Loggers from across western Oregon and beyond competed April 5 in the third annual Spring Sawdust Fling Chainsaw Race for a chance at cash prizes and bragging rights.
Held annually at CTS Inc., formerly Valley View Logging, the event drew 21 competitors. Sweet Home, home to many with logging prowess, was represented with three competitors, while others came from as far south as Florence, and as far north as Chimacum, Wash.
Chuck and Cindy Sieg started Valley View Logging 40 years ago. Their son and daughter-in-law, Willy and Erika Sieg, started their own logging contractor business, CTS, in 2008. Willy said his parents retired three years ago, allowing CTS to essentially merge with Valley View. According to Willy, CTS will probably dissolve the Valley View name in the coming months.
It was long-time employee and “avid chainsaw racer” Christian Keeney who was the firebrand that ignited CTS’s annual chainsaw race, Willy said.
“The crew has an interest in it and it’s neat to see people get together and support our industry,” Willy said of the event.
Anyone can participate with an entry fee that goes into the prize pot.
Winners were: 3 Cube – (1st) Joshua Bitzer, $67; (2nd) Joe Ostling, $40; (3rd) Steve Galbraith, $27. 4.1 Cube – (1st) Wrenn Holdren, $82; (2nd) Matt Fischer, $50; (3rd) Jeff Skirvin, $33. 5 Cube Race Saw – (1st) Joshua Bitzer, $90; (2nd) Ethan Holdren, $54; (3rd) Wrenn Holdren, $36. 5 Cube Work Saw – (1st) Jeff Skirvin, $120; (2nd) Joe Ostling, $72; (3rd) Wrenn Holdren, $48. 6 Cube – (1st) Jeff Skirvin, $90; (2nd) Matt Fischer, $54; (3rd) Christian Keeney, $36. Hot Saw – (1st) Shannon Holdren, $105; (2nd) Wrenn Holdren, $63; (3rd) Mike Johnson, $42. Bounty Log (Winner Takes All) – Shannon Holdren $400.
Spring Sawdust Fling Chainsaw Race Photo Gallery
