Calgary Stampede community mourns death of legendary chuckwagon driver Tom Glass
Posted Jun 29, 2026 7:30 am.
Tom Glass, a legend in the Calgary Stampede and chuckwagon community, has died. He was 77.
The racing icon, who dominated the chuckwagons in the 1980s and 90s, died due to a stroke on Friday.
Glass won six Rangeland Derby titles, was a Rangeland Derby commentator, and appeared as a stunt driver in some major films, including Shanghai Noon, Live Free or Die Hard, Interstellar, and even an episode of Stranger Things.
Glass was also featured prominently on the 1998 Calgary Stampede poster. He was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
Many people, including those from the chuckwagon community, mourned his loss on social media, including Calgary Mayor Jeremy Farkas, describing Glass as “one of the greatest chuckwagon drivers Calgary has ever known.”
A post by the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagons and Relay page describes him as a true legend who was also a horseman, mentor, family man, and chuckwagon ambassador.
“He was the embodiment of grit, determination, sportsmanship, and family tradition. From carrying forward the incredible legacy of the Glass family dynasty to building a remarkable legacy of his own, Tom’s impact on our sport cannot be measured solely by championships and records,” the post reads.
“For generations of drivers, outriders, and fans, Tom represented the very best of chuckwagon racing. He raced with courage, competed with integrity, and inspired countless others through his passion for horses and the western way of life. His influence extended far beyond the track, touching the worlds of rodeo, film, and stunt performance, while always remaining deeply rooted in the chuckwagon community he loved.
“As a member of both the Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Tom’s contributions to our sport and our western heritage have been rightfully celebrated. Yet those who knew him best will remember not just the champion, but the man; his character, his generosity, his stories, and his unwavering love for family and friends.”
Glass also won three World Championships before retiring in 1998. It was then that he began providing commentary for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby.
After winning more than 40 major awards in 35 years, his legacy continues with his son, Jason Glass.
He is a fourth-generation chucks driver following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather Ronnie Glass, and great-grandfather Tom Lauder.
