy Weadick championship in High River.
Dad has been one-upped by his son.
“I used to outride for dad, but I never got to race in a final,” Mark said with a laugh
“A funny story is one year I rode for dad for five nights and then he hired Jason Glass.
“He (Glass) was a better outrider than I was.”
“I never rode in a final in Calgary and I don’t think I ever will, being 45.”
Glass had the chance to outride to chase his dad Tom’s wagon.
“I won it with dad (Tom Glass) when I was just 16,” Glass said. “It was exciting…
“This is a great for Dayton.”
