A big night for chuckwagon drivers Thursday as the annual Calgary Stampede Tarp Auction is all set to go.

High River's Jason Glass says it could be another lean year.

"So many layoffs and cutbacks in Alberta and chuckwagon racing is going to be another one. So, you know myself and maybe a lot of the other drivers are going to have to go down the road with maybe one less vehicle, one less hired hand this year."

Glass says he's been busy pounding the pavement talking to potential sponsors over the winter, but knows he'll have to make due with less this year.

He says it's been tough, given the economic climate.

"I'm not asking for anything. I've just had conversations and see where they're (sponsors) at and what they want to do. I've kind of approached it that way. You know we're really not in the market to asking for much help. You know, it's scary. It really is."

The WPCA Tour and Grande Prairie Stompede auctions go next week.

The season gets rolling May 25 in the Swan City.