CPCA CENTRAL    THE RACE EVENTS The Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association lights up Western Canada with over 30 races days taking place each summer. From May to August the thunder of hooves echoes in the distance as drivers race to qualify for various incentives including the right to race at the Calgary Stampede. Most events are 3 day competitions taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday however Cold Lake, AB, Saskatoon, SK and Lloydminster, SK host 4 days shows starting on Thursday. The winning driver of each event is determined by the number of points accumulated over the course of the weekend. The CPCA Year End High Point Champion is the driver with the most points accumulated through out the year and the Canadian Champion is the winner of the Sudden Death dash that takes place during the last show of the year.   THE POINT SYSTEM At the beginning of the race season each driver appoints one “Point Wagon”. These wagons accumulate points on each race day from 36 to 1 with 36 points given to the fastest time down to 1 point given to the slowest time of the day. If the “Point Wagon” is given an infraction of wagon interference the driver will lose points for this which accumulates at double the amount of penalty seconds given for interference (e.g. Wagon accumulates 4 points but is given 3 seconds in wagon interference resulting in the loss of 6 points leaving this driver with a negative 2 points at the end of the day). Each wagon also accumulates average points at the end of each show based on their accumulated time over the duration of the show; which are also given from 36 to 1.   THE JUDGES The judges who officiate the CPCA races are hired based on specific qualifications maintained by the CPCA Board of Directors and members. Each CPCA show employs 12 -20 judges depending on the number of barrels used (3 or 4 barrel set). At a 4 barrel show there will be 4 barrel judges who are responsible for all wagon infractions for the wagon in their barrel position. 4 outrider judges are responsible for all outrider infractions for the outriders on their barrel position. There is 1 judge stationed at the first turn who is responsible for all infractions on the track against all outriders and drivers that occur from the end of the chalk lines leaving the infield around the first corner and into the second corner. 1 judge is positioned on the 3rd turn and is responsible for all infractions on the track against outriders and drivers that occur from the third corner through the fourth corner and down the home stretch.  Along with the judges there are 2 camera personnel. One situated high in the grandstand that videos the infield until everyone has cleared and then catches up to the race and follows it through to the end.  The other camera person is positioned on the first corner videoing into the barreling area before and during the race and then as much of the race track as possible.   These videos are used in the case of an appeal (A drivers challenge of a judges call or missed call) All judges meet at the conclusion of the races to review films. If a driver would like to appeal, he has two hours after the “Unofficial Times” are posted by the Race Secretary to fill out an Appeal Form stating the call he is appealing. He hands this form along with a cheque in the amount of $500.00 into the Race Secretary. At this time the Race Secretary notifies the Appeal Board as well as the Judges (Wagon judges for wagon calls, outrider judges for outriding calls and track judges for track calls) and all video personnel of the appeal. These people meet the following morning to review the appeal. If the driver is found at fault he loses his $500.00 bond and the penalty remains. If the driver proves to be right he is refunded the $500.00 and the penalty is removed. If the penalty called is inconclusive the $500.00 is given back to the driver but the penalty remains.