February 14, 2012 / Guthrie, Oklahoma – The greatest names in professional rodeo already have their sights set on the fabulous Lazy E Arena and the 2012 Timed Event Championship of the World – Mach 2nd thru 4th.
This is much more than an exhibition of ProRodeo’s most versatile athletes; it’s a showcase of tremendous talent, outstanding horsemanship and cowboys who reach deep inside their souls to battle through the rigors of the most rugged test they will face all year. It’s one of the most unique events in the sport, and it’s called the “Ironman Event of ProRodeo” for a reason – it takes tremendous athleticism and a world-class heart to overcome the incredible challenges each of the 20 contestants face over three days of grueling competition.
The Timed Event Championship is home to the greatest in the game, from the rising stars still in search of their first World Championship Gold Buckles to established title holders to legends, those men whose careers have embodied rodeo’s history so well that they have been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. This is why distinguished champions Trevor Brazile, Jimmie Cooper, K.C. Jones, Kyle Lockett, Daniel Green and Josh Peek return to the hallowed Lazy E ground each March.
It’s why Steve Duhon and Bryce Davis and Russell Cardoza test their skills in this fabulously wonderfully, fanatically unique format, which features each contestant competing in each timed-event discipline – tie-down roping, heading, heeling, steer roping and steer wrestling – during each of the five go-rounds that span over just three days. The contestants are 20 of the most established, versatile cowboys in the game, and they have earned the right to be part of the by-invitation-only crowd to compete at the Lazy E, which developed the Timed Event Championship in 1985 to determine the best all-around timed-event cowboy in the world – the man who could stand out in more than his specialty event, the man who could be consistent in all five timed events.
Most of today’s ProRodeo cowboys focus on a single discipline, maybe two, but the Timed Event Championship allows each contestant the opportunity to spread his wings and fly in a different direction. It’s where fans will see a 2-Time World Champion Steer Wrestler (Dean Gorsuch) rope, trip and tie a steer or a World Champion – Header (Chad Masters) bulldog a steer.
It’s an outstanding test of all the skills that have made the sport of rodeo what it is today. It’s a challenge, which is a drawing card for each of these world-class contestants; another factor that brings out the best in the business is the $150,000 purse, one-third of which goes to the contestant who has the best aggregate time over the five-round, 25-head competition.
Those who have walked away with the coveted Gist Gold Buckle and $50,000 carry the admiration of thousands of other great athletes who make up ProRodeo. They also carry the bragging rights to one of rodeo’s greatest accomplishments. The winner of each Timed Event Championship of the World is in a special class of competitor. It’s a small fraternity, and only the best are initiated each March.
Families will enjoy all of the activities planned for the performances. Ticket prices are $37 for VIP, box seats $30, reserved bleachers $25 and general admission $20. Children 12 and under are free in general admission and VIP area. Group and multiple performance discounts are also available. Call (800) 595-RIDE for complete details. A portion of the proceeds from the 2012 Timed Event Championship will be donated to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Lazy E is proud to support this institution for western preservation! Tickets are available at all ticketmaster outlets, www.lazye.com, calling Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or by calling the Lazy E Arena directly at (800) 595-RIDE.
The 2012 Timed Event Championship is sponsored by American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance, Priefert Ranch & Rodeo Equipment, Pendleton Whisky, Wrangler, Cross Bar Gallery, Ram Trucks, John Vance Motors, Coca-Cola, Energy Force, CinderellaHorses.com, R.K. Black Inc., Gist Silversmiths, Spin to Win Magazine, National Saddlery, Hot Heels, The Oklahoman, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, CSI Saddlepads, the Best Western Edmond, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Edmond.
The 2012 Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com.
Invited Timed Event Championship of the World Contestants
Current Listing as of February 14th, 2012 and Subject to Change
