Veteran Ray Adamson of Camrose posted Thursday’s fastest time, a 1:16.59 in the 14th and final heat, and carries a slim lead over Wade Salmond of Weekes, Sask., into today’s third performance of the North American Pony Chuckwagon Championship at the Westerner track.
Adamson, driving the Pidherny’s Trucking wagon, has a time of 2:34.21 after two days, while Salmond, aboard the Nossack Fine Meats rig, crossed the line in 1:17.32 Thursday and has a total time of 2:34.47.
Another driver from Heat 14, Gary Thiel of Sherwood Park, sits third overall with a 2:35.35 total. Thiel, on the Pumps & Pressure wagon, was third in the heat with a time of 1:17.42 on a drier and faster track than was the case Wednesday.
The fourth driver in the last heat, defending and seven-time North American champion Keith Wood of Saddle Lake, posted a time of 1:18.51. But after taking a ‘no-time’ Wednesday, he is no longer in the 2011 championship chase.
Sitting fourth heading into today’s running is Louis Johner of Mayerthorpe, who is aboard the Maaco - Canada’s Bodyshop outfit. Johner won Heat 11 in 1:17.94 Thursday and has a total time of 2:36.77.
Marvin Hubl of Alhambra, who is piloting the Allan Dale Industries rig, is fifth overall with a total time of 2:37.16. He was second in Heat 9, racing home in 1:18.27.
Rounding out the top 10 after two days are Jim Lang of Killam on the Cal Frac Well Service carrier (1:19.00 Thursday, 2:37.31 total), Neil Salmond of Weekes (abc Country Restaurant, 1:18.59, 2:37.46 total), Brian Cardinal of Saddle Lake (Appleway Dental Clinics, 1:18.39, 2:37.60 total), Dale Young of Olds (Calgary Flames Ambassadors, 1:18.23, 2:37.68 total) and Chris Spreen of Whitecourt (Trojan Safety Services, 1:18.26, 2:37.78 total).
Today’s performance starts at 6:30 p.m.