After twenty years as a professional chuck wagon driver, Kimes Ranch Family member Rae Croteau Jr. has announced his retirement at the age of 34. The last lap for the rainbow racer will be this weekend at the Bonnyville Professional Rodeo in Alberta; fitting for a champion that is originally from Bonnyville.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, Chuck wagon racing was thought of as a sport under the Calgary Stampede founder Gary Weadick, according to The World Professional Chuck wagon Association (WPCA). The first official races occurred at the 1923 Calgary Stampede.
Croteau is a third generation chuck wagon driver. The Croteau family made history in 2014 as the second time three generations have qualified for the GMC Rangeland Derby championship final.
In his twenty year career, Croteau has had fifteen WPCA championship final heat qualifications, two wins, won the GMC Sierra Cup Series in 2015 and established a new track record at the Battle of the North.
His success is also seen in his horses. Croteau has won the Equine Award of Excellence at Badlands Dinosaur Derby, Strathmore Heritage Days, and Calgary Stampede as well as the WPCA several times over.
Retirement will give him a chance to focus on his oilfield rentals business and spend time with his family—his wife Allison and daughters Cora Lynn and Ava Mae.
Here is a look back at Rae Croteau Jr driving at Calgary Stampede 2015.
