Okotoks Mark Sutherland's about a second off the pace as the "Battle of the North" got going Wednesday, August 8, in Dawson Creek.

He ended up eighth on the night, with Cody McCurrach taking the top day money.

Dayton Sutherland was 13th.

High River's Jason Glass was 16th, and High River's Jordie Fike was 28th in his wagon and 30th driving Cliff Cunningham's outfit.

McCurrach, Kurt Bensmiller, Evan Salmond, Doug Irvine and Luke Tournier are the top five heading into night two.