There's something about being in Rocky Mountain House that obviously agrees with Okotoks Dayton Sutherland.

The defending "Battle of the Rockies" champ led the way Thursday, August 15, with the fastest time of the night, picking up the top day money on day one of four days of racing.

Sutherland, coming off barrel three in heat one, blazed around the track in a time of 1:14.04.

Chad Fike, Ross Knight and Okotoks Chanse Vigen were right behind.

High River's Jason Glass was ninth on the night, while fellow High River driver, Jordie Fike was 24th and Okotoks Mark Sutherland was 32nd after taking a one second penalty for his wagon being ahead of the barrel at the start of the race.

The wagons are back on the track Friday, August 16th and wrap up Sunday, August 18 with the aggregate winner being named the champion.