RED HEADED STRANGER WINS RANGELAND AGGREGATE
Neal Walgenbach and three Sutherlands are in the Rangeland semifnals.
The Redheaded Stranger has a new set of wheels.
Neal Walgenbach topped the aggregate standings after eight nights of qualifying and took home a new GMC truck.
He mentioned earlier in the week he’d have a family fued on his hands — between his wife and kids — if he was fortunate enough to win the truck.
“I imagine they’re arm-twisting back at the barns right now,” Walgenbach said when asked who would come out on top between wife Lorna, son Hally and daughter Melitta.
“I guess I’ll find out who comes out on top when we get back there.”
Walgenbach, who will retire after Sunday night’s races, edged Jason Glass by .77 of a second to win the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award.
Outriders Brian Mayan, Eddie Melville, Jamie Laboucane and Dale Gray chased the veteran all week and were hit with just one penalty second.
“It feels great,” Walgenbach said. “To win the Richard Cosgrave award just tops it off.”
Walgenbach and Glass will be joined in Saturday’s semifinals by Kelly, Kirk and Mark Sutherland, Buddy Bensmiller, Brian Laboucane and Gary Gorst.
As the top gun, Walgenbach got his choice of which barrel and heat he wanted to race in.
He wasn’t about to spill the beans completely, but admitted he’ll be wearing a white shirt (Barrel 1) Saturday night.
“All those guys run tough, so you’ve got to be clean,” Walgenbach said of the semis.
“And they make you run, too.”
AROUND THE BARRELS
Brian Laboucane (The Mavericks) is the hottest driver on the Stampede grounds these days.
His 1:14.26 Friday night was the fastest time of the entire derby.
Laboucane posted two day-money runs, and a second-place run, to move from 23rd in the standings to sixth.
Wayne Knight (Express Employment Professionals) was second-quickest last night with a 1:14.90 followed by Jason Glass (Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick) at 1:15.10.
TOUGH-LUCK COWBOYS
Troy Dorchester (The Roadhouse Nightclub & Continental Imaging) was the guy left on the outside looking in, missing out on the semifinals by .98 of a second.
Disaster also struck for Rick Fraser (Chickwagon Foundation/Heninger Toyota), who came into the night in sixth spot. After knocking over a barrel, he dropped to 13th.
