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 The Tractor Pulls were sponsored by Chuck
Holzwarth Flying Service. Committee Chairman Larry Stanfield was
assisted by announcer Art Downs; and Richard Martin, Larry Martin,
Lynn Johnson and Chad Emberton.
All classes of the Tractor Pulls were ITPA Sanctioned AA.
Recognizing the need for competition rules, the Illinois Tractor
Pulling Association was organized in 1968. The relationship between
ITPA and the National Tractor Pulling Association ended in 2000. On
its own, ITPA is able to offer its membership an insurance package
for members with excellent coverage and affordable prices for
tractors and pulling vehicles.
A pulling track is a minimum of 30 feet wide by 320 feet long. A
full pull for "the world's heaviest motorsport" is 320 feet with
modified farm tractors, modified tractors, or trucks. These motor
vehicles pull a metal sled along the course that has a weight that
is mechanically winched forward as the sled progresses along the
course. The distance is measured in thousandths of an inch and the
tractor that goes the farthest distance is the winner.
The dirt course has to be leveled out after each pull so the tractor
doesn't get stuck in any ruts.
The Logan County Fair offers seven different weight classes ranging
from garden tractors to 9,500 pound pro-stock. Each class has a
specific entry fee and winning purse with an offering of $13, 800
for all classes.
As the weight classes get heavier the noise gets louder. Many near
the track, especially children, wore headphones to help protect
their ears from the deafening loud sound of the trucks.
Starting at 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon the first class was the 1,050
pound Garden Tractor Pull. Placing first was Keith Frueh. Following
him through eight places were Bill Nippe, Keith Frueh, Todd Hinkle
Mike Vincent, Kevin Vogel, Robert Vogel and Scott Goodman. Scott
Goodman has been pulling tractors at the Logan County Fair for years
and has several wins to his name.
Many drivers have been participating in the fair's tractor pulls for
years and come back each year to defend their title. This year a
newcomer, Duane Ingram from Lincoln, won fifth in the 5,500 pound
antique tractor class. Hopefully, we'll see Duane back next year for
another attempt to improve his placement.
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Scott Boehler placed first in the antique tractor
class that started the evening at 6:30 p.m. with Allen Boehler, Ron
Kolweier (3/4), Paul Buhl, Russell Buhm with Bruce Dickhaut rounding
out the class.
The 5,500 pound Classics had a full class with Jesse
Black coming in first. Rounding out the class were Berle Castell,
Larry Lukow, Ryan Majewski, Adam Kozysze, Joe Elson, Robert Love and
Jerry Bolsen.
The 6,000 pound Super-Stock Class only had five participants. Scott
Whitworth placed first with Doug Palmer, Kurt Kesley, Shawn Peetz
and Nic Coers finishing the class.
Another short class was the 7,800 pounds PSD Truck Class. Brady
Ingram placed first with Daniel Whalen Jeremy Hayes and Linda Burk
close behind. It was great to see Linda behind the wheel amongst all
the gentleman. She drove to loud cheers from the audience wanting
her to place well in her class. She didn't disappoint.
It was dark by the time the 6,200 pound 2 WDT trucks came out on the
track. Placing first in this class was Dale Nelson, followed by Jami
Austin, Misty Nelson, Russell Phipps and Jeremy Nelson.
The final class of the night was 9,500 pound Limited Pro-Stock.
Closing with a short class, Joe Elson took first place. Behind Elson
was Roger Farms Inc., Steve Hood, Chuck Holzwarth and David
Guetersloh.
Many different drivers and their families travel to the Logan County
Fair for a great night of Tractor Pulls. Many Logan County residents
and their families attend the Tractor Pulls for a great evening of
fun entertainment. Tractor Pulls have been a Logan County Fair
tradition for many, many years.
[Lisa Ramlow]
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