ABOUT
3rd Generation Driver
#97
Dayton Sutherland
With a relentless drive for success and a strong connection with his horses, Dayton is a true horseman and top ambassador of the sport.
A third generation chuckwagon driver, Dayton is the youngest member of the famed Sutherland chuckwagon racing family; he is the grandson of Kelly and the son of Mark. Dayton carries on the tradition of his grandfather and wears the signature eagle feather in his hat. He
loves the sport of chuckwagon racing for the people he meets, the lifestyle it provides and the opportunity to work with horses. Dayton is a top promoter of the sport and his sponsors; he is a media magnet. He has it all; the name, the looks and the charm.
"I was never asked if I was going to drive a wagon, it was always when was I going to drive a wagon,"
Dayton Sutherland.
As a driver, Dayton started his career in 2015 and won his first show title in 2018 at the Battle of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain House, AB, outrunning the pack by three seconds and successfully defended his title in 2019. 2024 was Dayton's debut as a driver at the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby and he won the Orville Strandquist Memorial Award for the Top Rookie Driver. He posted nine top ten runs with two of those runs placing inside the top five.
Dayton made his first debut as an outrider on the WPCA Pro Tour penalty free behind his father Mark on Father's Day during the 2013 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede and filled in on the final night of the Strathmore Heritage Days behind his grandfather Kelly’s winning outfit that same year. In 2016, Dayton was the recipient of the Rod Glass Memorial Award for Most Improved Outrider and has won multiple show championships as an outrider. Most recently, he won the 2024 Calgary Stampede outriding championship behind Jason Glass' winning outfit, fulfilling one of his major career goals.
"There was a quote I read that stuck with me," Dayton states, "People are always talking about how they were born in the wrong generation, and the quote said maybe you weren't born in the wrong generation, maybe you were born in this one to preserve what the last generation left you. "That's the whole crux of my life really."
Dayton carries on the Sutherland legacy with class and pride. He is a rising star in chuckwagon racing who brings a mix of experience, skill and passion to the track that’s impossible to ignore. He is one of the most standout drivers in the World Professional Chuckwagon Association's lineup.
Accomplishments
2016 Rod Glass Memorial for Most Improved Outrider
2017 WPCA Top Rookie Driver
2018 Battle of the Rockies Champion
2019 Battle of the Rockies Champion
2019 WCA Battle of the North Champion
2023 Calgary Stampede Aggregate / Safety Champion Outrider
2024 Calgary Stampede's Top Rookie Driver at the Calgary Stampede
2024 Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby outrider champion.
2022 Dayton was a co-winner of the 2022 WPCA Media Award for his work on the "After the Ninth" Podcast
Since 1967 the Sutherland name has been a part of the iconic sport of chuckwagon racing, starting with the patriarch, Kelly Sutherland, continuing with Mark and now his son Dayton. Whether it’s hosting groups behind the barns, driving across rural Alberta to get to the next competition, or welcoming guests to their ranch, they are always honoured to share the passion they have for their sport, the respect they have for their animals and the love they have for their family.
Knows as The King, with his signature thumbs up salute to the crowd and his eagle feather flying out the back of his hat, Kelly is the greatest champion and ambassador the sport of chuckwagon racing has ever seen. In 50 years of racing he has built a record that is unprecedent — 12 World Championship titles and 12 Calgary Stampede titles. Kelly Sutherland is the most decorated veteran ever to be involved in chuckawagon racing and his passion for the sport is undeniable. He has worked endlessly to promote and lead the sport into the future. His ability to capture media attention has made him one of the most iconic figures in western events. 2017 was an end of an era in the sport of chuckwagon racing with Kelly’s retirement. He will be remembered for his passion, dedication and raising the bar in regards to animal care and championships.
Kelly Sutherland
Growing up on the chuckwagon trail, Mark naturally followed his father's footsteps. Known as the Hi-Tech Redneck, for pioneering the use of a GPS (Global Positioning System), Mark was one of the most recognized drivers in the sport. He played a key part in chuckwagon racing both on the track and behind the scenes as a WPCA director and leader of initiatives. He competed for 30 years as a driver and hosted his own charity poker tournament, raising over $700,000 for local charities. Qualifying for the 2015 Calgary Stampede semifinals was a highlight where Mark and Kelly, father and son, faced off for another time. Mark's favourite part about chuckwagons is the powerful bonds he builds with the horses, describing himself as their scout, trainer, coach and teammate.
Mark Sutherland
In 2017, four Sutherlands had the race of a lifetime and ran against each other for charity (and bragging rights) at the Ponoka Stampede. Mark beat out his dad, Kelly, his Uncle Kirk and his son, Dayton.
Social Media
2026
SCHEDULE
Dates to be announced in the spring.
Grande Prairie Stompede
Bonnyville
Medicine Hat
Wainwright
Ponoka
Calgary Stampede
High River
Strathmore
Dawson Creek
Rocky Mountain House
THE TEAM
Chuckwagon racing showcases the true essence of teamwork, where every member plays a vital role in achieving a collective goal. From the skilled driver to the dedicated equine athletes, corporate partners, and supportive crew and family, each individual contributes to the success of the team. Together, they harness their strengths, creating a powerful synergy that propels them forward in every race.
Mark explains the importance of the horse, the pride a chuckwagon driver has for them and the process of retirement.
OUR PARTNERS
Join Sutherland Racing and elevate your brand to new heights! Our team has proudly partnered with renowned corporate brands like Air Canada, Coca Cola, and Telus, and we’re dedicated to promoting your brand with a unique western flair. By joining one of the top teams in the sport you'll tap into our vast fan base and strong media connections, ensuring your brand gets the visibility it deserves. Experience the benefits of partnership, including behind-the-barn access and the opportunity to host your clients while promoting your brand to thousands at rural events throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
Partnership benefits could include:
Barn hosting
Social media promotion / contests
Event tickets
Your brand could be displayed on:
Trucks - one 53 foot horse liner and multiple pick up trucks
Shirt sleeves of your driver
Wagon tarp
Social media
Website
Barn events
Team apparel
Chuckwagon Racing is an integral part of our western heritage. It is one of the most thrilling and authentic events that attracts people from all corners of the world and all walks of life. Whether for your team, clients, friends or family, the hosting experiences available are priceless. Not to mention you will be a part of an iconic community event.
For me, Chuckwagon Racing is in my blood. It started with my great grandpa financially backing a few of the greatest to ever race a wagon in the 1970’s and since then it has been a family tradition passed down from my grandpa, to my dad and now me.I believe in the cowboy way of life, honesty, integrity, and working hard. I am passionate about the sport of chuckwagon racing and working with the horse, but it is most important to me that we continue to grow. I always compete to the best of my abilities and with the utmost passion for the sport and care for my equine athletes. I am a young guy on the tour but I have an appetite to reach my own, as well as the sport’s full potential.I would be honored to partner with any business that aligns with our western heritage values and wants to help keep the legacy of chuckwagon racing and my family’s legacy alive.
Thank You to
