When the chuckwagon rigs line up at the barrels for the first heat of the 2009 Calgary Stampede evening show, they won't just be waiting for the sound of the horn they'll also be listening for the new voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby.

The competition to fill the broadcast booth closed on December 15, 2008 with 15 candidates throwing their hat in the ring. Now it's up to the selection committee to narrow the list and offer up the job.

"We've received quality applicants from all over southern Alberta and throughout the chuckwagon industry," says Keith Marrington, senior manager, Rodeo/Ranch/Chuckwagons. "The next step is a little tougher - reading through resumes and listening to audition tapes - looking for the personality, the voice, the delivery style and knowledge of the sport."

The new voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby will be announced at the 2009 edition of the annual Calgary Stampede chuckwagon canvas auction on Thursday, March 19 in the Boyce Theatre at Stampede Park.

"This will be an exciting new page in chuckwagon history," said Marrington. "After 45 years of stellar announcing, Joe Carbury has left some pretty big shoes to fill."