Amber L’Heureux and Todd Baptiste, pictured here in action. (Submitted photos/Carolin McKenzie)

By Martin Martinson

Off to the races

CPCA releases 2021 season schedule

Dec 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Chuckwagons should be rumbling down the track once again by next summer.

The Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) released its schedule for the 2021 season on Thursday.

Starting in Prince Albert June 4-6, the tour will then stop in Meadow Lake June 12-14 and North Battleford June 17-20 to open the first leg of the journey. Other regional stops along the way include Onion Lake, Little Pine, Poundmaker, Turtleford, and Lloydminster.

Office manager with the CPCA, Kim Carey, said while things could always be subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic, the association is happy to be able to have some dates to look forward to.

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“It’s all going to depend on what happens with restrictions, so we can’t give any guarantees what next year’s going to look like,” Carey said. “It might look a little different than it has in the past, but we will hope to make it as normal a season as possible, and it will just depend on where restrictions are at by that time.”

Local area veteran of the circuit, Todd Baptiste, said while it’s certainly great to see a potential return to competition ahead, it may remain a bit more of a cautious optimism until closer to the summer.

“It’s not said and done until you get on the track,” he said. “But for now, it gives us some relief as competitors, after not having [2020] to get on the track in a competitive race. Hopefully, we’re able to hear that horn, get on the track, and make some excitement for the people that come in 2021.”

Baptiste, who grew up in the area with family in North Battleford, Cando, and Red Pheasant First Nation, added that there’s always something special about taking to the track close to home.

“For me in particular, I’m a second-generation chuckwagon driver and North Battleford is my home,” he said. “So it’s nice to be able to be recognized that way, and coming off a great year in 2019, we want to be able to continue to showcase our family and the people that help us get down the road.”

Amber L’Heureux, is another competitor who will be competing in front of friends and family– should spectators be allowed– in her proverbial backyard.

L’Heureux, who became the first female driver to compete in the CPCA when she debuted in 2019, said it was certainly a positive sign to receive the news of the schedule announcement.

“It’s super exciting to hear the news and it’s a huge relief too,” L’Heureux said. “As much as it’s been good to have a bit of a break and have some time off, there’s a lot of horses waiting for a job sitting here, so I’m pretty excited to get back into things,” she added with an audible smile.

L’Heureux added that as much as anything, she is looking forward to being able to return to doing what she loves in a competitive setting, and being able to share the experience with those around her.

“A large part of why I love racing so much is the people,” she said. “I definitely missed the people this year and when we’re racing close to home, it’s always special to have those from home come over and visit and see the horses and what we’re doing. It’s pretty special that way.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1