ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News
Chuckwagon drivers from across the Prairies were in Ponoka on May 6, selling space on the tarps and prime advertising estate on their chuckwagons for the upcoming Ponoka Stampede.
The drivers had the opportunity to team up with businesses and individuals looking to sponsor and advertise on a chuckwagon.
With a room packed with bidders and auctioneers from VJV Auction in Ponoka, it seems as though the bidders were extra generous with the tarp purchases, as they raised $412,500, up substantially from the previous total of $374,500.
“The 36 drivers that will compete at the 2011 Ponoka Stampede got an overall raise of $38,000,” said WPCA’s Billy Melville in a press release.
The average bid for the riders was a collective $11,458.33, up $1,055.55 from the 2010 total of $10,402.78.
“For the second consecutive year, the Ponoka Stampede sale was the highest of all of the shows that will comprise the 2011 WPCA Dodge Pro Tour,” said Melville.
The top sponsorship went to Obrey Motowylo, a cowboy from Bluffton. It was no surprise who his sponsor was though, as the team has been riding strong for seven years now.
H&E Oilfields’ co-owner Larry Semen put out $24,000 during the auction to secure Motowylo, who is also an employee of H&E Oilfield Services Ltd. during the off-season.
Last year, Motowylo was also the top bid at $20,000.
Seven years ago, Motowylo, who was driving pony chuckwagons at the time, cold-called Semen and asked him if he would be willing to sponsor him. Semen then arranged a meeting with Motowylo and the relationship spurred from there.
“We’ve been great friends for a long time,” said Motowylo.
The friendly sponsorship doesn’t mean Motwylo isn’t deserving of the top bid, though.
The 31-year-old has proven his worth with many different events, including being a three-time World Pony Chuckwagon Champion, a three-time North American Pony Chuckwagon Champion, as well as being named the Calgary Stampede top rookie driver in 2009. In addition to that, Motowylo was also the Ponoka Stampede champion in 2009.
The first stop for Motowylo and the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour will be in Grande Prairie from May 25-29.