2018 fair-print

Page 178 2018 Logan County Fair Lincoln Daily News July 29 - August 5, 2018 Illinois Tractor Pulling Association (ITPA) was organized on January 24, 1968, making it one of the oldest sanctioning bodies for truck and tractor pulling in the nation. From those humble beginnings, the ITPA has taken this vision of a level playing field and safety of the competitors and spectators to be recognized as the premier truck and tractor pulling organization in the State of Illinois, as well as the Midwest.” The ITPA site says, “An abundant year end points fund encourages pullers to build and maintain some of the finest pulling machinery in the land.” The judges for the events have gone to tech school. Those who enter the tractor pulls must be members of the ITPA. Ebbersten said most competitors come from throughout the state, though some have also come from Missouri, Indiana and Wisconsin. Some competitors will also compete at fairs around the state and throughout the Midwest. Having several local entrants helps bring more local people in to watch the competition. Logan County Fair Board Secretary Mike Maske said one change over the years is the sleds. Years ago, people stepped on the sleds as they passed. Ebbersten said at that time, the tractors or trucks might be going one or two miles per hour. Now they may be going 20 miles per hour or more, so stepping on the sleds would not be possible. Some of the tractors and trucks are now more modified and more powerful than they used to be. Ebbersten said the 9,500 pro class is new this year, replacing the 10,000-pound pro class. At least one local man will be competing in this class. First up this evening will be the lighter weights with Garden Tractors beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the start of the big guys ‘Tractor Pulls’ at 6:30 p.m. Come join other motor enthusiasts who enjoy this entertaining and exciting grandstand event. Hear the roar and see the power which has made ‘Tractor Pulls’ a part of the Logan County Fair tradition now for over 50 years. [Story by Angela Reiners and Photo by Mitch Douglas]