George Normand

Chuckwagon Athlete - Inducted 1997

George Normand broke the World Championship Chuckwagon Racing Titles record in 1993 when he won the title for the sixth time following a sudden death final heat at Strathmore. Going into the finals he was in first place under the new concept of the winner of the final heat would be declared champion. He was given the first pick of the barrels over Willard and David and chose the one barrel. He took the rail and finished the race 22/100's of a second ahead of David. All of his previous championship titles earned in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, and again in 1992 were won on the point system.

George Normand began driving in 1977 when he won first place in chuckwagon races at Pierceland, Saddle Lake, Spiritwood, and Meadow Lake. During his career, he set track records in both Ponoka and Stettler. Most of his racing days were spent on the tracks in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. While racing at the Calgary Stampede from 1991 to 1993, he finished 2nd, 4th, and 5th in the money. In 1993, his tarp sold for $70,000 to Majestic RV World, to record the 3rd highest bid in the history of the auction.

George Normand was presented with several awards during his racing career including the Joan Lewis Memorial Award for the Best Lead Team, an Alberta Achievement Award in Excellence, and the Best Aggregate Time at the Calgary Stampede. Twice he was named runner-up for the Guy Weadick Memorial Trophy at the Calgary Stampede. George Normand died on July 2, 1994, while racing at the Ponoka Stampede. Family, friends, and colleagues flocked to his funeral. His hometown of Bonnyville and the area paid further tribute to him when they erected a commemorative sign in recognition of "The Bonnyville Bullet".

After Induction