We spend more time than most mainstream automotive media websites talking about, championing, and highlighting the sport of tractor pulling around here. Why? Well firstly is because we dig it, secondly is because you dig it, and thirdly is because the competitors, builders, and wrenches in the sport do not get the credit their are due for being complete bad asses. It is not the mechanical equivalent of “I pick things up and put them down” as some may think. The sport is longstanding, complex far beyond the first impression you may have, and it is a big contributor to the success of the aftermarket. Don’t believe us? Ask the guys at Racepak.
For all the same reasons that you want to know what your driveshaft speed is on a drag strip or your EGTs are when running a road course for an hour, or needing the ability to clearly read the instruments in your racer, the tractor puller needs it, too. If you talk to the guys are Racepak they talk about some of the huge multi engine machines having more systems, technology, and data logging than many professional racing teams use in their various genres of motorsports. These guys are badder asser and the bonus is that the action normally takes place in small town America.
Pulling is not a sport about glamour. There are MANY very wealthy guys in the world of pulling that you wouldn’t be able to pick out of a line up because it is about being a regular guy with your stuff and getting after it like everyone else.
Racepak captured the essence of tractor pulling in this video and it is really, really great.
How many of you were aware that former funny car racer and nitro tuner Ken Veney is now a puller? He names his tractors “Funny Farmall”.
Cool machinery for sure, but they need to ditch the music and put the engine sounds in!
I for one thought that this video (and the sublime music) was a work of art and only wish it had been about an hour longer. I always thought that it was just tractors in various states of modification and a few adapted trucks engaged in pulling until I saw pulling hot rods and even funny cars.
Thanks again BangShift – you have made my day!