Wild West Mud Bog was worth the wait!

By Joan Janzen

LEADER - The Wild West Mud Bog had been postponed for a week, but it was worth the wait! Trucks revved up on Saturday, June 28th, for the races that had originally been scheduled for June 21st, but had been postponed due to a long-awaited and much-appreciated rainfall.

No one minded waiting, and as it turns out, the races were worth it! The weather cooperated to create a pleasant day for both the participants and spectators at the races, which were held a mile or so west of Leader.

Mud was flying and trucks were revved up during the Wild West Mud Bog held at Leader on Saturday, June 28th. Photo by Sarah Kropf Photography

Before the racing excitement began, spectators had a chance to get up close to the trucks and meet the drivers from 11 a.m. until noon, when the pit area was open to the public. Twenty-five trucks were registered for the mud bog.

The Kids Dash for Cash is a crowd favourite that returned during intermission. Kids got the chance to hit the mud pit and race for real cash prizes. The messy but fun event was a highlight of the afternoon, with the top three finalists receiving prizes.

Primary organizers, Paden Nagel and Austin Dillman, organized the event with the help of the event committee. The energy, effort and community spirit from volunteers, nineteen sponsors, vendors, pit crews and spectators made the event a success. Winners in the events were as follows:

Stock: 1st ($250) M. Kales, 2nd ($175) Andy Wilgus, 3rd ($75) Austin Redman. Super Stock: 1st ($250) Trent Wickstrom, 2nd ($175) Barry Schmaltz, 3rd ($75) Kyle Lozensky. 1st ($250) John Evans, 2nd ($175) Trent Wickstrom, 3rd ($75) Travis Kirkpatrick. Modified: 1st ($350) Calvin Baldwin, 2nd ($225) Eddie Plante, 3rd ($125) Jackson Bradford. Ag Class: 1st ($350) Victor Bael, 2nd ($225) Austin Dillman, 3rd ($125) Calvin Baldwin. Open: 1st ($350) Victor Bael, 2nd ($225) Austin Dillman, 3rd ($125) Paden Nagel.