Turtle Powell of Texas and Jhett Johnson of Wyoming are on a mission to win their first world titles at the 10-day, $6 million Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this week in Las Vegas.

Powell, 38 of Stephenville, Texas and Johnson, 40 of Casper, Wyo., caught their steer in 3.8 seconds – the fastest time recorded this week in Sin City – on Monday night to win the fifth round and bring their earnings per man to $61,586 on the week. Jhett joined us on the morning show last week before the competion started and he mentioned that this could be his last NFR , see that story HERE.

This was their second victory this week and the third-ever trophy NFR buckle earned by Johnson in his five qualifications to rodeo’s Super Bowl.

“Turtle gave his first NFR buckle the other night to his dad,” said Johnson. “But I held onto mine, and now that I have three, my sons Kellan, Carson and Kress are each going to get one. They’re big rodeo fans, so someday it will mean a lot to them to have an NFR buckle their dad won.”

Johnson, who beat testicular cancer several years ago, and Powell celebrated their win during the only Wrangler NFR performance dedicated to “Tough Enough To Wear Pink,” a long-running cancer awareness program in professional rodeo.

The team has out-roped all others in their event of team roping half-way through the Wrangler NFR to jump from 13th all the way to third in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world standings, which will determine world champions on Saturday, Dec. 10. If the rodeo were over Monday night after five rounds (instead of 10), the pair would be world champs.

“I can’t say things like that don’t run through your mind, but it’s too early to start figuring those things out,” said Powell. “With the conditions here in this small arena, the worst thing you can do is start playing it safe.”

Another winner with Wyoming ties is breback rider Ryan Gray with an arena record ride of 90 last night. And speaking of records Carlee Pierce also broke a record last night with a 13.46 in the Barrel Racing competition. We are half way there, round 6 starts tonight at 0745 PM on GAC.

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