(*For tickets and more information on the Dodge National Circuit Rodeo, go to htttp://www.prorodeo.com/03.Sport/dncfr/0.dncfr.htm. Tickets range in price from $13 to $32.)
But why all the fuss? Don't we have the National Finals Rodeo (NFR)? Most certainly, we do and the NFR is not a rodeo to be missed either. Yet, the DNCFR was created with the "circuit" cowboy in mind, a professional cowboy without as much time available to travel.
A circuit cowboy is a rodeo cowboy/weekend warrior. Obligations such as work and family keep them home during the week, but when the weekend rolls around, the cowboy jumps into his truck and heads to a rodeo in his circuit or area of the country. This is the unglamorous but very busy life of a circuit cowboy.
While full-time rodeo cowboys win most of the glory (and money) in the arena, most PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association) members are circuit cowboys. Oftentimes, no matter the weather, he loads up his horses and/or equipment and heads down the road, generally no more than a few hundred miles to a rodeo, but these miles rack up quickly on his vehicle. These cowboys are as serious about their sport as their more famous counterparts, but their families or professional obligations (i.e. "day jobs" require them to stick close to home most of the time. These circuit riders compete head to head with full-time, and often world-class, rodeo athletes who may travel to more than 100 rodeos each year.
To support these weekend warriors, the PRCA created a "circuit system" that recognizes these working cowboys' rodeo efforts and achievements. The PRCA divided the country into twelve (12) geographic regions. (See map at htttp://www.dncfr.com/circuit.cfm) The contestant designates one circuit as his or her home circuit. All prize money earned in that circuit is applied toward the circuit standings. Earnings outside this area do not count. Each of the twelve circuits conduct year-end finals, and then the top money winner for the season, as well as winner of the finals event, advances to the finale circuit rodeo: DNCFR.
Once the circuit cowboys arrive in Pocatello, Idaho for the DNCFR, the slates are wiped clean. Each contestant starts out from ground zero. The champion could be anyone of the contenders. Competitions consist of four performances with the top money winners advancing to a semi-final. From there, four advance to the Wrangler Round (Championship Round). The winner of this final round is crowned the National Circuit Champion. The DNCFR also consists of a team format with each of the twelve circuits competing against each other.
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
