2021 Logan County Fair

Tractor Pulls attracts familiar competitors and brings families in to see real power and grit

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[August 11, 2021]   The crowds gathered inside the Logan County Fair Grandstand, as well as all around the track on Thursday night for the Tractor Pulls.

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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