This is the story of one of the sport of tractor pullings’ most legendary-and exciting-competitors, Mike Wilhite.  The video and photos that go along with this tale are a few years old but they convey the desire of Wilhite—and many pullers—to hang it all out on the edge for the win.

The first video comes to us from a youtube clip from 2009, taken at the 2009 Alabama Championship Pull in Tanner, Alabama.  Wilhite was participating in the Super Stock class and split the block of the tractor in this instance.  He suffered some burns to his face that he recovered from in time, but the dedication to get back out on the track after splitting the block and destroying the hood would see Blue Blazes emerge to pull again in a matter of weeks, sans paint or any graphics.   He also emerged from the incident courtesy of some of his closest pulling friends with the nickname “Krispy” that he took in stride!  Truly one of the hardest running competitors in the sport, his dedication to getting back on the track is to be admired!

The second video is a product of LucasOilTV, taken at the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling Leagues’ Indy Super Pull at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2012.  Another massive explosion, this time an instance of an intake manifold coming unglued at both ends.  Once again, a rebuild and a quick return to the track. We think it is important to note that while we’re showing you some pretty big time carnage here, it is important to realize how safe these things are. In the years we have been showing you video and photo coverage from pulls, there have been virtually no injuries or banged up drivers despite some of the spectacular antics they have been through. Seeing stuff break like this is an odd but fitting way to gain an appreciation for what these engines, parts, and pieces are actually doing in these tractors. The hardest working parts in show business sometimes take a night off and this is the result….

Thanks to Brian Lively for the story. Remember to follow his work at HOOKMAGAZINE.COM AND PROPULLING.COM

HERE’S THE VIDEO OF MIKE’S 2009 FIERY EXPLOSION – THE PHOTO SEQUENCE IS BELOW THE VIDEO AND THE SECOND VIDEO FOLLOWS THE PHOTO SEQUENCE. YOU GOTTA SEE THIS STUFF!