(Words and photos by Doug Gregory) – Truck classes are a big part of the KTPA-sanctioned pulls put on by the local FFA Alumni.  The two classes that ran on Friday night are limited to DOT tires.  Yes, uncut DOTs.  If you haven’t witnessed it, these suckers can really grip the track and haul the mail.  Most use an all-terrain so as to not dig into the track too much.  It’s the same theory as the cut tires in the classes that allow them.  Too much lug and void on the tire and your rig digs in and that will inhibit wheel speed.  In most classes the pulling machine needs to get up momentum before the weight box gets full on the pan and converts all that mass to a dead load.  The adjustments needed to achieve the goal for the furthest pull are so numerous and when you consider they only get one shot at the track on a given night – the task seems quite daunting.  Tire pressures, throttle control, where to set the sled, and where to hang the weight are just some of the more-obvious adjustments that need to be considered.  When exactly to slam the throttle wide-open seems to be one of the most unique aspects of every competitor.  I think its all done by feel.  Amazing.

In here there are four-wheel-drive Super Stocks and 4300lb 2wd Light Pro Stocks.  The 4wd super stocks have a 470ci limit and are restricted to cast-iron block and heads.  They must use spec fuels, run one carb, weigh no more than 6200lbs, and use a tire no larger than 33×12.50.  Its amazing what these folks can squeeze out of these rules.  The 2wd light pro stocks must use a compact-style truck.  They are also limited to cast-iron block and heads, but have a much-smaller 406ci limit.  Tire size and single carb are the same as the 4wd, but these can only weigh 4,300lbs.  In most motorsports weight is not your ally for the best performance, but in pulling the more weight you have to throw around usually turns into all the better for tugging that sled down towards the 300ft mark.  The two-wheel-drives do not disappoint and the RPM being reached must have the tachometers screaming for mercy.  It’s a good show.  If you haven’t seen it I urge you to check it out.

Lastly, Alan Glass brought his T-Rubble Super-modified to test a fresh bullet before the next-evening’s competition.  He started seeing what looked like fuel coming out past ½ track and got out of it.  Turns out it broke a rocker stand boss on the head so it didn’t get to make an appearance Saturday.