Who Will Leave Round One Of the 2019 NFR As The World Standings Leader?
Who Will Leave Round One Of the 2019 NFR As The World Standings Leader?
There's a long 10 days ahead NFR, and the race could change in an instant, but we wanted to figure out just HOW instantly the lead could change.
There's a long 10 days ahead in Vegas, and the race for No. 1 could change in an instant, but we wanted to figure out just how instantly the lead could change in each of the world title races before round one kicks off tonight.
Of the seven events at the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, about half of the season leaders spots will be safe during round one, but the other half could see their positions change if some of the other contestants have anything to say about it. Before we kick off the first night of action in Las Vegas, Nevada, let's have a look at who could be emerging as the new world standings leaders after just one night of competition.
Who's Safe: Competitors That Are More Than $26K Ahead
There are six event leaders, including the all-around race, that are far enough ahead that they won't be able to be caught in just one night of competition. With a payout of $26,230.77 for first in each round, these competitors have the luxury of knowing that no matter what happens their lead will hold steady for at least one round - or in Sage Kimzey's case, over three rounds - of competition.
But don't count on any of these competitors to let off the gas. They know each of the contestants on the list below them will be gunning for that No. 1 spot in no time.
Event | Name | Earnings | Lead |
All-Around | Stetson Wright | $192,999.49 | $31,635.61 |
Steer Wrestling | Ty Erickson | $146,080.84 | $41,513.00 |
Team Roping Header | Clay Smith | $150,512.22 | $32,056.92 |
Saddle Bronc | Ryder Wright | $224,488.39 | $47,496.92 |
Bull Riding | Sage Steele Kimzey | $245,437.78 | $93,016.18 |
Who Can Get To No. 1 In One Round?
Any of the No.1 spots that don't have at least a $26,230.77 lead are in jeopardy on the very first night of competition in Vegas. Looking at the standings, that means we could see a leader change in the bareback, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and the team roping heeler standings that are so tight that eight competitors have a shot at being No. 1 on the first night of competition.
Check out what the competitors in No. 1 spot contention have to win in round one to surpass No. 1:
Bareback | Name | Earnings | Needed For Lead |
1 | Clayton Biglow | $181,952.17 | $0.00 |
2 | Kaycee Feild | $176,205.08 | -$5,747.09 |
3 | Orin Larsen | $173,442.41 | -$8,509.76 |
Team Roping Heelers | Name | Earnings | Needed For Lead |
1 | Junior Nogueira | $115,774.66 | $0.00 |
2 | Ryan Motes | $109,166.08 | -$6,608.58 |
3 | Jade Corkill | $108,637.93 | -$7,136.73 |
4 | Jake Long | $106,896.49 | -$8,878.17 |
5 | Travis Lee Graves | $103,164.76 | -$12,609.90 |
6 | Kyle Lockett | $98,729.83 | -$17,044.83 |
7 | Joseph Harrison | $98,277.59 | -$17,497.07 |
8 | Brady Minor | $97,648.95 | -$18,125.71 |
Tie-Down Roping | Name | Earnings | Needed For Lead |
1 | Caleb Smidt | $131,899.95 | $0.00 |
2 | Haven Meged | $119,878.84 | -$12,021.11 |
3 | Tyson Durfey | $112,878.31 | -$19,021.64 |
Barrel Racing | Name | Earnings | Needed For Lead |
1 | Nellie Miller | $154,610.50 | $0.00 |
2 | Hailey Kinsel | $148,866.64 | -$5,743.86 |
3 | Lisa Lockhart | $146,351.65 | -$8,258.85 |