Just a couple of days after winding up the chuckwagon races in Strathmore, the drivers are up and gone and ready to race in Dawson Creek Wednesday, August 9, in the "Battle of the North."

Okotoks Dayton Sutherland says it's a long haul, in a hurry.

"It's a pain in the butt, but the shows are set, so we do our best to try and keep the horses rested and what not. Pack up early and get there for the first race."

So far it's been a long year for the youngest Sutherland.

It's his rookie season in the WPCA and he knew he wasn't going to be challenging for the top 10 this year.

He says even with the last name of "Sutherland" he has some dues to pay.

"It just takes time to gel horses, build up your barns. I mean, I'm driving a lot of new horses, I'm a new driver, so I'm obviously not the best driver. I'm hoping when I'm racing next year that it'll go a lot better and I can just climb the ladder, right? Then year after year just eventually get to the top."

Sutherland, is sitting 35th out of 36 wagons in the driver standings, but says he's got nowhere to go but up.