(Words and Photos by David Whealon) They say “Nothing Could Be Finer” here in Raleigh North Carolina every October since 1853 with the opening of the NC State Fair. And once again the annual NTPA NC State Fair Southern Showdown Tractor Pull was back at it again to entertain us for another year just like they have been doing from the early 1970’s. Scheduled for four sessions with nearly 75 pulling competitors in nine different classes the schedule had to be trimmed back due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Nestor. But we did manage to get two sessions completed which meant all the pullers had one chance at the hook to get a crack at our red clay pulling track. Classes on hand where the traditional tractor fare of Lt. Pro Stock, Super Farm, Heavy Super Stock and unique to our local Region 4 UPOC series the entry level Hot Farm Tractors. On the other side of the spectrum the blown or naturally aspirated classes of Two Wheel Drive Trucks, Modified Mini, Four Wheel Drive Trucks and once again unique to our local Region 4 UPOC series the Lt Four Wheel Drive Trucks. Also joining in on the fun were the Multi Engine Modified Tractors powered by a plethora of powerplants. While Blown Hemis and Jet Turbines as the usual norm, Len Brookhart showed up with his Radial aircraft engine powered “Radial Reactor” for a special treat. NTPA rules generally wouldn’t allow a radial engine into competition but gave Brookhart a special pass for one year enabling him to wow us with an awesome and historic hook.
While they say “Nothing Could Be Finer” all week here at “The Fair”, my favorite yearly catch phrase is hearing announcer Wayne Lewis’ bellowing rendition of “FULLLL PULLLL”!!
Looked like some carnage went on.
Great pictures David! We had a blast as usual but was disappointed Mother Nature wouldn\’t let us hook Saturday night. #spendingtheirinheritance
I love the pulling action! Keep the coverage coming!
Stunning photos, what are you using for a camera????