tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36738468717006846002024-03-13T23:19:45.389-05:00Miles Beyond 300Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-26607577212636668202024-02-17T09:20:00.002-06:002024-02-19T12:48:16.752-06:00Catching up with the driver of "Sweet Revenge", Bethany Nelson!<p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wLePDss5Ij53rHmoXMwWKdjWUJYlrfpaqnTy6O7HJTWqDFHBMxfSYazkQuvC2GKwVhMr4_PnNTVkRYfbAj8Bx7T5tqTC4-b2P9S_-LIuQ6JOM21d4hlQo3C5K-cXbvsrl5_zXySx_Ob4mf3Szit3DR0QHcqkNbASa2Yy80Gt1n7t0cFayFLAbIoaglo/s4032/IMG_5805.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wLePDss5Ij53rHmoXMwWKdjWUJYlrfpaqnTy6O7HJTWqDFHBMxfSYazkQuvC2GKwVhMr4_PnNTVkRYfbAj8Bx7T5tqTC4-b2P9S_-LIuQ6JOM21d4hlQo3C5K-cXbvsrl5_zXySx_Ob4mf3Szit3DR0QHcqkNbASa2Yy80Gt1n7t0cFayFLAbIoaglo/w240-h320/IMG_5805.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></div><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #ffa400;"><span>MB300-</span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">You are returning back to Louisville after a few years of not having submitted. What are you most excited about ? </span></span></b><p></p><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #ffa400;"><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- It’s hard to beat being in Freedom Hall on Friday night! The place will be packed; it’s probably the one place that I still get a little nervous. So I am super excited to get back under the lights and see what we can do! </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- 2023 was a special year for Midnight Motorsports with a sweep of the top 3 spots. What did it mean to win another title but also do so with Jeremy and Jared right in line behind you? </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span></span></b><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">It was really a pleasant surprise. We came into the season really with no expectations, just to get these SRE motor combinations dialed in and have fun. So as the summer went on and we found ourselves in the title hunt, it then actually added a little stress to whole deal, I guess you can call it a good stress! All of our trucks had bright spots this summer, I just happened to be the most consistent of the three. It’s a great momentum builder for next year, I think we can still be better yet!</span></b><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzDIAOMg6f8JEqoXnWFdghPXwnWbY-oYIIpG3XOo0q6f6ojAWQZvLNEAsx4nkesU0qIHS3ddVvq4NypOgCSJxI3xJ376ltgi4lyfzWodYDOHxGIIASkChCSrqp7qUpaO3fEKAsfLHPCJQWt_sCR3xgS44eLrokrZYg_PbduQh4ZkzT2r7s_ZWcgXjmf0/s2048/IMG_2529.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzDIAOMg6f8JEqoXnWFdghPXwnWbY-oYIIpG3XOo0q6f6ojAWQZvLNEAsx4nkesU0qIHS3ddVvq4NypOgCSJxI3xJ376ltgi4lyfzWodYDOHxGIIASkChCSrqp7qUpaO3fEKAsfLHPCJQWt_sCR3xgS44eLrokrZYg_PbduQh4ZkzT2r7s_ZWcgXjmf0/s320/IMG_2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="background-color: black; color: #ffa400;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">You have had success in Louisville in the past, what is your favorite memory, and what will it take for you to join the ladies in the Champions Hall of Fame ?</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">2020 was my best performance all around, so would have to be my favorite. We made two great passes in qualifying and in the finals and got beat by Jessie Petro both nights, so I’ve felt a taste of being so close to that top spot and it just makes you want more. To be #1, it’s takes a mistake free run and probably a little luck! Another memory that really sticks in my head was the year Jared put the Rockstar truck in the sand pile with authority, a sand pile run in a two-wheeler is always sketchy but fires everyone up!</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">What if any changes did you make in the off season for 2024? Having just won a title, did you feel like you had changes to make ? </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">We made very minimal changes; there’s a lot of years we go to NFMS with new or freshened motors; we were at a place where we didn’t need to do either so it’s a nice feeling. </span></b></span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #242424; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbo5yqEq_sJSK8IhMwhg8ru5-U-RiLQXCOeji0hKikJmluN-_xLnuIKTy3wcLLkI26qm6UErRi9osHmNeQElk5dZohbdx18euMkeaDL4eD4CJDKOjlig4cIdplzgK6mMSOM8_e_BuAZ-HpgjCHxNjsM0RJt56iyMFptEnZVqBG7p6YTqVWgqDX4bEzo14/s2048/IMG_2535.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbo5yqEq_sJSK8IhMwhg8ru5-U-RiLQXCOeji0hKikJmluN-_xLnuIKTy3wcLLkI26qm6UErRi9osHmNeQElk5dZohbdx18euMkeaDL4eD4CJDKOjlig4cIdplzgK6mMSOM8_e_BuAZ-HpgjCHxNjsM0RJt56iyMFptEnZVqBG7p6YTqVWgqDX4bEzo14/s320/IMG_2535.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: black; color: #ffa400;"><b>MB300- </b></span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: #ffa400;"><b><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Does driving toward the sand pile add additional nerves for you?</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">(We Have seen Jared bury it in the pile before and have to thrash to get ready for a pull-off.). The sand pile doesn’t really bring more nerves; Louisville in general does though! The excitement that surrounds Louisville is like no other event we attend; it’s just unmatched! The walk into Freedom Hall, the track introductions, it’s a thrilling experience. As a driver, everyone dreams of putting it in the sand so if I get a chance it’s game on!</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">From day one you have made driving the truck look easy. To what do you attribute your comfort in seat, throttle control, and finesse it takes to efficiently hook a two wheel drive truck?</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">The more you are in one, the more comfortable you get; same with most things! When I screw up driving, it’s normally when I overthink it. When I can relax and just drive, things seem to go well. It is kind of crazy for me though, when I get the truck fired up and pull into the track, you seem to forget about the big moment and just focus on an A to B run….so the nervousness does seem irrelevant most runs. </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">What are your favorite places to visit while in Louisville ?</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Through the years our farm show weeks visits were entertaining kids; we have visited the zoo, Louisville Slugger museum, trampoline park…all are good. But for me, when not hanging with the kiddos we really spend most of our time at the show, in Broadbent and watching pulling. I’m a huge fan of pulling and enjoy all the sessions, not just when I pull. </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Do you have any Louisville superstitions? </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Not really a superstitious person, so nothing crazy! </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Not only will you and Jared be competing this week in Louisville, but Grace will be playing in the IHSA Regional. What does this week look like for you and what an amazing return Grace has made from her surgery? </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">This week is an exciting week for pulling and Illinois high school girls basketball, as it’s regionals week. Our girls play tonight, 2/12, and if win will play for a regional championship Thursday. If that is what happens, I will stay home for the first part of the week and tend to mom duties. Jared will get the trucks to Louisville, but come home for the game Thursday. If there’s ever a time to be two places at once we would love it; but there is no doubt if there is a game we will be there. Our MM team will take care of getting Midnight Revenger down the track; there is a lot of “what-ifs” so we will take it one day at a time and try to take it all in. Grace has had a great senior season, after a season ending injury last year. The amount of time and work she put in to get back this year is pretty crazy. Their team has won over 20 games, and are fun to watch so we will keep cheering them on as long as possible! </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">MB300- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I know you have corporate partners and integral parts of your team that help you achieve your goals, let’s thank them here. </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Bethany- </span><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Mahle and Clevite came on board this summer so we are super pumped to represent them on a big platform at the NFMS. We also need to thank Sassy Racing Engined, SSI Superchargers, CM Pulling Tires, Profab, Full Pull Motorsports…all these fine companies provide key components to our program and keep us running at a high level. The Midnight Motorsports team will be utilizing all our resources to make sure we have a set-up ready for the Freedom Hall dirt. </span><br aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /></b></span><div><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14.6667px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>Photo Credit- Pro Pulling League</b></span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-60418046869948954002024-02-13T14:27:00.000-06:002024-02-13T14:27:53.669-06:00Broughton Motorsports “Shock Treatment” Reveal <p><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTalfRB48-LBy79x6IIbLmAkPVf5b3COFHJvmxj85m5bfJLhAhCU-vI08GmlSH3ESS5YPSabY9eJdEGuOcy0njxHzDk36QpkfoIggww-y5TO_hiQYNx0ADLnoVMv6BwsPF69HjjUU_ZLw8xJJ4hIMjw-vPZzCzrQpFYonnObyKsQTh8X6yGdJdE6rahWs/s4032/IMG_5707.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTalfRB48-LBy79x6IIbLmAkPVf5b3COFHJvmxj85m5bfJLhAhCU-vI08GmlSH3ESS5YPSabY9eJdEGuOcy0njxHzDk36QpkfoIggww-y5TO_hiQYNx0ADLnoVMv6BwsPF69HjjUU_ZLw8xJJ4hIMjw-vPZzCzrQpFYonnObyKsQTh8X6yGdJdE6rahWs/s320/IMG_5707.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Mick and Christine Broughton have become a big part of the NTPA Grand National Modified Four Wheel Drive class with their 1969 Dodge D-200. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The VED/Schmidt Hemi powered entry out of Armada, Michigan was a big threat throughout the season of 2023. Had the they not missed the first hook of the season, the rush at the end of the points battle may have even looked differently, with a third truck heading to the final pull vying for the title. <p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpZNdeYDeudy51LRviwa_U04MnH1oh8lKJO1JDOq17fmWV2awRaKOajIE8bYXLbCHFtHVWHRdds7yl5rLGD2WY2IDYVvWyuzTSR7EIJSM8sv7fVVg0aLSZq155f3jYZdpB3r6Z6FfcGhpz_r-Lk5pIQ41wxNTq5qZP4pC5PSZp7yrBxXK3Y_JX11AB1M/s4096/IMG_5709.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2230" data-original-width="4096" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpZNdeYDeudy51LRviwa_U04MnH1oh8lKJO1JDOq17fmWV2awRaKOajIE8bYXLbCHFtHVWHRdds7yl5rLGD2WY2IDYVvWyuzTSR7EIJSM8sv7fVVg0aLSZq155f3jYZdpB3r6Z6FfcGhpz_r-Lk5pIQ41wxNTq5qZP4pC5PSZp7yrBxXK3Y_JX11AB1M/s320/IMG_5709.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As the story in the numbers tells us, “Shock Treatment”, a name created by Mick’s parents lost 59 points to eventual winner Mark Mangan, and Runner-up Jake Zaring, at the opening Grand National hook of the season in Farley, Iowa. Mangan and Zaring split the weekends first and second place positions. The math also tells us that at the end of the season, Mick had clawed himself back into the seventh position, twelve points out of the coveted top five in the points for an Enderle Pull-off birth and fifty seven points out of first. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The math is true, it tells us that after the initial hook in Farley, Mick gained on all parties with his first ever Grand National win in Tomah, Wisconsin, and three second place finishes. <p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvo6CJXKp_sTYL343QVPlWJseLmUtkYMkGNCKXfussQQUIsfRUT1XsoudAuiUTKp7Y-DpdK4HI_XlFRE-gcvjjboZtSFQcVkCnz1cfhfV5q6CWLKZkwZzInWVxUHvLuwtl3tsR9krUyEKcxd-bcn7MNcVwex-RDgIVbJuF9ZNXPE9JyKqgZ-KN9jsUiI/s4032/IMG_5706.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvo6CJXKp_sTYL343QVPlWJseLmUtkYMkGNCKXfussQQUIsfRUT1XsoudAuiUTKp7Y-DpdK4HI_XlFRE-gcvjjboZtSFQcVkCnz1cfhfV5q6CWLKZkwZzInWVxUHvLuwtl3tsR9krUyEKcxd-bcn7MNcVwex-RDgIVbJuF9ZNXPE9JyKqgZ-KN9jsUiI/s320/IMG_5706.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>With confidence in a new engine package and a bright hope for 2024 in their setup, Mick and Christine decided to make a change to the vinyl wrap adorning their already fan favorite Dodge. <p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp3cXU-KWr3bTOUdqtLcDuxjqPuQZGSRYL2_43-_b2DSofJpZczHYBxuoF0l7QTBTYRoCX5FUhgs7HKPhdg2SHYcRniggBLlnq2lnEv8TmSxi10TeL_NOCpwhlY_XmnFubumzozUSbb3QGslTIu3qAYJE7_i7GAG10z-QuXPvoh3tIarSJ704lzOYf7c/s4030/IMG_5708.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4030" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp3cXU-KWr3bTOUdqtLcDuxjqPuQZGSRYL2_43-_b2DSofJpZczHYBxuoF0l7QTBTYRoCX5FUhgs7HKPhdg2SHYcRniggBLlnq2lnEv8TmSxi10TeL_NOCpwhlY_XmnFubumzozUSbb3QGslTIu3qAYJE7_i7GAG10z-QuXPvoh3tIarSJ704lzOYf7c/s320/IMG_5708.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As the owners of Race Wrapz, a graphics design and vinyl art business, the Broughton’s wanted to showcase the immense ability their company has by bringing an all new look to the coveted National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Louisville is the biggest pull we go to besides Bowling Green. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The difference is Louisville is invitation only, so to be here is the biggest honor of our season. Changing the wrap and revealing it here in Louisville is the ultimate honor. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We thought this would be the best location to showcase the talent if our company, Race Wrapz” added Mick. <p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ70oWff_OR-EN4IbY5GV-muj5kScAgTN93VKJcti00g54jkrzJm3hyYSTTFI37O8fjdfIa221RaHb5gp5CQM_kPw8akAq7R_7BlEHFGmkxHBWyoYvPU6dWuqCtO_cXl2EAP9wvzgAcG8V0uPDLqpHC4uz0-FYd4VCBgSRaXQic474hUbf1VBFzpFdr8/s2048/IMG_5710.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="923" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ70oWff_OR-EN4IbY5GV-muj5kScAgTN93VKJcti00g54jkrzJm3hyYSTTFI37O8fjdfIa221RaHb5gp5CQM_kPw8akAq7R_7BlEHFGmkxHBWyoYvPU6dWuqCtO_cXl2EAP9wvzgAcG8V0uPDLqpHC4uz0-FYd4VCBgSRaXQic474hUbf1VBFzpFdr8/s320/IMG_5710.jpeg" width="144" /></a></div>The new look features some bright colors and a mad scientist, which is a throw back to Micks first ever four wheel drive truck “Black Magic”. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The scientist features a goatee reminiscent of Micks goatee as well. <p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The truck is set to be unveiled in the coming moments as it rolls in to Broadbent Arena to stage for tomorrow nights competition. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Twelve of the best trucks in the country, from eight different states, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>have accepted the invitation from NFMS Committee. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Facebook @ </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/broughtonmotorsports?mibextid=PtKPJ9" target="_blank">Broughton Motorsports</a></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Facebook @ </span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RACEWRAPZUSA?mibextid=PtKPJ9" target="_blank">Race Wrapz</a></p>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-47450435570569487932024-02-13T10:49:00.005-06:002024-02-13T10:50:50.314-06:00Team Shelton Motorsports Reveals "Cuttin Down" International 1066!<p></p><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"> </h2><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1X4dtTM6vfq1FC5u7UWUjbKqdmsypckis6AraFfucECaBMFSsGrp5gy7YRcSJz9n9Ya1y2NVjKxCW8SgQLD_UC2mLdxDudOhvyE6Stci1pyEgdBV9Q_PNdyUC8rABqZ7Ynw0rlZEV5JUYLC0aSiXdznQH7pvvOSaBCrle8RO65qUpSpMOC_cp3MjVOA/s4032/IMG_1414.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1X4dtTM6vfq1FC5u7UWUjbKqdmsypckis6AraFfucECaBMFSsGrp5gy7YRcSJz9n9Ya1y2NVjKxCW8SgQLD_UC2mLdxDudOhvyE6Stci1pyEgdBV9Q_PNdyUC8rABqZ7Ynw0rlZEV5JUYLC0aSiXdznQH7pvvOSaBCrle8RO65qUpSpMOC_cp3MjVOA/s320/IMG_1414.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>For years the name Shelton has meant so many things in the
sport of Truck and Tractor pulling. And this weekend it will
only mean more as the next chapter of an already Best-Selling book will be
written. To further illustrate the family and their massive reach in
the sport, I wanted to share some descriptive words that truly capture their
impact. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We will start with <b>Champion</b>; the family pedigree
has led to multiple championships across several classes over the years. It
hasn’t been easy to win those titles in the competitive divisions they run,
while also facing hours upon hours of road miles to get from event to
event. Local pulls to these guys are eight hours away, and that has
not been a deterrent to their being able to pull it off and be there to fight
for a title. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Professionalism</b> is another very easy descriptive
word to further illustrate the Shelton Family and team. They are
always presented well, attract sponsors to the sport, perform on the highest
stage, and when given the opportunity to speak in an interview, they are
polished and prepared to not only answer a question but also engage the
audience. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yG7_8Px5u0OfgTiZeb7R0jb5ke5nhnqFE_WlbAG8iKpUK2QUuBlmnymmt87cefbTmAv7hQNqTZn1K1f1qIbZWyN4VlRB8BUdIT1UkP9mJF1ca00asySBHCQOYVOou6wa6lHcKny5D1G0fq-bbxWroF2NUYtgnaqnEo1AsSv10qpNGlX0QRQ46J7OLCc/s2510/IMG_1415.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2510" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yG7_8Px5u0OfgTiZeb7R0jb5ke5nhnqFE_WlbAG8iKpUK2QUuBlmnymmt87cefbTmAv7hQNqTZn1K1f1qIbZWyN4VlRB8BUdIT1UkP9mJF1ca00asySBHCQOYVOou6wa6lHcKny5D1G0fq-bbxWroF2NUYtgnaqnEo1AsSv10qpNGlX0QRQ46J7OLCc/s320/IMG_1415.jpg" width="320" /></a>The next word is <b>Intensity</b>, which in truth might
actually capture them the best as when you find Grayson, Reese and Camille in
their element, they are geared to win. They will show raw emotion on the track
in victory or defeat, and for our sport that is often needed. A fist
flying through the air after passing a leader gone, and a bow from the driver’s
seat, or a head shake with a tap of the wheel are often indicators of how
things went on the track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Welcoming</b>, is a twofold description as it not only
describes the family and their willingness to greet the fans of the sport and
show them an up-close experience but also is fitting of their desire to welcome
new challenges that come in form of changing classes and fighting to stay in
the front, or even more switching Motorsports. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While the words above are all true and clearly describe the Team
Shelton Motorsports, it may be a word in the final paragraph that ultimately
encapsulates who these hard-working men and women are. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfQ0lAL1SPtpnV7VNgahR5saoGXVIu8rouYh9QtPKGugAI3MzkvVWh6C71ZjsdrqqqzEA4lt-YA_fn_KJAlqgrWTPuHSZ0hykDGG_DxaZgJKy23GUSrUPcxo2bUhqhKHHmae-9VNJd_5kAp-oqKePeN4oGH44QbAXoTFDaPP7suuNPeem-VqnLOgevjw/s4032/IMG_1416.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfQ0lAL1SPtpnV7VNgahR5saoGXVIu8rouYh9QtPKGugAI3MzkvVWh6C71ZjsdrqqqzEA4lt-YA_fn_KJAlqgrWTPuHSZ0hykDGG_DxaZgJKy23GUSrUPcxo2bUhqhKHHmae-9VNJd_5kAp-oqKePeN4oGH44QbAXoTFDaPP7suuNPeem-VqnLOgevjw/s320/IMG_1416.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>Challenge</b> is defined by Websters as, “a
stimulating task or problem.” <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For their most recent challenge, the family from New London,
North Carolina, called upon Chaos Fabrication in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Champion puller Colin Ross and Chaos Fabrication owner Kevin Campbell were
tasked to help the Shelton’s align their goals and vision, by stepping into the
Pro Stock class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In adding not one but
two Pro Stocks, the beautiful 1206 International formerly known as the “Red
Edge Pro” of Cody Shay, and Tony Wortmann’s “Tapped Out” International 1066, to
their stable, the team is stepping into an all-new class, power plant, and
fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Hu1cq26kBjElN7hrt4Xo4ctMpCRE-4QDnRb6uoPCTBRwa3YOMF6Qb7fFEys5wgruyC92BHjthbdHR6JSyErO59cHK9gJBn5MfVxaxp8LrjsIG5WbQwclNtadqYhbHEz8mPOXuKvvVddTznMsOBosD9k7jAY5IKxQtShW8oi2AtRXJQbXAWRqvlG8d3A/s5712/IMG_1403.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Hu1cq26kBjElN7hrt4Xo4ctMpCRE-4QDnRb6uoPCTBRwa3YOMF6Qb7fFEys5wgruyC92BHjthbdHR6JSyErO59cHK9gJBn5MfVxaxp8LrjsIG5WbQwclNtadqYhbHEz8mPOXuKvvVddTznMsOBosD9k7jAY5IKxQtShW8oi2AtRXJQbXAWRqvlG8d3A/s320/IMG_1403.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>The classy look and vision Team Shelton Motorsports had in
mind for the newest tractor reveal, certainly fit the style of tractors that
have been produced by the amazing team at Chaos Fabrication. It
truly seems like a perfect pairing as Shelton’s attention to detail and
meticulous focus on the presentation and performance couldn’t really describe
Chaos Fabrication any better.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After getting the tractor, the Shelton’s stripped it down to
the bare frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chaos Fabrication went to
work on the sheet metal and frame, with the frame rails being cut off at the roll
cage and built new. The Shelton’s got the chassis powdered coated and did all
the body work, and paint in their shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The intricacies of hiding the intercooler and focus on the sleek lines
are touches that very few have presented in the class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(If you are in Louisville, you will want to
stop by Broadbent and feast your eyes on this beauty.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xb3Gm1kpYnW3IAZ1OO2qLMKtwFlAd82wmZd3hxGDUjWyFQgQPtZ-T3ynDlkhv2w6IKoKw84f7BCFEyFJ6mrTNuq_Caxsiac53nRIcgDSdtSxR4Lor5XWsT7Ac7JCFLgOix4Em33oTMQFm3r8MUe6G4rt57Be4Y8AOWcZgIKrfrgpzPFQYxBdLSlrakw/s5712/IMG_1407.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xb3Gm1kpYnW3IAZ1OO2qLMKtwFlAd82wmZd3hxGDUjWyFQgQPtZ-T3ynDlkhv2w6IKoKw84f7BCFEyFJ6mrTNuq_Caxsiac53nRIcgDSdtSxR4Lor5XWsT7Ac7JCFLgOix4Em33oTMQFm3r8MUe6G4rt57Be4Y8AOWcZgIKrfrgpzPFQYxBdLSlrakw/s320/IMG_1407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Having become known for tuning Hemi’s for the Pro Modified
division, and in the Modified/Mini classes, Reese Shelton has proven he has the
knowledge and understanding to take the horsepower they are building and apply
it to the track/conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In stepping
out of the Hemi’s there is a new science to learn, but as the team has only
proven over the years, it will be a quick study and competitive from the hit of
the throttle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the fans who might be asking the same questions I did,
Reese was quick to share the answers with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first was why Pro Stock, and the second, why International?</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><br />Question (1)<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoeZGGxeWayS0KgB7h6PJcmUw6Ld2o_eV99elwEllDCCj6u0c3DVbo9o3BMsm1bM9nTEvzSCsCUUwz9o8mql73Msi5LwIYY7rpCGmujxacgwEOXPATw8fDrv-b-coEuHQjYhAdJ_32JRyuX9hihT8Zs6P21GQoIR2hnBK3hunP5tBVXcTmmtazsbbWSk/s5712/IMG_1411.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoeZGGxeWayS0KgB7h6PJcmUw6Ld2o_eV99elwEllDCCj6u0c3DVbo9o3BMsm1bM9nTEvzSCsCUUwz9o8mql73Msi5LwIYY7rpCGmujxacgwEOXPATw8fDrv-b-coEuHQjYhAdJ_32JRyuX9hihT8Zs6P21GQoIR2hnBK3hunP5tBVXcTmmtazsbbWSk/s320/IMG_1411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>“The Pro Stock class is something we have always enjoyed as
a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always knew if we had
anything other than a vehicle with a Hemi, it would be a Pro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After years of campaigning two Mods, and
three Minis, it was time for a new challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We knew absolutely nothing about a Pro Stock but aligned ourselves with
some top-notch guys at Chaos to help us in our journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The learning curve is something we will
tackle as a family, and hopefully be contenders in the future.”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Question (2)<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“We get asked “Why Red?” quite often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically, we farm and own John Deere
equipment, besides one old Super A Farmall of my late grandfathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In pulling we typically try to be different
than everyone else and there are way more green Pro Stocks, than red, orange,
blue, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we decided to build some
classic sheet metal Internationals, not to mention Chaos at the time only had
the DT466 Engines combination available. It worked out all the way around and
we couldn’t be happier with our decisions.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In closing, to the outside eye, <b>Chaos</b> ultimately may
be a descriptive word for how things would be if it was any other family but
the Shelton’s. The question is raised of how do you manage four NHRA
Pro Modified Drag Cars, two Modified Tractors, three Modified Minis, and now
two Pro Stocks? How do you handle the logistics of multiple haulers heading in opposite directions for competition on the dirt or asphalt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the past has shown us, the Shelton’s and
their loyal team from the Tarheel state will certainly figure it all out and
quickly if history repeats itself. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Follow and like, the team for updates from the road and the shop! </p><p class="MsoNormal">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamsheltonmotorsports" target="_blank">Team Shelton Motorsports</a> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/teamsheltonmotorsports?igsh=MWt4Zzd2YzU5Ym0zcQ==" target="_blank">TeamSheltonMotorsports</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKQbC_nEqqu_bkpORzj-UNk9QajEdLp0f8cYYseJt2FHfRInVPOwIiplbO8gXiL1PmJGi20Pht74IKkcKx03_4TCz-KWYg26KQH-MNfTnGMV5kRyn2KIjjfPDZJGvYyuwaossqBJGR1lxXrGOaUE0uvPx8dDM_VYKoIW3pZR6LRqx_o00txTaEaWGv1Y/s2560/Resized_20231027_123407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="2560" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKQbC_nEqqu_bkpORzj-UNk9QajEdLp0f8cYYseJt2FHfRInVPOwIiplbO8gXiL1PmJGi20Pht74IKkcKx03_4TCz-KWYg26KQH-MNfTnGMV5kRyn2KIjjfPDZJGvYyuwaossqBJGR1lxXrGOaUE0uvPx8dDM_VYKoIW3pZR6LRqx_o00txTaEaWGv1Y/w400-h194/Resized_20231027_123407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pMGLZxBgqrRgX4x8OoHFQ-p4tbeolU1gwRDgtd6INqbDdipkhR6_DyRLf_F8ZJj75g8krlAadYVUBfvdna-YntENTqzeR2LXzHPr-Ucy-plD73vhw00BACvJ24DGydEie9IXLQt5HCY1C3wFY86yNzlFt3tf6NMUjRukblP4NjFubqanebuu9Wk57Jc/s5712/IMG_1401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pMGLZxBgqrRgX4x8OoHFQ-p4tbeolU1gwRDgtd6INqbDdipkhR6_DyRLf_F8ZJj75g8krlAadYVUBfvdna-YntENTqzeR2LXzHPr-Ucy-plD73vhw00BACvJ24DGydEie9IXLQt5HCY1C3wFY86yNzlFt3tf6NMUjRukblP4NjFubqanebuu9Wk57Jc/w400-h300/IMG_1401.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-61916378344914586012024-02-09T11:51:00.001-06:002024-02-09T11:51:16.485-06:00Back to our Roots for now! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXw3nfu-R3G6bvGjMKBL4zxCL99Xy14J-IaQLPFjTRe9W0oUJpufuVOjLlSKtvSNSHXvvg8AL5O_5ZMXvnOIXA44ZaMeQqMP-YoL3EthTV1CdMmRh_IMAgPq_Tu-Ily-iD3syqFWID2S41kvsGcRUbYeD5zl3axlQ3jMgCqfoGsSMJ_pG1SQQPvnl_UM/s720/IMG_5667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="720" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXw3nfu-R3G6bvGjMKBL4zxCL99Xy14J-IaQLPFjTRe9W0oUJpufuVOjLlSKtvSNSHXvvg8AL5O_5ZMXvnOIXA44ZaMeQqMP-YoL3EthTV1CdMmRh_IMAgPq_Tu-Ily-iD3syqFWID2S41kvsGcRUbYeD5zl3axlQ3jMgCqfoGsSMJ_pG1SQQPvnl_UM/s320/IMG_5667.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />So here's the truth. For nearly twelve years Miles Beyond 300 was a labor of love. I focused on it weekly, spent hours gathering information for articles in the evening hours after my kids were asleep, with the hope of being able to post fun content for the sport of Truck and Tractor Pulling. <p></p><p>In an effort to protect my site, I had been paying for site protection from hackers and unfortunately the security levels that I had put in place simply weren't enough. My website was hacked and infiltrated with a bunch of X-Rated photos. </p><p>I called the site security company, and they charged me about $1500 to restore the site. Sadly, they couldn't, and I lost all of my archives. The archives from where Miles Beyond 300's official website launched in 2012, until 2022 were gone. I still had the initial blogger account, which was created in 2010. The blogger account is truly where everything got started. The Women on Wednesday series, the idea for Rusty Gears, and some of my favorite articles were published on the Blogger site. </p><p>So for the relaunch, we are back with the Blogger site and are ready to build Miles Beyond 300 back up to where it was a few years ago. The hope is to have a different site constructed that will be up to speed with the modern trends of the world, but for now we will utilize this account as a mechanism of sharing the sport and our story. As today is my mother's birthday 2/9, it is hard to imagine that she was a Women on Wednesday feature more than a decade ago. (Miss her everyday) </p><p>Thanks for your support over the years and here's to many more. Thanks to the sponsors that are helping power this recharge of the website and get me back on the right path. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8BJSHcd1bfo7Uo0l8upnrlXPH6vrRH6_t7LXTWyCbUhAK6K6s53QDeUJW934JK6hiytbORI1HPzRwIK9s364rPIQNXTT7s2Ee1iD30aW6MHv-S72_Bh6p7a9Z8lpf7rZn-OySonHAGuJLq4q1FFGsLQz2-iMdKX8XF5K43vY-SYwKdzyPL96otfXyt4/s1446/race%20wraps%20logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1446" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8BJSHcd1bfo7Uo0l8upnrlXPH6vrRH6_t7LXTWyCbUhAK6K6s53QDeUJW934JK6hiytbORI1HPzRwIK9s364rPIQNXTT7s2Ee1iD30aW6MHv-S72_Bh6p7a9Z8lpf7rZn-OySonHAGuJLq4q1FFGsLQz2-iMdKX8XF5K43vY-SYwKdzyPL96otfXyt4/s320/race%20wraps%20logo.png" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCTe1pb6XDxYJYRXAx3DDUEf5Myld2vuMN6q5AGhewoEMlPkGzr5GD2Kzijl0-8WQ5ss5C_VfJNAKz3aDXZ6zMaB45UpWsl5HOykt8S0uj4g4k1BbdEzdFoBi5_XvaCqw7StQlrokDidm5vp12QsTpo_yebKrKR_X26CSH3EE2D3HdjtFPD3h7TzBBsE/s2400/JAK_LOGO_MonoWhite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="2400" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCTe1pb6XDxYJYRXAx3DDUEf5Myld2vuMN6q5AGhewoEMlPkGzr5GD2Kzijl0-8WQ5ss5C_VfJNAKz3aDXZ6zMaB45UpWsl5HOykt8S0uj4g4k1BbdEzdFoBi5_XvaCqw7StQlrokDidm5vp12QsTpo_yebKrKR_X26CSH3EE2D3HdjtFPD3h7TzBBsE/s320/JAK_LOGO_MonoWhite.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The website will be back soon and at the domain it has always used, www.milesbeyond300.com. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also I want to thank Mick and Christine Broughton for putting the logo on their new wrap of the beautiful Dodge, "Shock Treatment". </div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-21397884560834783512012-06-26T22:13:00.001-05:002012-06-26T22:13:23.429-05:00New Website is LiveMiles Beyond 300 website is now live, please visit it at www.milesbeyond300.com!Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-19850313723091039132012-06-22T23:30:00.002-05:002012-06-26T18:53:37.881-05:00Tampico Friday Night<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tampico Friday Premier Crop Insurance Pro Stocks</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1)Steve Boyd Lucas Oil Green Streak 311.13</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2)Steve Wischmeier Barely Getting Bye 298.39 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3)Tim Stone Rollin Stone 294.06 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4)Dennis Boerson Greenline Express II 292.20 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5)Ross Boerson Greenline Express 290.89</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6)Travis Domann Hurricane Allis 289.48 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7)Brad Moss TS Performance Young Buck 287.61 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8)Rodney Schnitker Melt Down 285.32</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9)Mickey Shorter Buck Eater II 285.26</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10)Mike Linder Linder Brothers 283.99 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11)Bryce VanGenderen Geared Green 283.79 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12)Kevin Masterson River Rat 282.26</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13)Don Masterson Tinker Toy 280.90 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14)Randy Barreau Tool Times 2 269.57 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
15)Dennis Boerson Extremely Green 269.00 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16)Dennis Schaubert The Hunted 252.95 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17)Stuart Maize Billet Binder 197.15 </div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-82036087938088293092012-06-20T21:32:00.001-05:002012-06-20T21:32:26.079-05:00Women on Wednesday Donna Krieger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_Ocs7FZYC0LlA3g8u9UZzCgISHhmzFEvXdrb_Abl4DpSvfvoz2Yua7bLT1VhysC0-NawbL1aRXuvsBXBIgf1eVEqaIx7XQUu5C5lF5fVx_vNHpO7JLvkmBMtTBtw3NV9GxkwoiwNPNg/s1600/45829_1365919953843_7279800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_Ocs7FZYC0LlA3g8u9UZzCgISHhmzFEvXdrb_Abl4DpSvfvoz2Yua7bLT1VhysC0-NawbL1aRXuvsBXBIgf1eVEqaIx7XQUu5C5lF5fVx_vNHpO7JLvkmBMtTBtw3NV9GxkwoiwNPNg/s320/45829_1365919953843_7279800_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-S9tJeq9bOR_OwgdzsXk3HAP5E9nm99UzAmYufhHkV0W5RZorZMCCpmsBulRvGLQtG-oEBoz3c4NAWvZlm-tmhI1nE3NB80RdzXvwtwBQEgrT_9a7rgCokad7HY37yZjSyLusUZHBmc/s1600/40437_1365902113397_3383215_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-S9tJeq9bOR_OwgdzsXk3HAP5E9nm99UzAmYufhHkV0W5RZorZMCCpmsBulRvGLQtG-oEBoz3c4NAWvZlm-tmhI1nE3NB80RdzXvwtwBQEgrT_9a7rgCokad7HY37yZjSyLusUZHBmc/s320/40437_1365902113397_3383215_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>This week's Women on Wednesday feature highlights a lady that I know
quite well, my mother Donna Krieger. In my personal opinion, my mom
epitomizes the idea of a supportive wife and has for the last four
decades while my father has pursued his announcing career. In the
eighties and nineties when my father was busy traveling with the SRO
circuit and filming with ESPN, my mother was at home with three kids.
Though my mother may have sent my father out on the road, she has
continually had her hand on my dad's shoulder in a support capacity to
express her approval of his efforts. My father's announcing career has helped to put all of us through school, including my moms Master's Degree in Education. <br />
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In the years of my childhood, my mother had her favorite pulls that she
would choose to take my siblings and I to including Charleston, West Virginia; Chapel Hill, Tennessee; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Owensboro, Kentucky. Over the years as my
brother and I desired to move closer to the track to truly get involved with the sport, my mom looked to move
further away. It wasn't her goal to not attend the pull but to change the confines in which she experienced it. It has been my standing joke for years that my mother has
been to more pulls than anyone without watching a vehicle hook to the
sled. Her routine to this day consists of packing the vehicle with
snacks, magazines, and a blanket all while finding the biggest shade tree in the
fairgrounds to park under. While my father or I will be on the
microphone announcing, mother will sit in the car to read her magazines
cover to cover as well as listening to every word we say.<br />
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As the summer schedule continues to cycle for my dad as an announcer of the Pro Pulling League and NTPA, mom is still right by his side as they head down the road. Her schedule still contains Chapel Hill, as she loves the Henry Horton State Park and the nature she can witness from her front porch all before sneaking in town for dinner at the Depot. Outside of the Marshall Putnam County Fairgrounds in Henry, Illinois is a Hallmark store that marks their calendar for the Saturday in July in which Donna Krieger will arrive to make her seasonal ornament purchases. And in the village of Fort Recovery, Ohio and its surrounding community, the unique shops have definitely reaped the rewards of her being in town for some pulling action. <br />
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In my entire life in pulling, I can only recall one time where my mother was frustrated at my dad, and in his defense, it wasn't his fault. As my siblings got older and more involved, my mother would often have to stay home in order to help them meet the requirements of their schedule. In the later part of the eighties, my dad took me to Brandenburg, Kentucky for the annual Meade County Fair. Much to my dad's misfortune, mother nature opened up a down pour in the middle of the pull on this particular Friday night. When it stopped raining around 9 o'clock, the officials decided the pull would go on, and they dug up the track to find the drain. This process took forever, but to this day I remember the Meade County Fairgrounds draining like a toilet bowl. To make a long story short, the pull ended around 2:30 am and my father I started on our way home. This was before the era of cell phones and when we arrived at almost four in the morning, my mother was livid with my father for keeping her eight year old son out all night. Needless to say about twelve hours later, my dad, mom and I were in the car on our way back for Saturday Night and one of those killer fish sandwiches that the Meade County Lions Club serves up. <br />
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Though my mother may not possess the same dying passion for the sport
that my father or I do, she possesses a passion for her family that is
deeper than anything I have ever seen. She values her time so much with
her husband that she is willing to spend her entire weekend on the road
at a pull, just so that she can spend the day or the later portion of
the night with her loved one. As I reflect on the support and love my
mother has demonstrated toward my father over the years, I can't fathom
how she could have been more supportive of my father and his goals as a pulling announcer. <br />
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This feature was put into place to highlight the strong supportive wives and ladies in this sport that continue to stand by their men without question and it goes with out saying that Donna Krieger falls into this category! Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-76987216589616743402012-06-13T21:59:00.000-05:002012-06-13T21:59:36.879-05:00Kathy Petro truly has no complaints!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The truck that bears Kathy's name, but she has no complaints! </td></tr>
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Have you ever wondered what Kathy's Komplaint truly is? Is she tired of the noise and the expense of the hobby her husband and son compete in? Does she wish that her entire summer was not filled with traveling across the country? Does she wish she had more time at home to work in the garden or follow the local news? The answer to all of the previously mentioned questions is plain and simply, No. She doesn't truly have a complaint, as she loves pulling and can think of nothing else she would rather do with her summer. She loves pulling so much that she hates it when fall arrives, since she knows it means the end of another year with her family on the road. The combination of the noise, the travel and spending time with her family puts pulling at the forefront of her mind. As the team continues to see success, Kathy understands they can't rest on their previous achievements but must do what they can to stay ahead of their tough competition. "We go out each night to do the best we can and if we win that is wonderful, but if we don't then it's our goal to get back to work to shoot for it the next time" stated Kathy. <br />
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The Petro Family has been a staple on the national pulling scene for the last three decades, but it started even before then. Randy Petro was known for his prowess in the modified four wheel drive category but also because he had a truck that was convertible. The rear axles could slide back and Randy would often enter the Super Modified Four Wheel Drive class as well. As a resident motorhead, Kathy enjoyed going to pulls and the dirt late model races, so when she met Randy it was a perfect match. "Randy was a puller before I came along and it just seemed right. That is what we would do. Over the years we have continued to support the pulling community not just in our local area but on the Grand National and Regional Circuit as well" stated Kathy. That support is evident as the family competes quite often, but it isn't just on the Grand National Circuit that they showcase their prowess. They are not afraid to roll into a small brush pull in a neighboring state of their home in Ohio. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where it all began for Jessie Petro! </td></tr>
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As Kathy and Randy began their family, it seemed only fitting that Randy would have a little boy to join the team. In the nineties when Randy was running two two wheel drive trucks and his Modified/Unlimited, it was just natural that Jessie would assume driving duties of one of the two wheel drive trucks. Jessie had helped in the shop and really learned a lot from his childhood nights in the shop next to his mom and dad. Together the three of them form a triangle of knowledge and enthusiasm that makes them one of the most dominant forces in the game, however only Randy and Jessie will handle the driving duties. As Kathy reflects on her desire to drive one day, she stumbles to get past the idea of replacing the first and second string in order to bring the third string driver to the competition. So instead of driving, Kathy takes great pride in finding her way to the track to video tape. Video taping has become such an important feature in the sport as each competitor wants to watch and learn from the footage of each previous pull. <br />
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Understand that Kathy Petro is involved with the team; she is another set of hands who is capable of turning wrenches for her guys when they are working hard on one of the four two wheel drive trucks that they campaign. "Randy and Jessie are well oiled machines when it comes to the shop, so I do my best not to disrupt the flow of production" added Kathy. On a recurring basis, Kathy's tasks include helping to pull pistons and put them in their specific order on the rack that Jessie and Randy have designed. If they need her to disassemble one of the Minor Brother's Racing engines that they lean so hard on, she is willing to get her hands dirty to ensure the guys can keep working on other jobs, however when it comes to assembly, Kathy opts to let the guys focus on that aspect. <br />
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In the Petro household there has often been a discussion about who the driving force behind the team is and with a quick conversation with Kathy it quickly becomes apparent. "My dad and I always joke that mom likes to go pulling more than we do. She is there to support us in every facet; she does the things that are just as vital for us to get down the track but aren't recognized by the fans in the stands. We truly couldn't ask for a more supportive person for what we do" commented Jessie Petro. For her part, Kathy couldn't be more proud of what her guys have been able to achieve with their team over their lifetime within the sport. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessie, Joey, Kathy, and Randy at Tomah! </td></tr>
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Outside of the sport, Kathy Petro works hard to keep the family business in line in addition to Petro Motorsports. Kathy is the secretary and works hard to make sure all of the bills are paid in a timely fashion. On the motorsports side she serves as the secretary as well since she takes a weekly inventory of the trailer and works hard to restock it with essentials before each pull. As the points races heat up, the guys have to look no further than Kathy's trusty notebook which contains a breakdown of the points on the Grand National circuit. It is maintained by Kathy and her nephew Joey Frasur. </div>
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Kathy Petro is a loving wife, a supportive mother, and a respected statistician, but most of all she is a diehard pulling fan who lends her observant eye and expertise to her guys from Camden, Ohio! </div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-38071892829563107532012-06-08T20:42:00.000-05:002012-06-08T20:42:11.142-05:00Unlimited Super Stock Power RankingsNTPA Grand National<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNYmnyyoRuUoljqjlAulrQwv1o_59U43I0nNSGe11os3k_YCIwyYaxWGdoztCQ2GPNBl6rgaQlt7MKaozoPlrAxMxxbAnUDc0tm9Pt_bazVyoh4OqVNRSUmkhUpzvSWjox1mVkcxwScY/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNYmnyyoRuUoljqjlAulrQwv1o_59U43I0nNSGe11os3k_YCIwyYaxWGdoztCQ2GPNBl6rgaQlt7MKaozoPlrAxMxxbAnUDc0tm9Pt_bazVyoh4OqVNRSUmkhUpzvSWjox1mVkcxwScY/s400/189.JPG" width="400" /></a>As far as I am concerned with the NTPA Championship race, there is truly one question that needs to be answered. Can Jordan Lustik keep up his winning ways or will the team of Chizek/Blackbourn disrupt the Silver Bullet's run at the top? The 2011 introduction of the International Threat turned many heads on the Grand National circuit. With Terry and Josh Blackbourn driving, the combination may be just enough to take the top honors. The other tractor from the Chizek stables is, of course, Extremely Armed and Dangerous which has been a big contender on the circuit over the last few years. Jordan Lustik and the Silver Bullet team fought tooth and nail through pulloffs and the duration of the 2011 season to claim the title. I am very anxious to see how the ULSS class unfolds over the final few months of the season with the NTPA.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8DQZq5Jd38DMexmTvwDbGqmJsd-BNQzcg8SzODQ9f6BN_Kke1sLrlko3zmKztW2NY-WbspJrdj7bXVs-okiq_ImLZqTQbuX0zXRXJsFquNnrISJYZDrJcc0xVeeV2I5uWFDlRH0X4DE/s1600/NFMS+2012+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8DQZq5Jd38DMexmTvwDbGqmJsd-BNQzcg8SzODQ9f6BN_Kke1sLrlko3zmKztW2NY-WbspJrdj7bXVs-okiq_ImLZqTQbuX0zXRXJsFquNnrISJYZDrJcc0xVeeV2I5uWFDlRH0X4DE/s400/NFMS+2012+148.JPG" width="400" /></a>The GALOT team from North Carolina has continually gotten better with their Agco over the last couple years. Fans of the beautiful Orange tractor can take great pride in the fact that the Strickland/Wells team will be in the mix from the gun with the NTPA Grand National Circuit. <br />
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Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXQfLTNo5mMZKnq4y4ShzNDcXNf-3E8x4OEts-IUU8oY9opxnEMNEyLCq9pC4XLn6mAM59v5W9TrLwBCnG1FmmhArTCouJrHZOCGnLVNSePggRHtBaB2FACGDBrfpXeeBdAyA2CZ2WrU/s1600/IMG_4065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXQfLTNo5mMZKnq4y4ShzNDcXNf-3E8x4OEts-IUU8oY9opxnEMNEyLCq9pC4XLn6mAM59v5W9TrLwBCnG1FmmhArTCouJrHZOCGnLVNSePggRHtBaB2FACGDBrfpXeeBdAyA2CZ2WrU/s400/IMG_4065.JPG" width="400" /></a>Two-time defending champion Jeff Hirt of Port Clinton, Ohio will be out in full force for 2012, with the Runin Bare and new tractor Fast Lane. When you add the addition of the new tractor and a brand new baby boy named Lane, the Hirts should be in for an action packed summer. If previous seasons hold true, Hirt will be around late in the season after taking some time to find his optimal setup.<br />
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My guess for the biggest contender for Hirt's title run is Neil Gettinger. Gettinger of Hagerstown, Indiana put together a fairytale winter at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, where he swept both Thursday and Saturday Nights events. The combination truly worked wonders indoors, and I expect Neil and the Lessons Learned to be near the top from the onset of the season.<br />
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The 2011 season saw the XXX Case MX of Frank Keener coming oh so close to wrapping up the title. As Hirt hit his stride late in the season, Keener watched his lead fade away in the championship points. Keener wants nothing more than to find the winning formula to bring his first Champions Tour title back home to Ohio. There is no question that this team has the ability to win the title with the Pro Pulling League, and it very might happen come this fall. <br />
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Other contenders could be the Hull/Kwiatkowski Team of Wisconsin and Michigan. The Taking Care of Business John Deere has been around forever it seems in the ULSS class. The amount of time that TCOB has been the class only illustrates the durability of the tractor and the knowledge of the team. <br />
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<b>Power Rankings</b><br />
1) Neil Gettinger<br />
2) Jordan Lustik<br />
3) Josh Blackbourn<br />
4) John Strickland <br />
5) Jeff Hirt<br />
6) Jason Evans<br />
7) Joe Kwiatkowski<br />
8) Sid Broughton<br />
9) Frank Keener<br />
10) Terry Blackbourn <br />
<br />Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-88565829822353311812012-06-06T20:17:00.000-05:002012-06-06T20:20:58.688-05:00Women on Wednesday #1<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Misty Board was a puller's daughter who grew up watching her father compete on the local circuit around her home in Mineral Wells, West Virginia. Though her father would have been pleased to have a daughter who wanted to be a ballerina or pursue girl things, Brad Board had to have found an extra sense of pride in the fact that his daughters turned out to be a gearhead (Misty) and an athlete (Tiffany, Misty's Sister). The days Misty spent with her family in their red International school bus will never be forgotten. Those days are what lead her down a path to the dream come true life she is living, better yet let’s call it a track that lead her to this life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As Misty turned sixteen her responsibilities for her dad's pulling team went from helping with the truck to occasionally piloting the truck. In her debut, she drove off the track with a winning pass and greeted a teary eyed father who couldn’t have been more pleased. The pulling schedule that the Board family followed lead them throughout West Virginia and portions of Ohio, but it was a pull in Mercer, Pennsylvania in 2004 that truly changed Misty’s world forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At that very pull in 2004, she met the man that would complete her dream come true life, in the form of pulling superstar, Jordan Lustik. Lustik of 84 Pennsylvania, had become a pulling sensation with the Lustik's Caterpillar powered Silver Bullet Unlimited Super Stock. Misty was familiar with Jordan and his tractor from seeing him on television shows and magazines which covered the sport of pulling. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vafe4iuR1gtOJOJYF_O39jjG8P52qswoRJKitTegcFJyj-Jo5eBvVffHaSrbd6KAANk-UzeOjoImlrm-9dRBx9LDvuSiVYWxMOYwTFVPId5EEJ4HN1LSW0VA5T0qQ56j7DBtmiMXHnY/s1600/DSC_6137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vafe4iuR1gtOJOJYF_O39jjG8P52qswoRJKitTegcFJyj-Jo5eBvVffHaSrbd6KAANk-UzeOjoImlrm-9dRBx9LDvuSiVYWxMOYwTFVPId5EEJ4HN1LSW0VA5T0qQ56j7DBtmiMXHnY/s400/DSC_6137.JPG" width="265" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Just like any first date should in a relationship built around power, Misty and Jordan had their first date at the NHRA event at National Trails Drag Strip in Columbus, Ohio. They found a great rivalry as Jordan cheered on John Force and his date Gary Scelzi. As Misty points out, Force did win that day, but it was the company she kept that had her feeling butterflies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In September of 2005, Misty became Mrs. Lustik and her fairytale began. She immediately found herself involved with the day to day operations with the team, which she and Jordan began to live by a family mantra both on and off the track which is “whatever it takes, that’s what we will do." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">That approach to their life has truly made Misty a valuable asset with their business at home. When Lauren was born, the Lustiks made the decision that Misty would not go back to work at her job in Human Resources, so that she could focus on raising Lauren and the family. The value she brings to the daily tasks on the farm is immeasurable as Misty can be as hands on as Jordan needs her to be. Over the course of the busy farming season, Misty will operate the IH QuadTrac 530 and Kinze1000 Bushel grain cart, the header cart, the seed tender, as well as helping to keep up with the tasks around the home such as mowing. As much as Misty loves to go pulling, she is quick to point out that if things are not efficiently run at home, it would not be possible to make all of the trips that the Grand National Circuit requires. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDB3YfA5ywLhoNvr4wT5G46TqTmcQF-THCUaBqJRobxZKpEEYDpbehxpD-p4iCH1AZCTpBOQmr9bjqbyE7TdUmd9A4fi7JjnUJJE6SojVJwKCC4IaijHddqlVt_AtkI3JRtaL5sw5p44/s1600/234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDB3YfA5ywLhoNvr4wT5G46TqTmcQF-THCUaBqJRobxZKpEEYDpbehxpD-p4iCH1AZCTpBOQmr9bjqbyE7TdUmd9A4fi7JjnUJJE6SojVJwKCC4IaijHddqlVt_AtkI3JRtaL5sw5p44/s400/234.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Since the Lustik family entered the sport of pulling, the team has had a deep driven approach to professionalism, which Misty is now the backbone of. She works hard to ensure the team uniforms are clean, as well as the immaculate hauler they travel the country in. Additionally, she is responsible for maintaining the merchandise for the team and if you haven't seen some of the awesome shirts and apparel the team has, you need to make it a priority. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Last summer, Misty’s chores doubled with the addition of the biggest Bullet fan, Lauren. Having Lauren allowed her mother to showcase her ability to multi-task as Misty would often strap Lauren to her chest in the carrier in order to operate the leaf blower and cool down the heads of the Bullet before a pulloff. Misty being able to cool the headers, allowed Jordan and Rich the opportunity to focus on the setup and any changes they may need to make for the next run. Misty's willingness to get involved with the tractor is something that Jordan truly appreciates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Typically, the road crew consists of Jordan, Misty, Lauren, and Jordan’s father Rich. With their only being four of them, Misty finds herself busy throughout the weekend, but one of the most valuable facets of her duties is to film each of Jordan’s passes. Being able to review the video from each passing event gives the Lustiks a chance to truly understand how the tractor was running and what it may have reacted to with the setup. After the pull, Misty will take to the computer to update the wide spread following of fans that are the Bullet Nation. She does so by maintaining the team's social media pages and working with many facets of public relations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As the Peterbilt is heading down the road, Misty becomes the source of knowledge for both Rich and Jordan, as they want to know results from the pulls around the country and what their current points standings look like. Misty beams up her Droid and works to inform the men of all of the goings on within the pulling world! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hcBMZzqspUe489bPU-W_iwoccxj2maymwnyNNxaUOvCLLsvBVBbAhJBc-lf43bi__KN4thkP3PrBxACytWRE1FTOF8zsUegFKBp5Q6DKC9NksXSRoSCkSVNepDcKmWuck-8dKfrQtY0/s1600/September+2011+Import+244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hcBMZzqspUe489bPU-W_iwoccxj2maymwnyNNxaUOvCLLsvBVBbAhJBc-lf43bi__KN4thkP3PrBxACytWRE1FTOF8zsUegFKBp5Q6DKC9NksXSRoSCkSVNepDcKmWuck-8dKfrQtY0/s400/September+2011+Import+244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">As Misty looks to the future, she is thrilled by the idea of
her daughter growing up in the same environment that she and Jordan did.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> It has become Misty’s goal not just to be a
wife but to emulate the likes of other pulling wives like Rona Veney and Arlene
Archer that have been a firm foundation for which to allow their husbands and
children to be successful.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> It is evident
that in her short time as the central point of the Bullet team, she is
well on her way to achieving her goal.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> For the short term, her goals include finding a routine with a newly walking little girl on the road with the NTPA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">What does the future hold for Misty Lustik? One can only guess, but Misty has a strong hope that it holds a throttle and a full
time ride on the second team tractor, the “Silver Bullet Reloaded."</span><span style="font-size: small;"> As a fan of pulling, I personally cannot wait
to watch her strap in and take the ride she has earned! </span> </span></div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-33253410652588564732012-06-01T12:00:00.000-05:002012-06-01T12:03:32.663-05:00Shell Rotella Burn Notice<br />
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There are many terms that are used throughout the Assumption Fire Department in which Craig Corzine volunteers his time, but one of the most talked about sayings over the last few months has been the phrase “Burn Notice”. Though the phrase is not a term used in the day to day operations of the fire department it still appears to be on everyone’s mind. “Burn Notice” has become famous over the last several years thanks to Jeffrey Donovan and the lovely Gabrielle Anwar who star in a highly successful series on the USA Network that features Donovan’s character as an agent. It isn’t that the members of the Assumption Fire Department are talking about the show and their reflections of the weekly episodes but more they are excited to watch their fellow member Craig saddle up in a 2012 Chevy Colorado that dawns the name “Burn Notice”. </div>
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Craig and his wife Ashley are no strangers to the pulling scene, as Craig has been a very valued member of the Koester Racing Team and Ashley of course has continued her efforts of broadcasting the NTPA covered shows on RFD TV. Since Craig and Ashley took their vows, many pulling fans have been waiting for the moment when they would have their own pulling machine based in Assumption, Illinois and today marks the debut of their first step into pulling as a family. “We have loved our time on the road with Ashley’s family and can’t wait to continue to run with them on some of the Grand National events, but we are so excited to be able to pull closer to home and support the ITPA as well” stated Craig. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit to Marty Wilson</td></tr>
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Just as any project seems to come together, the last few weeks have been a true test of Craig’s patience as he had to take the time to button up all of the little monotonous pieces that accompany a 6200lb Super Modified Two Wheel Drive Truck, all while finishing his duties on the family farm. With help and support from many of Craig’s friends and family, the “Burn Notice” made some noise for the first time yesterday and took a short tour of the parking lot at the Corzine’s home. Having the vehicle fire and move, gave Craig approximately 24 hours to prepare himself for his debut attempt behind the wheel of his new toy, as tonight in Charleston, Illinois, the fans will be treated to a glimpse of the new truck in action at the Cornbelt Shrine Smoke ‘N’ Noise pull. </div>
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Craig and Ashley did not cut any corners in their approach to developing a highly competitive truck, which features a Miner Brothers Racing Engine, (the very one that guided Craig’s brother-in-law Adam to the ring last year in Bowling Green in the Mini Modified class) and a brand new Jostock Chassis, which was custom fit for Craig in Terry Jostock’s shop in Lapeer, Michigan and sponsorship support from Shell Rotella. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"After years of watching Adam, Larry and Caesar work so hard to promote the Shell brand, I am honored to get a chance
to fly the colors of such a remarkable company that has meant so much to our
family and I can't wait to put my firesuit on for the first time in
Charleston" stated Corzine.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8c-RVR02F0l49Mps-Qn1cUq281cNFdlDEy_9k_POqDp_WymQ2jFkZYXNUjmRXXeR_4BeJEJ3aU8_z9V_SrkV9J4T5SzNTLDEw-135a4pYrVYxmBuq3aXkRANJY4iMykfxyDeV8Dwe3A/s1600/2012-05-03_18-49-54_364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8c-RVR02F0l49Mps-Qn1cUq281cNFdlDEy_9k_POqDp_WymQ2jFkZYXNUjmRXXeR_4BeJEJ3aU8_z9V_SrkV9J4T5SzNTLDEw-135a4pYrVYxmBuq3aXkRANJY4iMykfxyDeV8Dwe3A/s400/2012-05-03_18-49-54_364.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit to Marty Wilson</td></tr>
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With the highly touted power plant and a winning chassis combination it is only a matter of time until this newly formed machine is turning heads on the state and Grand National level. Knowing that he had the makings of a winning combination in his hands, Craig also made a phone call to Jeremy Nelson, a fellow class member and owner of Nelson Custom Paint and Body in Sidney, Illinois. When it comes to Two Wheel Drive Trucks in Illinois, the majority of them have had the hands of Jeremy and his staff hard at work on them at one time or another. That phone call allowed Jeremy, his staff, Craig, and airbrush mastermind Shawn Ealy to get to work on what would be the final look of the truck. </div>
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Pulling fans may ask what exactly is a Burn Notice? In truth Wikipedia defines it as: " A statement issued by an intelligence agency to other agencies." It states that an asset or intelligence source is unreliable for one or more reasons. This is essentially a directive for the recipient to disregard or burn all information derived from that individual or group. However, in our small pulling circle we all know that a “Burn Notice” is an immaculate Chevy Colorado from Illinois! </div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-39547285982071213812012-05-19T09:00:00.000-05:002012-05-19T09:00:36.255-05:00Youngbuck Reveal<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiL_8J14-oZbg-Hf60KwshNuoseT2JBwOhFgVI_Dc5-20ibWHSG_-FTFO398lWOSE8KZsubKH1AqnBdp6AZerYmTDv-CvCEMY-_OvWn4c0l_VfkSHPpmkCAayH4djq8x0urtbKAnR6ms/s1600/John_Deere_7930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiL_8J14-oZbg-Hf60KwshNuoseT2JBwOhFgVI_Dc5-20ibWHSG_-FTFO398lWOSE8KZsubKH1AqnBdp6AZerYmTDv-CvCEMY-_OvWn4c0l_VfkSHPpmkCAayH4djq8x0urtbKAnR6ms/s400/John_Deere_7930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have you ever found yourself sitting in the bleachers or standing in the pit area just lost in the beauty of Miles Stratton and Brad Moss’ Youngbuck? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget the first time I saw it in Owensboro, Kentucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The John Deere 7930 had such clean lines and an awesome appearance that I couldn’t stop looking at it and now that it has been out for years, I still find myself captivated by its distinct look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand that I value the craftsmanship of every single pulling tractor and pulling machine in the sport and enjoy looking closely at the new details that pullers bring to the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself from time to time reflecting on the professionalism and attention to detail that every puller seems to invest in their pulling equipment and it just blows my mind that a puller doesn’t forget the little things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was evident to me that Brad and Miles had not forgotten a detail with their first attempt of a pulling tractor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaVUpezVS0CAok5Wy5Kl_M4EfAW3ZE63O75Pjc4n-sYgQmwA7AyiOhwxcP7mCOf6w9Zvy0eg3iktQeB0T5VT6LwG_GD_l7ce6aztjQ4mxIZh4nAB-ifVPBDrODd-xNLBUzVnZa9kSLF0/s1600/Youngbuck2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaVUpezVS0CAok5Wy5Kl_M4EfAW3ZE63O75Pjc4n-sYgQmwA7AyiOhwxcP7mCOf6w9Zvy0eg3iktQeB0T5VT6LwG_GD_l7ce6aztjQ4mxIZh4nAB-ifVPBDrODd-xNLBUzVnZa9kSLF0/s400/Youngbuck2.JPG" width="400" /></a>When B&M Motorsports first debuted the tractor in 2007, the immediate question that arose in my mind was: "Where are the graphics?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is there no name on the side of the tractor?" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a simple answer Brad Moss said: “Fans will know the name of the tractor and we prefer the clean look of it as it is”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was baffled as I couldn’t really recall a purely clear canvas and a tractor that did not have a logo, name, sponsor or anything on the shields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In time the tractor has grown on me and many other folks who have come to know the distinct look of the Youngbuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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With great thought and a tremendous amount of preparation the B&M Motorsports Team<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is prepared to re-introduce the pulling community to the new look of a fan favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New for the 2012 season, Brad Moss and Miles Stratton have changed their tractor and it’s distinct look to dawn the name of TS Performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Moss and Stratton believe firmly in the product line of TS Performance and have cultivated a strong bond with the owners Dennis and Sheila Perry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The relationship has been cultivated from the ground up with all parties sharing a simple bond in the love of diesel power and a desire to help grow the branding for TS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several years of conversing about sponsoring the Youngbuck, Dennis finally told the boys from Kentucky: "We are going to do this", and the next steps were taken to get the TS Performance Youngbuck ready for its debut on the home turf of Franklin, Kentucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon80IUOBli8UzWROtSxys_XDk7H0bUl8gRddoiDyjVPMmFJNky7aClpxgVrRDDjDM9DnyaeI_NVVh2SmI_nG3pKCbdbLZDMPxoK5bPatgMnF-TnmBuLwyNO0WboticX11O38e3TBCTEw/s1600/Youngbuck1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon80IUOBli8UzWROtSxys_XDk7H0bUl8gRddoiDyjVPMmFJNky7aClpxgVrRDDjDM9DnyaeI_NVVh2SmI_nG3pKCbdbLZDMPxoK5bPatgMnF-TnmBuLwyNO0WboticX11O38e3TBCTEw/s400/Youngbuck1.JPG" width="400" /></a> Many folks may ask why they want to change that immaculate tractor and all I can say is change is a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the sport where high volumes of capital are invested to go pulling, it is wonderful that teams are able to find a sponsorship to help them perform at the top of their game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, if you know Brad Moss and Miles Stratton, you would understand that they simply would not change the tractor if they didn’t feel it was for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With two of the keenest eyes in the game and undeniable attention to detail it is certain the boys from Schochoh, Kentucky are going to continue to turn heads with their John Deere 7930 Youngbuck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wyqwH1gZDT5UnUrzHMJXOyOEiuzZIDV0XO9matdccYki9eCZ8KZmia_JMNIht9HRgMphu21IFfq7UZGUzMCPv_8AXDEKUCkztGt67i9G9ipHVE98YxWHDCDB9N22EC9D8PbdC3sLiwA/s1600/Youngbuck3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wyqwH1gZDT5UnUrzHMJXOyOEiuzZIDV0XO9matdccYki9eCZ8KZmia_JMNIht9HRgMphu21IFfq7UZGUzMCPv_8AXDEKUCkztGt67i9G9ipHVE98YxWHDCDB9N22EC9D8PbdC3sLiwA/s640/Youngbuck3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-44660785439288742762012-05-15T22:21:00.000-05:002012-05-15T22:23:05.112-05:00TS Performance Weekend<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwFQmgwVOjsRAbqvZ-jYJKLS3KNcEw87UrR34rS1gz4y_Jg8fLnDAKAJkSnbte_deypDV6lmhTMLMUaY6secr4pXHB1bFcUZEaVRiL1Bc6NuyhihtD3XJ2C7mcCdadBWajH6cC5w1SqY/s1600/1331053338.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwFQmgwVOjsRAbqvZ-jYJKLS3KNcEw87UrR34rS1gz4y_Jg8fLnDAKAJkSnbte_deypDV6lmhTMLMUaY6secr4pXHB1bFcUZEaVRiL1Bc6NuyhihtD3XJ2C7mcCdadBWajH6cC5w1SqY/s320/1331053338.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Those who follow truck and tractor pulling have certainly
noticed that with each passing year, diesel pulling classes are growing
exponentially. As interest in the sport
continues to grow so too does the pursuit for more power and efficiency under
the hood within the diesel engine.
Another big change for pulling in the last decade has been the
introduction of the diesel weekend, an action packed showcase of power and
performance among the most knowledgeable diesel minds in the country. This weekend in Franklin, Kentucky, a meeting
of the diesel minds will take place at the TS Performance Show. </div>
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What is TS Performance you might ask? It is one of the most up and coming
companies in the country thanks to its attention to detail and ability to
improve upon fuel economy and power for diesel engines. TS Performance was started in 1997 by Dennis
and Sheila Perry and is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. What began as a personal challenge for Dennis
to help a few friends find more power has grown into something beyond the Perry’s
imagination. From its inception, the
Perry’s have understood the importance of giving back to the community in which
they are so involved, and thus, they started the TS Performance weekend. </div>
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The weekend began with diesel drag racing and a bikini
competition but has continually grown and expanded with the brand. Each year the customer’s of TS Performance
encourage the Perry’s and their staff to raise the bar yet again, not just to
showcase their power to their customers but also their commitment to giving
back. With that in mind, the Sled Pull
was added several years ago to make the
schedule even more exciting for the diesel fanatics. With a full list of classes contested,
pulling action goes on for the better portion of Saturday with the 2.6 trucks
vying for valuable qualifying positions in Saturday Night’s finals. The Saturday Night session will feature the
Pro Stock Tractors, Super Farm Tractors, Super Stock Diesel Trucks, Pro Street
Diesel Trucks, 2.6 Diesel Trucks, and a little bit of noise thanks to the Super
Modified Two Wheel Drive Trucks. The
classes will be sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League and will serve
as the inaugural event for the 2012 Midwest Region.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM8Oh0Bh-KGfa-a9d5SwgBHI6qOetius2ccFQ6wQtDmwbM1Q51eIcGSR9dcAyke9WLe0Azj7-wIdflMVLCV6wy25EKDSkrEbHxK0ANeIhHUBhlBkjPU03lAS7NEcNoscLgPJZ3VkY72k/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM8Oh0Bh-KGfa-a9d5SwgBHI6qOetius2ccFQ6wQtDmwbM1Q51eIcGSR9dcAyke9WLe0Azj7-wIdflMVLCV6wy25EKDSkrEbHxK0ANeIhHUBhlBkjPU03lAS7NEcNoscLgPJZ3VkY72k/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a>Having known very little about TS Performance, I was excited
when the idea came up about a feature to highlight the weekend of action in
Franklin. Before I could gather all of
the necessary information I wanted in order to fully write a story, I was
treated to a firsthand experience of the power of a TS Performance
application. Over the weekend, I
traveled to Lincolnton, North Carolina for the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League
Champions Tour event and rather than travel south by myself, I caught a lift
with Jared and Bethany Nelson of Altamont, Illinois. As we traveled through the Smokey Mountains
and later the Gorge, I remember asking Jared what he had done to improve the
power of his Peterbilt. The simple
answer was a new TS Peformance box and the proof of its power was evident as we
left every other semi in the dust as we traveled through the mountains. I found it to be so fitting that I would be
able to give a personal testimonial of the raw power and improvements that it
made to the pace at which the Nelson’s Peterbilt could travel. However, what impressed Jared the most was
not its power but efficiency with fuel mileage over the more than one thousand
miles traveled. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUwR5EtmmE9AijWdylLU0IZse7yl3z1hxnmhDP_2JE_NO9yx5mB4YJPkRh770nkshQzRBF9Z4yENLiDM0RtRaX_kAsmJu1c77dd9cq8glogHFH1Nre8G58vHhqJLvi7t6Ar4-raiPR-A/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUwR5EtmmE9AijWdylLU0IZse7yl3z1hxnmhDP_2JE_NO9yx5mB4YJPkRh770nkshQzRBF9Z4yENLiDM0RtRaX_kAsmJu1c77dd9cq8glogHFH1Nre8G58vHhqJLvi7t6Ar4-raiPR-A/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit John Kraust </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are free this weekend and are looking for a way to
express your love for pulling and diesel smoke, look no further than the TS Performance
Weekend. Spend the day on Friday at
historic Beech Dragway, where if history repeats itself records are sure to
fall. Wake up Saturday morning with a
tour of the Vendor Alley to learn more about the products that exist to allow
your diesel engine to run happy. After
the Vendor Alley, show your power and compare it to others on the Dyno. Conclude your morning with a visit to the
Show N Shine and a picture with the “Fuel Girls.” At 11:00, the qualifying will start on the
pulling track for the 2.6 trucks, and if all goes well, you should be able to
make your way to the Bikini competition on the stage at 3:00. At 6:00, the smoke will be flying as the
pulling will begin and all six classes will be vying for bragging rights as the
2012 winner of the TS Performance Pull.</div>
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</div>
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For more information on TS Performance and the weekend’s
festivities, please visit <a href="http://www.tsperformance.com./"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">www.tsperformance.com</span></span></u>.</a> The question has been asked what will
TS do to raise the bar in 2012 and only those in attendance will be able to
find out! </div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-76445490447567805782012-05-12T22:21:00.001-05:002012-05-12T22:26:02.403-05:00Lincolnton Saturday Night<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second night of Lincolnton is in the books! The track was much more favorable this
evening for the competitors of the Champions Tour and required a tremendous amount of power. Below
are the results from tonight’s competition. My thoughts on the event will be posted early in the coming week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
ULSS </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1)Taking Care of Business Aaron Hull 303.95 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2)Bambi Duane Keener 300.53 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3)Lesson’s Learned Neil Gettinger 299.35 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4)XXX Frank Keener 295.16 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5)Out of Time Aaron Hull 285.91 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6)Fully Loaded Jeff Hothem 283.15 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7)Runin Bare Jeff Hirt 281.99 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TWD </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1)After Midnight John Mumma 307.79 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2)MAV TV Keith Long
306.91 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3)Big Ed Red Donnie
Sullivan 301.70 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4)Midnight Madness Jordan Nelson 301.46 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5)Midnight Gambler Jeremy Nelson 299.50 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6)Lil Whip Donald Nelson 298.71 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7)Ridin Dirty Keith Long 298.70</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8)General Tire Cutting Edge Grayson Shelton 295.76 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9)Gamblin After Dark Mark Austin 295.62 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10)Midnight Revenger Jared Nelson 295.29 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11)Full Throttle Lisa Tatum 292.90 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12)Stimulus Package Chris Smith 292.18</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13)Parts City Tony Tatum 290.99 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14)Driller Tim Messer 285.38 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Modified </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1)Takes A Lickin Steve Bunnage 317.43 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2)75<sup>th</sup> Edition Joe Eder 313.08 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3)Mr. Twister Scott Tedder 305.15 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4)Mav TV/Lucas Oil Ricky Long 298.99 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5)Shannon Leischner 298.16 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6)Shel-Shocked Stan Shelton 293.67 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7)Down and Dirty Michael Stewart 287.92 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8)The Apache Darrick Barga 282.92 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9)DirtChallenger Shannon Leischner 281.68 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10)Texas Bullwhip Donald Nelson 272.17 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11)The Judge Ron Barga Jr. 266.25 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12)The Kentuckian Wayne Sullivan 216.16 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-84317340264835825872012-05-11T22:14:00.001-05:002012-05-12T15:17:50.164-05:00Lincolnton, North Carolina<br />
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Night one in Lincolnton, North Carolina is in the books and was a success! The track left many veteran pullers scratching their heads as they needed to find a means to get the rear tires hooked and pulling. The folks of North Carolina were thrilled to have pulling back in Lincolnton after a few decade hiatus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full results are posted below for the three classes of action. Pulling will resume tomorrow evening at 7pm EST. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Modified Tractor </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Takes a Lickin Steve Bunnage 314.64 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Mr. Twister Scott Tedder 286.18</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 The Judge Ron Barga Jr. 285.25</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 Kentuckian Wayne Sullivan 281.16</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 Dirt Challenger Shannon Leischner 271.51</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 Texas Bull Whip Donald Nelson 257.02</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7 Mav TV/ Lucas Ricky Long 251.59</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8 Dirtslinger Shannon Leischner 243.74</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9 Shel-Shocked Stan Shelton 233.01</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10 The Apache Darrick Barga 219.28</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11 Down and Dirty Michael Stewart 178.68</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12 75<sup>th</sup> Edition Joe Eder 174.92</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Super Modified Two Wheel Drive </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Donald Nelson Lil Whip 314.31</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Jordan Nelson Midnight Madness 308.73</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 Jared Nelson Midnight Revenger 306.56</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 Jeremy Nelson Speedco Midnight Gambler 304.31</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 Tim Messer Driller 297.62</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 Mark Austin Gamblin After Dark 290.39</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7 Keith Long Mav TV 285.60</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8 John Mumma After Midnight 280.06</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9 Tony Tatum Parts City 269.12</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10 Donnie Sullivan Big Ed Red 268.25</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11 Chris Smith Stimulus Package 265.64</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12 Grayson Shelton General Tire Cutting Edge 364.89</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13 Lisa Tatum Full Throttle 257.47</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14 Keith Long Ridin Dirty 254.86</div>
<br />
Unlimited Super Stock <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Jeff Hothem Fully Loaded 295.76</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Aaron Hull Taking Care of Business 285.44</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 Aaron Hull Out of Time 280.76</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 Neil Gettinger Lessons Learned 274.55 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 Duane Keener Bambi 273.45</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 Billy Keener XXX 255.62</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7 Jeff Hirt Runin Bare 195.67</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-71300342576721594492012-05-03T20:44:00.000-05:002012-05-20T16:55:19.353-05:00Do you know Larry Koester?<h2 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirizAocJa_UDDf6-v92D5LtxOZWlXY2UtNsURHptgZIp0oflgVaMq6Ibvsaqq580UQtRUlUnTG5EQFsntbstd8vFA_MI3DR6M9ME1fo-8ggGUGHCRH0Oq1VD6iKQLOdA716T5leRq1BXE/s1600/31057_1312438019236_1479232970_30770874_8046282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirizAocJa_UDDf6-v92D5LtxOZWlXY2UtNsURHptgZIp0oflgVaMq6Ibvsaqq580UQtRUlUnTG5EQFsntbstd8vFA_MI3DR6M9ME1fo-8ggGUGHCRH0Oq1VD6iKQLOdA716T5leRq1BXE/s400/31057_1312438019236_1479232970_30770874_8046282_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 photo of Larry in action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Do you know Larry Koester? Sure, I am confident you could pick him out at a tractor pull or in a room full of people, but do you truly know him? Do you know the family man that he is? Have you seen his eyes well up and his heart melt at the site of his granddaughter? Do you know the successful businessman that operates a company from his home in Wadesville, Indiana? Have you looked beyond the surface to gather an understanding of how this man has become the giant that he is in so many people's lives?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I ask these questions not to exude some arrogance for the knowledge I have of Larry and his family but more to encourage all of you to look beyond his initial appearance and see the real him. Don't just allow yourself to assume you may know his character because you watched him make a full pull or heard him ask for help for the kids of Northwest Ohio. Those actions are daily. They are ingrained in the man that is Larry Koester and are more of the makeup of this man than a measure of his character. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHafkW5UV_vEy5g4gs_I1y_bPBe-vmhfh0jh3f44F4zSUj7FAwlaQWYrHm6xPQIWK9ClV-Lsigze9tQkGPUQflhru2ZCp6LeHkEt64934qIF7j0A0JCCiancwMhhhNGC9sai5HIh-tlk/s1600/227404_10150186444544494_514069493_6774085_1711255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHafkW5UV_vEy5g4gs_I1y_bPBe-vmhfh0jh3f44F4zSUj7FAwlaQWYrHm6xPQIWK9ClV-Lsigze9tQkGPUQflhru2ZCp6LeHkEt64934qIF7j0A0JCCiancwMhhhNGC9sai5HIh-tlk/s320/227404_10150186444544494_514069493_6774085_1711255_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carsen meets Grandpa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
As you all know, I often draw on my childhood in the sport to find comparisons and a stronger understanding of what truck and tractor pulling is today. As a child growing up within pulling there were few people that impacted my life more than Larry Koester. I knew Larry Koester before he was the successful professional tractor puller that spent his off season at appearances and meet and greets for his sponsor Shell. I knew Larry Koester when he traveled the circuit with a Chevy dually and a short enclosed trailer, but my true understanding of who he is didn't occur until I looked beyond Larry's physical appearance and saw the man he is inside. The lessons that Larry can teach one are immeasurable and grow depending upon the amount of time you can invest with him. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufurmo0C_GBkt35Px5W2TppMaFG0hlzln36PIj1CrQNZyuywxMorHKFeQxp3np-lnCpcn9CtFe2bX1Ab40PuEtXaF0tr6S6E9SqTkJAYtFiQMCaMaz9R0ra_IY6KtKRuQmHqpRfbb984/s1600/192_10235039493_514069493_377928_145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufurmo0C_GBkt35Px5W2TppMaFG0hlzln36PIj1CrQNZyuywxMorHKFeQxp3np-lnCpcn9CtFe2bX1Ab40PuEtXaF0tr6S6E9SqTkJAYtFiQMCaMaz9R0ra_IY6KtKRuQmHqpRfbb984/s320/192_10235039493_514069493_377928_145_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big walk, as he escorts Ashley! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
To see Larry standing tall on his daughter Ashley's wedding day was truly an experience that I will never forget, but to those who know him, there are no legs to be worn that can make him as tall as we see him already. Larry is a loving husband, a proud father, a successful businessman, a professional puller, a tireless philanthropist, but most of all he is real. He has the ability to share a moment with everyone; from a young boy who Larry helped gain a wish with the Make a Wish organization, to an adoring fan on the sidelines at a pull or a Fortune 500 Companies CEO, Larry can look a person square in the eye and gain their respect for more than just his character in the face of adversity.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What
makes this man tick is an undying self motivation, a focus on being successful
and a true devotion to go above and beyond the norm. His passion and zest
for life are contagious, spreading through his inner circle like a wild
fire. He stays grounded by pouring himself into the things his most
passionate about, his family, his friends, pulling and music. Did I ask
if you knew of Larry's love of music? Have you heard his baritone voice
belt out an Elvis song? If you haven't heard him sing, I challenge you to
join in on one of the impromptu karaoke sessions conducted on his John Deere
Gator after a pull. </span>Watching him sing will only punctuate Larry's strong passion for life! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5G0ukgly0RZUW5oh3Fm8kZEwhp6tfisi4KJYU_ey3m05I1ME0_fqyjsU23aHWNrEEyvG-kSF0X-4JOfZs2cUqZ067XZL4zqH0vqhuPEBJ-tmm6txxmAin7aUuBjfvR-8RcdNl1KkGo4/s1600/59264_433488736193_115461191193_5249393_7411864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5G0ukgly0RZUW5oh3Fm8kZEwhp6tfisi4KJYU_ey3m05I1ME0_fqyjsU23aHWNrEEyvG-kSF0X-4JOfZs2cUqZ067XZL4zqH0vqhuPEBJ-tmm6txxmAin7aUuBjfvR-8RcdNl1KkGo4/s320/59264_433488736193_115461191193_5249393_7411864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larry signs autographs with Bill Goldberg!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
One may ask the question, how do I know Larry Koester? The answer is simple. Though I have grown taller, Larry still reaches my height in every occurrence. Larry's favorite saying is: "You don't need feet to kick butt". What Larry has taught me is you don't need feet for a lot of things especially the measure of a man. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Do you know Larry Koester? Do you truly know him?</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DWWUwg6beDXghXuC1ChuEeL8zEEF5z6URbNPlBr-arfehdCsFEllyaFGesW62uLub0HRqTAL4_SBZj1mkCpvNtOVZNwwrzDdE3G0mAG2dwuOhTeqwC6eSGkKdJtMi4jUmBbVCNZnleI/s1600/62525_437211646193_115461191193_5322037_2940845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DWWUwg6beDXghXuC1ChuEeL8zEEF5z6URbNPlBr-arfehdCsFEllyaFGesW62uLub0HRqTAL4_SBZj1mkCpvNtOVZNwwrzDdE3G0mAG2dwuOhTeqwC6eSGkKdJtMi4jUmBbVCNZnleI/s640/62525_437211646193_115461191193_5322037_2940845_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit to Tracy Waters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-78945434621798256492012-05-02T22:00:00.000-05:002012-05-03T11:46:38.276-05:00Grayson Shelton is the new man in town!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvs9vrGF9itKZoPbtsGIGMcZmSxNymw00r8d3_LhgsOypCfoRDS6DVtNywlgwNqyCwWsozSmAz-WDYQoQiJMMvdqDAWF2Wd-cQbarefLdKP2DkskEV25NFLG5rkK5t1iuLqMWhQRUv5c/s1600/IMG_5434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvs9vrGF9itKZoPbtsGIGMcZmSxNymw00r8d3_LhgsOypCfoRDS6DVtNywlgwNqyCwWsozSmAz-WDYQoQiJMMvdqDAWF2Wd-cQbarefLdKP2DkskEV25NFLG5rkK5t1iuLqMWhQRUv5c/s400/IMG_5434.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jesse Post JP Pulling Productions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since he was a little boy, Grayson Shelton has been his fathers sidekick as they traveled across the country to pulls on the circuit. Though he may not have a full memory of all of the trips he made as a young man, one memory rings true and that was at the age of ten when someone asked him if he would drive a pulling truck someday? The young man from New London, North Carolina was quick to answer the question with a very simple, Heck Yes! From that moment, the next generation puller began to pay a little bit more attention, but it wasn't until a few years ago that Grayson began making mental notes in preparation of the time when he would be able to strap in behind the wheel of 2500 horses. With full intentions of having his chance to pull in the future, Grayson began to ask his father pulling legend Stan Shelton more and more about pulling. Having shared such a special bond of loving the sport, Stan couldn't have been more proud to share his knowledge with his son and over time he began to give more team responsibilities to Grayson. What the high schooler took with him into his debut last weekend in Saluda, South Carolina was a an open mind and a willingness to learn a new facet of the sport. "We tried really hard to make sure that Grayson was prepared to do all of the little things that add up before he would actually begin his pull. It can be trying for a puller to get backed up to the sled and remain composed. Grayson practiced backing up to me at home before we left for the pull and I felt like he was prepared to just focus on driving," stated a proud father Stan. <br />
<br />
As a proud father stood track side on Friday night, a nervous son worked his way back to the pulling sled. After pulling forward just slightly to tighten up on the drawbar, Grayson took a deep breath to compose himself and then bent the throttle over on his General Tire Cutting Edge Ford. Just about ten seconds later, Grayson found himself floating through the air as he powered down the track, which was all part of the plan his father had set up for him. "We wanted him to have to drive the truck so we did not weigh the front of it down. Grayson did a great job driving the truck and gradually applied the brake to bring the front of the truck back down," added Stan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2pmIigGP8hJujUo5nEKf6BcHYL1YJYEL_ZjvUhu736IsSgbuIRok5Ro0nEreg1yfAqz-rnMOOu-VHV7a8R7uNaG7-hUtdviMAceNxm47FUfpMkZ52roFxjM3UHCR_ytBAX-Js2b_VNE/s1600/IMG_5437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2pmIigGP8hJujUo5nEKf6BcHYL1YJYEL_ZjvUhu736IsSgbuIRok5Ro0nEreg1yfAqz-rnMOOu-VHV7a8R7uNaG7-hUtdviMAceNxm47FUfpMkZ52roFxjM3UHCR_ytBAX-Js2b_VNE/s400/IMG_5437.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jesse Post JP Pulling Productions</td></tr>
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As an avid hunter and outdoorsmen, Grayson has developed a tremendous amount of patience and maturity for a young man. Both maturity and patience are attributes that his father and team believe will allow him to grow and experience longevity behind the wheel of a truck. For now Grayson will focus on winding down his sophomore year at North Stanly High School with full intentions of spending a summer on the road with his new truck and his mentor father! <br />
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Miles Beyond 300 took a minute to catch up with Grayson after his big weekend in Saluda for a Question and Answer session .<br />
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<b style="color: red;">Can you describe the way you felt leading into the pull and how it felt to burn the tires in with your Ford Ranger? </b><br />
My first pass in the truck meant so much to me after watching all those
years and then finally getting my chance to drive was just indescribable.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">What did you learn from Friday Night to Saturday?</b><br />
One thing I learned in transition from Friday night to Saturday night
was driving style. On Friday night, the plan was just the typical ease into the
throttle and get the truck going, but on Saturday night, my dad told me
to get after it a little quicker, which I did.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">What was the most challenging point of the run for you? </b><br />
The most challenging part of the run was the first part and easing
into the throttle in attempt to avoid burning the tires off the truck.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">Was it as easy as you may have thought or more difficult?</b><br />
Going into the pull I was thinking that I had a good idea at what I was doing and how to drive the truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24rZ7N4znwjWDhwNckF2pMzvspis1PHQvSugYKdUlB6XaYqaAkaDKJFNOVtauVPBbbS2TlWdwUnNVOVmzFua-A1ZCROZ4g9fIAB95cerItfkmygHkjsT8P9DozGzDDDNigkluXwdD03Q/s1600/IMG_5223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24rZ7N4znwjWDhwNckF2pMzvspis1PHQvSugYKdUlB6XaYqaAkaDKJFNOVtauVPBbbS2TlWdwUnNVOVmzFua-A1ZCROZ4g9fIAB95cerItfkmygHkjsT8P9DozGzDDDNigkluXwdD03Q/s400/IMG_5223.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jesse Post JP Pulling Productions</td></tr>
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<b style="color: red;"><br /> What is it like being the youngest person in the league? </b><br />
Being the youngest puller in the league is so cool. My dad and crew member's tell me that since I am a
rookie, nothing is expected out of me.<br />
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Other than your father did you receive advice from your competitors? </b><br />
I didn't really receive any advice from my competitors, but they were all
wishing me luck telling me I would do fine. Most of them
came up and shook my hand after the pull and told me I did a great job
which really meant a lot to me. It just goes to show what a good group
of competitors the Pro Pulling League has!<br />
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<b style="color: red;">Can you describe your experience in Saluda in a word? </b><br />
One word to describe Saluda...Incredible.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">Were you nervous, What did you do to manage your nerves? </b><br />
I wasn't really nervous until the television interviews started and I started suiting up to compete. When I got in the truck and all ready to go, I was nervous beyond belief!<br />
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<b><br /> Did you develop any sort of ritual you hope to follow with each pull? </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5W5I3-mj0fQbezE_FmGkjC_e0PdvshQA_kFA_4uCGKdOFgCtlFEDvxXvEJOHNsXf4eSSNatG3AzM3TSl9qdeifHR0HJv9s8SoajnFqmgUczAqn-IwsNi6fC08Y9fVax2azf3XnBiNyw/s1600/IMG_5075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5W5I3-mj0fQbezE_FmGkjC_e0PdvshQA_kFA_4uCGKdOFgCtlFEDvxXvEJOHNsXf4eSSNatG3AzM3TSl9qdeifHR0HJv9s8SoajnFqmgUczAqn-IwsNi6fC08Y9fVax2azf3XnBiNyw/s400/IMG_5075.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jesse Post JP Pulling Productions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before every pull I like to take a deep breath and relax. I
just try to tell myself that this is my time to shine, and it's just me and my
truck.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">What are your goals as you head into your rookie season? </b><br />
My goal for each pull is to beat one more competitor than I did last time and hopefully have good finishes by the end of
the season.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">What did your dad tell you after you drove off the track? </b><br />
My dad told me when I drove off the track that I did a great job, which
meant a lot to me! My dad is my mentor and the person I look up to. Pulling is our thing together as we get to spend
a lot of time throughout the summer traveling, and I am so excited as we plan to pull together this
season.<b style="color: red;"> </b><br />
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<b style="color: red;">What advice would you give to the ten year old boy or girl who is dreaming of being in your shoes someday?</b><br />
Pay attention to the game and learn everything you can. <br />
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Special thanks to Grayson and Stan Shelton for sharing this story with Miles Beyond 300 and to Jesse Post of JP Pulling Productions for the photos. <br />
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Watch Grayson take a ride over the weekend, as well as his father's first pass of the season on Shel-Shocked! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM67DCHyWlE" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=IM67DCHyWlE</a><br />
<br />Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-39444107311702144432012-04-28T07:27:00.005-05:002012-04-28T07:27:59.863-05:00Mother Nature delays debut!Last night's exciting debut of the two modified tractors we revealed on Miles Beyond 300 was delayed by rains that swept in during the two wheel drive class. Four competitors of the sixteen entries made full pulls and were slated to come back to settle the score when in the middle of it all came a downpour. The four trucks were last years point's runner-up Brad Moss <b>Ridin Dirty</b>, the point's champion Jeremy Nelson <b>Speedco Midnight Gambler</b>, Jared Nelson <b>Midnight Revenger</b> and
John Mumma <b>After Midnight</b>. These four trucks split top honors as the focus will now move to Saturday Nights competition at the Saluda Young Farmers Spring Pull!<br />
<br /><b>Top Ten</b><br />
1 Brad Moss<br />
1 Jeremy Nelson<br />
1 Jared Nelson<br />
1 John Mumma <br />5th Tony Tatum<br />6th Jordan Nelson<br />7th Lisa Tatum Hardin<br />8th Chris Smith<br />9th Mark Austin<br />10th Wayne SullivanMiles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-12075097399832829742012-04-27T10:29:00.000-05:002012-04-27T13:23:37.144-05:00Long time coming!Ask any of their friends in the sport of pulling and you will hear the same story; the story of the Long Brother's discussing the topic of building a modified tractor for several years. However, it wasn't until the last couple of years that the discussion became serious. Very few people are as observant to the happenings of the modified class as Keith and Ricky have been over the last few years. Their attention became more focused when their close friend and competitor, Stan Shelton, decided to make the jump and build a mod to run with the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League. <br />
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The Long Brother's have been involved in the sport for over 30 years as their dad, Billy Long, competed out of Glasgow with a 540 International Super Stock tractor on alcohol. Shortly after Billy debuted his 540, Keith debuted an International 460 which he ran for many years on the circuit. Competing in the Super Stock class may have been Keith's introduction to tough competition, but his passion quickly turned to Two Wheel Drive Trucks. In the late 1980's, Keith debuted a Chevy S-10 known as <b>Long Gone</b>. The S-10 was campaigned from the late 1980's to the mid 1990's when Keith sold the truck and got a 23 T known as the <b>Varmit</b>. In 1993, Ricky Long made one of the best pulling choices he could make when he purchased his first two wheel drive truck from Billy Johns. Johns, a native Kentuckian, had made a name for himself on the national and state circuits with his hot pink Willy's known as <b>Willy Makit</b>. The name came with the truck, and from the early 90's until February 2012, Ricky was the pilot of one of the most recognized trucks in the sport,<b> Willy Makit</b>. In the late 90's, the Long's really began to hit their stride and became known as two tremendous threats at every event they rolled into, but the 90's were only an introduction of things to come. In 2000, Keith built a new Chevy S-10 known as the <b>Bullseye, </b>and he seemed to predict the future as that truck became one of the most revered trucks in the class. From 2007 to 2010, Ricky and Keith claimed three of the four Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour Titles. In 2010, they added to their program with a sweet running Chevy S-10 known as <b>Ridin Dirty. </b>Dirty, as the Long Brother's refer to it, has been one of the most consistent trucks in the class since its debut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Aj5eKGw3FnpnoScLc-a3wVDQVkqP63HWoQFuttSEfyqf5sUPYmsJmkeKojVFyenyBCcsbXFzpQSUURvYbfz9HDYOt6PzOTKl72HVA7OLGj3B8E9FXdkQxxEAXYQBBZPNheW60Qhxyws/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Aj5eKGw3FnpnoScLc-a3wVDQVkqP63HWoQFuttSEfyqf5sUPYmsJmkeKojVFyenyBCcsbXFzpQSUURvYbfz9HDYOt6PzOTKl72HVA7OLGj3B8E9FXdkQxxEAXYQBBZPNheW60Qhxyws/s320/010.JPG" width="191" /></a>In 2012, Ricky and Keith Long said good bye to an old friend and welcomed in a new. <b>Willy Makit</b> was sold to the Barbee family of Springfield, Tennessee to make room for a brand new toy the MavTV sponsored Modified. The chassis was built over the winter by Modern Machine in Van Buren, Indiana and will house four Miner Brothers racing Hemi's, which the Long's have become known for over the years. The excitement is building for the Long Brother's as they near the debut of their newest pulling machine tomorrow evening in Saluda, South Carolina. If history has anything to do with it, the Long's can find strength in the fact that their friend Stan Shelton won the points championship debuting a new tractor last year with the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, and they know they have found the winning combination before.<br />
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Throughout this process Ricky and Keith have worked to reaffirm one another that they have made the right choice in choosing to run a modified, but if you ask their father, chances are he would tell you that they are crazy!Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-75517753678610237492012-04-27T08:00:00.001-05:002012-04-27T08:06:09.381-05:00Big shoes to fill for the "Kentuckian"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is truly no doubt that one of the most recognized names in the sport of truck and tractor pulling is Sullivan, but what may even surpass their last name is their pulling vehicle's name, the <b>Kentuckian.</b> What began as a single engine modified with Rodeck power in the early seventies, grew to a three Rodeck combination in the nineties. When the final pass was made on the old <b>Kentuckian</b>, a new Super Modified Two Wheel Drive Truck was built that featured the all too familiar name. Understand that the driving force for the Sullivan Team and secret to success was their tight knit family. As the family continued to grow so too did the roster of capable drivers who were just waiting for a chance to jump into the seat of one the nationally renowned pulling machines they brought from Warsaw, Kentucky. Whether it was the single engine <b>Papa Smurf</b> or the Chevy S-10 aptly named the <b>Tuff Cookie</b> fans from around the country began to take notice of the entire family from the Bluegrass state.<br />
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The father of this pulling family was Hansel who got the ball rolling many decades ago and if he were here today, it is a certainty that he would be grinning from ear to ear with all that his namesakes have achieved. What began with a Ford tractor has grown exponentially over time. In the seventies the team relied heavily on who I refer to as Daddy, Wayne Sullivan, for the driving duties. In the eighties Wayne’s late brother Eddie jumped into the fun with his <b>Underdog </b>four wheel drive and <b>Underpup </b>two wheeler. Quickly on the heels of their Uncle Eddie were Wayne’s oldest boys Donnie and Danny. Donnie has piloted a large variety of vehicles from a single engine mod, a dual turbine and of course a barrage of Two Wheelers. Danny has been very active in the two wheel drive class since the late eighties having piloted the <b>Young Gun</b>, <b>Tuff Cookie.</b> and <b>Thumper</b> all before the two most recently family driven <b>Rentawreck</b> and <b>Hansel Sullivan Memorial </b>Chevy. In the mid nineties, Donnie and Danny introduced their little brother to the saddle of a blown two wheel drive in the form of the <b>Kentuckian</b> Chevy S-10. Paul darn near took the ring home with him from Bowling Green, Ohio in the very early stages of his driving career and from time to time finds himself in the saddle of his dad’s <b>Big Ed Red</b>. Waiting in the wings of this pulling dynasty is the fourth generation of drivers, Donnie’s son, Brandt. Brandt not only has spent a life time following his grandfather, uncles and father all over the country but he has also developed his own personality within the sport. It is certain that it is in his blood as he awaits his shot to bend the throttle over on one of his families’ vehicles very soon. </div>
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The name the <b>Kentuckian</b> has not been used by the Sullivan family for many years but in 2012, the name has been revived with a new Modified tractor. The tractor was constructed to compete in the Modified classes with the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour and the NTPA Grand National Light Unlimited class. Having been some of the forefathers of the modified class it is only right for them to find their way back to the saddle of a multi engine tractor. This weekend as the Champions Tour for the Lucas Oil series kicks off in Saluda, South Carolina, Wayne Sullivan will strap in for the maiden voyage of the new and improved <b>Kentuckian</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq01VGK5n7CViLaXQP13QNVTsKHM3-0aa1epvheeLk7obD8URyEdX_AH2AcQ-BxBH3R5j6dGAxqc7C7C8bVs39_IfCxFvt2xX8pcvILNa7sdKe7ZwJUKtMDGJhq4Bi2g1zCdt8Ww_OGpY/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq01VGK5n7CViLaXQP13QNVTsKHM3-0aa1epvheeLk7obD8URyEdX_AH2AcQ-BxBH3R5j6dGAxqc7C7C8bVs39_IfCxFvt2xX8pcvILNa7sdKe7ZwJUKtMDGJhq4Bi2g1zCdt8Ww_OGpY/s320/013.JPG" width="240" /></a><b>Tractor Specs </b><br />
The chassis was formerly owned and run by Ken Veney <b>Funny Farmall </b><br />
The
sheet metal was done by Ted and Tony Dibble at Binder Lite and is an
exact replica of the old Kentuckian, which featured a Massey Harris
shroud. <br />
Power will be found in the form of the 3 Hemi's mounted
right in front of the driver. The Sullivan's run a variation of a Sassy
Racing Engine.<br />
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<b> </b></div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-65747690705969825532012-04-26T07:57:00.000-05:002012-04-26T07:59:37.048-05:00Mod Reflection<br />
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This reflection will be dedicated to the powerhouse Modified Tractors and the brain children behind these awesome machines. Regardless of sanctioning body, affiliation with the sport or the level of experience one has in pulling, one commonality is true and that is the multi engine tractors are unreal! As a child, I remember watching the likes of Tim Engler, Paul Norman, John Hileman, Fast Fred Freeman and the legendary Art Arfons compete against one another for bragging rights and a sizeable cash prize. </div>
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Today this class truly seems to be one of the more popular classes in terms of growth with both the NTPA and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League showcasing large volumes of competitors registered to compete for the annual points championship.<br />
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<b>E-3 Sparkplug Modified's</b><br />
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We will kick things off in New London, North Carolina where the 2011 Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champion resides and has been finely tuned for a title defense. I won’t call 2011 a rookie season for Stan as he had a few years worth of experience in the class first with a three engine mod and then secondly with a four engine setup on his old chassis. Stan learned a lot in the first few years of his participation in the class and relayed all of that to his new Engler Chassis that he used to win the title. It is a certainty that Stan won’t be able to play the new guy card in 2012 as his Hemi powered <b>Shel-Shocked</b> is wearing a huge target on its chassis!<br />
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In February, Joe Eder found the winning combination on Saturday of the Farm Machinery Show to claim the Finals title. Eder, who debuted his 75<sup>th</sup> edition last season, is a big threat for the title that Shelton and Leischner will both be looking for. Traveling all the way from New York to reach the Champions Tour schedule may be a real daunting task for Eder, but if he can make it to the hooks, I see him in the hunt come Wheatland.<br />
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In Southern Illinois the Bunnage Brother’s reside and carry high hopes as they enter the 2012 season. A disappointing start to 2011 that saw them miss the first event of the season in Saluda, South Carolina due to horrific flooding on their family farm has provided them with additional incentive to recover their form from 2010. This may be the year that the boys from Golden Gate don’t settle for event wins but a title crown and painted helmet on the stage in Indianapolis.<br />
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One of the more overlooked competitors on the Champion’s Tour is Indiana’s own Scott Tedder and his <b>Mr. Twister</b>. Tedder is always in the mix of the point’s race and I see 2012 being no different if he commits to the full schedule. Tedder is listed on both the Pro Pulling League Champions Tour list as well as the NTPA Grand National Pre-Committ for the Modified and newly introduced Light Unlimited. Regardless of where he goes, Tedder will make his presence known!<br />
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I additionally have my eye on Keith and Ricky Long of Glasgow, Kentucky. The Long brothers have taken the step up to the Modified class after having spent decades behind the wheel of a Two Wheeler. The Longs will keep their focus on the Two Wheel Drive class as well but have the new introduction of their modified that will occupy a large chunk of their time. Only time will tell if these guys can run with the big threats for the title in 2012 but I firmly believe it is only a matter of time.<br />
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After a lot of reflection I have to say that this E-3 Sparkplug class may very well be the toughest on the circuit with Lucas. I know my original reflection pointed directly at the Pro Stocks, but as I write this I am blown away with the depth of this class.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">NTPA Grand National Mod</span></b></div>
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On the Grand National side of the docket the 2011 Champion is back on the list for a championship defense in 2012 and I believe he carries the title of the favorite heading into the season. Bret Berg of Minnesota has been very successful with his <b>Money Maker</b> and if the National Farm Machinery Show Preliminary was any indication, it appears that all systems are a go! Berg used a brilliant cross tracking approach to claim the win on Wednesday Night.<br />
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In Lapeer, Michigan there are two tough running tractors from the Jostock pulling stables. Bob has been a staple with his <b>Wild Child </b> for many years and should not be overlooked as a contender for the championship. The 2007 NTPA Modified Champion claimed a couple of wins on the Grand National circuit last season and will only need a few more this year to assure the title goes home with him. If it isn’t going home in the hands of Bob, it is certain he hopes his brother Terry and Jim Martell may fight to claim a title with the other team tractor. Had it not been for breakage after his first pass, the Jostocks might be riding into the season with the title of the NFMS Champion but Terry and the <b>Wild Won</b> were unable to come back in a pull-off against Joe Eder and thus they finished second on Saturday night.<br />
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New to last year’s points race was Doug Lively and his hemi powered <b>Bank Robber</b>. Lively from Iowa made a big splash in 2011 when he took top honors at the Wisconsin Dairyland Nationals in Tomah. Later in the season he found himself winning again at the Fort in Ohio. Lively is a veteran puller and after his first real experience with this tractor on the NTPA Grand National circuit it is clear he is a name to be considered for top billing.<br />
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Stonington, Illinois has not only become home to the Bollingers, but also to the Allison power plants they rely so heavily on. Their two tractor team of the <b>Money Pit </b> and <b>Top Gun </b> are season favorites year in and year out and deserve to be considered in the discussion for the season ending awards.<br />
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I don't know who will win the championships with either pulling organization but fans of the Modified Tractor division should be stoked for cage match battle royal to the finish! <br />
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<b>Modified Power Rankings</b><br />
The rankings for the Modified class were solely based on the two days worth of competition in Louisville.<b> </b>I have tried to follow the same points guideline for every class that I pre-ranked and with only one event to rank, there isn't much change. The next Modified Power Ranking will reflect several events on the Champions Tour as well as the Grand National opener for the mods. <br />
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1) Joe Eder 75th Edition<br />
2) Bret Berg Money Maker <br />
3) Terry Jostock Wild Won<br />
4) Bill Leischner Speedco Dirtslinger<br />
5) Bob Jostock Wild Child<br />
6) Wayne Purser Uncle Sam<br />
7) Stan Shelton Shel-Shocked<br />
8)The Bunnages Takes a Lickin<br />
9) The Stewarts Down and Dirty<br />
10) Scott Tedder Mr. Twister </div>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-63707013813798791502012-04-20T07:39:00.002-05:002012-04-20T07:39:29.851-05:00Pre-Commit Two Wheel DriveThe Super Modified Two Wheel Drive Truck class on both the NTPA and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Series have some of the largest numbers of any of the national touring classes. At any given point both the Grand National and Champions Tour events should have sixteen to twenty vehicles vying for the win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4jdU-z-JczzIZVim7vYkD0VbB4HKox88cmlI2AM0z9srBDPUjG2UsnrQw9cmOw9etLNqDSYPlKyyi9jhxdaEm6Yv41Mx7KOpSyR6aa1zuq03Vmpu0C5cEeIOrk9Maw0mryWKxpr3VUk/s1600/NFMS+Friday+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4jdU-z-JczzIZVim7vYkD0VbB4HKox88cmlI2AM0z9srBDPUjG2UsnrQw9cmOw9etLNqDSYPlKyyi9jhxdaEm6Yv41Mx7KOpSyR6aa1zuq03Vmpu0C5cEeIOrk9Maw0mryWKxpr3VUk/s400/NFMS+Friday+003.JPG" width="400" /></a>On the NTPA Grand National circuit the Petro Family finished with a strangle hold of the top three positions in the points. Lead by Randy <b>"Kathy's Complaint</b>" the Ohio natives will head to Hazel Green looking to jump start their season and advantage in the points standings. With the previous three championships having been claimed by either Randy or Jessie, it is clear that the Petro's will be very tough to beat! <br />
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In 2011, Doug Theobald introduced a brand new pulling truck, his <b>"Wicked</b>" Chevy S-10. The new truck took the Theobalds on one heck of a ride as Doug won four of the seven NTPA Major events: Tomah, Chapel Hill x2 , Enderle Pull-off. Doug, along with his wife Renee <b>"Pretty Wicked</b>" will look to build on a solid season last year as they hope to stake claim to their first NTPA Grand National title.<br />
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Another heavy hitter on the list is former Grand National points champion Chuck Knapp "<b>Back Forty"</b> of Iowa. Knapp was just ten points away from finishing in the top three in the championship hunt in 2011. I am not taking a real big risk when I say this but it is my firm belief that the championship will go home with one of these teams. Whether it is Ohio, Indiana, or Iowa is something we will have to wait to see. <br />
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Optima Battery Super Modified Two Wheel Drive Trucks<br />
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The Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League was truly dominated by two trucks on the Champions Tour in 2011. I honestly cannot think of a more dominating performance than the season that Jeremy Nelson had with his <b>"Midnight Gambler"</b>. New for 2012, Nelson welcomes Speedco Truck Lube and Tire as his title sponsor of his newly chopped 1941 Dodge panel van. Nelson and classmate Brad Moss<b> "Ridin Dirty</b>" claimed eleven of the thirteen Champions Tour events last season. Moss is scheduled to be competing in the Pro Stock class in 2012 and thus the driving chores of arguably the most consistent truck on the circuit over the last three seasons will fall back on Ricky Long of Glasgow, Kentucky. With Ricky and his brother Keith scheduled to be competing in the Modified tractor class with their new toy, I am anxious to see how they manage running both of their two wheel drive trucks. <br />
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Jordan Nelson was an event winner in Kilgore, Texas in 2011. The youngest Nelson brother has been a staple in the top 5 of the Champions Tour points and is just waiting for his break to claim top honors. With one of the Illinois boys claiming the title last year, the hopes of the team to defend the championship are really high.<br />
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In my opinion Donald Nelson and Mark Austin were two of the biggest surprises of the entire 2011 Champions Tour circuit. Nelson introduced the <b>"Lil Whip</b>" Chevy Colorado at the kickoff event in Saluda, South Carolina and later claimed a win in Hamburg, New York. The <b>"Lil Whip</b>" finished in the top five of the season- ending points and proved that the "good ol boy" from Texas is a true threat for a title. Austin of Ashmore, Illinois kicked off his 2011 season by narrowly missing the finals of the National Farm Machinery Show. Having added a Sassy Racing Engine to his Dodge for 2011 it was evident that the new combination really clicked for <b>"Gamblin After Dark"</b>.<b> </b> The Dodge was one of the most consistent trucks on the circuit and if Mark can occasionally steal a win he may find himself in the hunt come Wheatland. <br />
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New to the Pro Pulling League Pre-Commit list for 2012 is the Writsel Family of Orient, Ohio. With the incredible performance Jeff Writsel <b>"At it Again</b>" put together it would be incredible if the team was to chase the entire points series. If they choose not to, there is no question that Champions Tour competitors will take notice of the events that the guys from Ohio roll into with the previously mentioned <b>"At it Again"</b> and Ryan's Ford Ranger <b>"Lucky Stryke"</b>.<br />
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Below you will find my Power Rankings for the Two Wheel Drive class to kick off the season. There were many opportunities to gather points during the indoor season that I considered as well as factoring in the Champions from the points race last year. With just seven days remaining until the Champions Tour kicks off in Saluda, South Carolina, and six weeks before the NTPA Grand National hook in Hazel Green many folks will have an opportunity to move their way up in the rankings very shortly. <br />
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<b>Power Rankings </b><br />
<b>1) Jeff Writsel At it Again</b><br />
<b>2) John Mumma After Midnight</b><br />
<b>3) Randy Petro Kathy's Complaint</b><br />
<b>4) Tony Tatum Parts City </b><br />
<b>5) Doug Theobald Wicked </b><br />
<b>6) Jeremy Nelson Speedco Midnight Gambler </b><br />
<b>7) Jacob Fuqua Trax </b><br />
<b>8) Bill Oberste Missouri Gambler </b><br />
<b>9) Wayne Sullivan Big Ed Red </b><br />
<b>10) Long Motorsports Ridin Dirty </b>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-72852185935182457082012-04-16T21:24:00.001-05:002012-04-19T21:10:11.499-05:00Reflections on the Pre Commit Lists Pro Stock'sThe NTPA and Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League have released their coveted lists of Pre-Commit competitors for the upcoming season of competition. After a close look at both of them, I wanted to put a list of what jumped out at me together for the blog! That initial reflection as lead to a series of posts that will go up highlighting the classes! <br />
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Let me first state that these two lists are a bit different, the NTPA posts their list of the 10 competitors that will be a part of their program, but other competitors may have purchased a Grand National license with intent to compete for points. On the Pro Pulling League list, they limit their Champions Club which is for a set number of competitors, but they list all of the folks who registered for a Champions Tour membership. With NTPA they pay 10 pullers show up money, while the Pro Pulling League pays sixteen competitors in the majority of their classes. The show up money is an incentive that has really helped both organizations to retain members while increasing their following as the spots that receive the check for fuel are highly coveted.<br />
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For this blog, I will reflect on the Pro Stock Tractor Class! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Luca's Oil Pro Pulling League </span><br />
<b>Premier Crop Insurance Class </b><br />
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At first glance, the P.P.L. Premier Crop Insurance Pro Stock class truly caught my eye as one of the toughest I have ever seen. Let's start with last year's champion Stuart Maize and the <b>"Billet Binder".</b> Maize's consistency was a big key to his winning the points last year over the Linder Brothers. A big change for 2011 was the partnership between Maize and D&R Pulling. D&R has added another tractor to the list in the form of Dennis Schnitker and the "<b>Bite N Binder"</b> Case MX series tractor. That will put Maize, Dennis, Dennis' nephew Rodney's "<b>Melt Down"</b> and Dennis Schaubert's "<b>The Hunted"</b> all together to collaborate and relay information toward helping the team fight to win! There is safety in numbers and this group will have four attempts at claiming a title.<br />
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If last year proved anything in this category, it was that anybody could take the win on any given night on the Champions Tour in the Pro Stock class. I see this year being no different as the list just continues to grow with heavy hitters. I am excited to see the addition of Steve Boyd back on the list and look forward to seeing if he can find the winning formula he had in 2010. We will see if having the additional tractors was the key ingredient to the winning puzzle. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4ZEyz2zqKI0ahn5Qu5PGPpdTwttn5prKSaKvHg8Yhj_acgG2tV7HrX4LB3FqvNmRi1j5a8VSEoNnc6AtZ8l1n_cWaOxDs2JTAcW9TIBtalilS17qip4_fZSy0aLfbZkoiRUPOf-UleM/s1600/NFMS+Saturday+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4ZEyz2zqKI0ahn5Qu5PGPpdTwttn5prKSaKvHg8Yhj_acgG2tV7HrX4LB3FqvNmRi1j5a8VSEoNnc6AtZ8l1n_cWaOxDs2JTAcW9TIBtalilS17qip4_fZSy0aLfbZkoiRUPOf-UleM/s400/NFMS+Saturday+052.JPG" width="400" /></a>The <b>"Youngbuck" </b>team is back in full force for the 2012 campaign after missing a portion of the circuit in 2011. After a runner-up finish in 2010, is this the year that the men from Schochoh, Kentucky take the title back to the farm? When looking at my list of potential favorites for the title, I view the "<b>Youngbuck"</b> as one of the biggest threats to the title defense of Stuart Maize. Another big threat will come from last year's runner-up the <b>"Linder Brothers"</b> of Edison, Ohio. If the NFMS was any indication for the future, the Linders are poised to make a run at grabbing their first Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Championship.<br />
<br />
Additionally, I am very excited to see Warren, Illinois', Gary Brinkmeier and the <b>"Fuelish Pleasure" </b>Case International on the Champions Tour list. If Gary and his family run the full points circuit, it will add another big threat for the red fans! <br />
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<b>NTPA Grand National Pro Stock </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9MvhYa3jWBvQ5pimAWhXSKXERB2biT_jKjBGC1ttOMbFB7vrjzz8uaHMSQKQ75TuLgWzRO3YNXts7-2Px0DK8VNTAE0r1FqP5sDYlwY7RMV-q23RbzsK4kkccU7k_-v81vEEVakh2mU/s1600/NFMS+Saturday+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9MvhYa3jWBvQ5pimAWhXSKXERB2biT_jKjBGC1ttOMbFB7vrjzz8uaHMSQKQ75TuLgWzRO3YNXts7-2Px0DK8VNTAE0r1FqP5sDYlwY7RMV-q23RbzsK4kkccU7k_-v81vEEVakh2mU/s400/NFMS+Saturday+049.JPG" width="400" /></a>Last year the Schmuckers claimed the NTPA Grand National Title with their "<b>Rampage"</b> John Deere from Louisville, Ohio. The win was not necessarily a big surprise as the Father/Son Team had been very tough on the state circuit and at the selected Grand National events they ran. In 2012, the Schmuckers add to their team with the "<b>Git Er Dun Deere"</b>. This addition will only make these guys from Ohio a big threat for a title defense!<br />
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On the list of potential champions is the fan favorite Massey Ferguson, the "<b>Warpath"</b> of Carlton Cope. Over the last few years there might not be a competitor that has gained more ground on the National circuit than Carlton Cope.<br />
<br />
The Cains of New Palestine, Indiana, will bring their two tractor team into the title race after a busy off season, which saw them build a new "<b>Ace's Wild"</b> for Chris to drive. Tim Cain <b>"Red Gambler"</b>, the 2009 NTPA Grand National Champion and his son Chris will look to bring the title back to the Hoosier state and the International fans.<br />
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Additionally carrying the red banner on the NTPA Grand National circuit will be the welcome back tour for pulling legend Rob Russell and his "<b>Work Horse</b>" out of the state of Iowa. Russell came out for the 2011 season and did a great job of dialing in the new tractor. If history has any indication on the present, this former Super Stock power may be a big threat for the title. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwDiKCGg091FK_RjWXM_q8vPUwY48zyHoOwlpcjPVohEOr9qPPGp7klC7h6EEBLf8Zsm_cv9jRB-A97M5ijVAwVQZ_TmiprqXzKq7A9cNZLp6jKuOyUY_bqQ74lOii8ay1TCNR0jCJ1k/s1600/IMG_3080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwDiKCGg091FK_RjWXM_q8vPUwY48zyHoOwlpcjPVohEOr9qPPGp7klC7h6EEBLf8Zsm_cv9jRB-A97M5ijVAwVQZ_TmiprqXzKq7A9cNZLp6jKuOyUY_bqQ74lOii8ay1TCNR0jCJ1k/s400/IMG_3080.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Jake Morgan Pulloff.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am excited to introduce a new feature that I hope to update throughout the pulling season of 2012 in the form of Power Rankings. On a weekly basis during the college sports season there are weekly poll's published which rank the top teams within the respective sport! This idea was something that I had pondered, but it wasn't until a discussion with Jesse Post of JP Pulling Productions that I decided to try and do a poll. Within the NCAA there are many polls that fans can look for their favorite team such as the ESPN, the Coaches poll, USA Today and the AP to name a few. These rankings are purely for fun, but I feel it may add another unique element to the sport.<br />
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Below you will find the first Power Ranking for the Pro Stock Tractor Class. The rankings for the first poll were based upon the indoor pulling season results and the final standings from the 2011 pulling season!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Power Rankings</b><br />
1) Mike Linder- Linder Brother's John Deere <br />
<br />
2) Ken Couch- Cotton Pickn Deere John Deere<br />
3) The Schmuckers- Rampage John Deere <br />
4) Moss and Stratton- Youngbuck John Deere <br />
5) Carlton Cope- Warpath Massey Ferguson <br />
6) David Justison- John Deere 6030<br />
7) Ross Boersen- Greenline Express John Deere<br />
8) Jeff Sapp- Big Country John Deere<br />
9) Blaine Stamm- Stammpede International<br />
10) Bryce and Calvin Vangenderen- John Deere<br />
<br />
<br />Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-23312593525776434682012-04-04T08:47:00.000-05:002012-04-04T08:47:08.710-05:00Whats in a Name?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever reflected about the power that a pulling vehicles name can possess within our sport? I find myself fascinated by the names that pullers give their vehicles on a daily basis and often try to research why the name was settled upon. For this topic, I reached out to pullers through Facebook and the pulling message boards with the hope they may be willing to share their story and though I did not share all of the wonderful stories that I received, I did use the information that I got to defend my thoughts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe that a name can fall into one of many themes, some of those themes are; Names that are Team oriented, Names developed to show pride or allegiance to a state or city, Names based on loyalty to a brand, Lyrics to songs, sponsorship influence, profession and occupation of the driver. I understand that not every puller is motivated by one of these topics but a large majority fall into this framework. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Names as part of a Team</b>-</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many teams are building an additional truck or are adding to their already existing program. In doing so the theme used for their other team vehicles may weigh heavily on their decision to keep the team cohesive. I understand that this is not the case with every team out there but it has become common with many. Building on the existing theme only helps to restore the identity that has already been created by the team. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hometown/Home State</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pulling is a nationwide sport and that brings the element of great pride to the fans in the stands. Many pullers have followed the trend to name a pulling vehicle to show their love for their home territory. Additionally, states have also adopted a mascot or slogan, which our sport hasn't wasted any time in embracing to utilize for a name. Being an avid fan of college athletics, I love how a team can have such an influence on a community, which comes into effect tremendously right now with the March Madness excitement. I find nothing more thrilling than hearing the fans support someone who is pulling from their home state. Now if we can get the fans of pulling to create a "Big Blue Nation" or a "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" for the competitors, we will be in great shape. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Occupation/Name </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuYQbrR0wZ0bHJM4Xz2VF1drzBB0QBd4dQ0AJyDa9JjkWjTG7zkXQWzWJZbWX13ZEm0rFzUDBXq_i9an98z-_22cl3I2thEf2749KYb5e6MeYENawsEjEuPXTVxo8cmIrqZSBJHC6Mns/s1600/10317_852870159338_13716359_48972746_7894270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuYQbrR0wZ0bHJM4Xz2VF1drzBB0QBd4dQ0AJyDa9JjkWjTG7zkXQWzWJZbWX13ZEm0rFzUDBXq_i9an98z-_22cl3I2thEf2749KYb5e6MeYENawsEjEuPXTVxo8cmIrqZSBJHC6Mns/s400/10317_852870159338_13716359_48972746_7894270_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the sport has evolved, so to have the names of pulling vehicles. Pullers have truly learned to think outside of the box when it comes to naming and have found many ways to play on words to portray their point. Todd and Tarry Feiss have developed their names based on two common themes; their last name and their profession. Todd and Tarry own a skiing lodge in Indiana known as Perfect North and when their son suggested they name their economy modified the "S'no-Farmer", it just made perfect sense. In the years that followed the Feiss's have added more to their pulling arsenal in the form of the "S'no Farmer Extreme" Modified that Todd runs with the OSTPA and NTPA, as well as the aptly named "Feelin Feissty" and "Hoosier Avalanche". "Feelin Feissty" is a play on their last name and fits the Chevy SSR Two wheel drive just perfectly, while the "Hoosier Avalanche" is actually a name that Todd and Tarry borrowed from a fellow competitor but felt it fit perfectly for the truck that Tarry drives throughout the summer. As they look to the future, the same concept of naming will hold true for them when the family introduces the "Feissty Farmer", the stable mate to the ever growing "S'no Farmer Extreme".</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Brand Loyalty</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Domann's of Winchester, Kansas have made a name for themselves over the years with their Hurricane Allis. The name carries a double meaning for the Domann's as at the time of naming their tractor any Hurricane in the world was named after women (Alice), plus Allis shows their deep loyalty to the Allis Chalmers brand.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Domann's classmate Stuart Maize and his Billet Binder bring again a double meaning to the name, as it shows loyalty to the brand of International with the Binder name but also makes reference to one of the advancements in the sport of the Billet Blocks. The Billet Binder is a name with brand related ties that has developed a tremendous following over the last few years.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Song Lyrics</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 2011 Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Speedco Truck Lube and Tire Pro Modified Four Wheel Drive champion falls into this category with the vehicle aptly being named; "Gun Powder and Lead". The Hagedorns of Thompson, Missouri share the name of their truck with a chart topping song by country music's IT girl, Miranda Lambert. Music is a form of expression and it is clear that pulling fans and competitors like their music. Finding inspiration in a song lyric occurs for people throughout the world on a daily basis, and I firmly believe that relating to a song is a great way to reach out to a fan base! </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDJEAzb5L2GJ5-H6sdQ0ubErx9x0MrYyTZZF1veyOuwUdf0MFXaxw9vn4_DLI3CyG1uiazby_V_spcyt7yAqcfAYGF07Xtmd3YDW2nLQjSU3aYd22XSL6B_H4AevGgB7JPUL-Xux2tYA/s1600/bg06j-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDJEAzb5L2GJ5-H6sdQ0ubErx9x0MrYyTZZF1veyOuwUdf0MFXaxw9vn4_DLI3CyG1uiazby_V_spcyt7yAqcfAYGF07Xtmd3YDW2nLQjSU3aYd22XSL6B_H4AevGgB7JPUL-Xux2tYA/s400/bg06j-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Miscellaneous </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Additionally a puller may find motivation based on their transition into the sport or their class as is the case for Jim Webb and the "Red Headed Stepchild". When the team made the decision to move to the NTPA Grand National circuit, they did not have the powerplant that many of their competitors may have had in the class. It was determined by the team that they would feel like the "Red Headed Stepchild" of the class but as time has passed, the team has far exceeded the image their tractor's name portrays. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What can a name do? </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Names carry a lot. In NASCAR we associate a driver's name with the vehicle number or sponsors that they are associated with, but in pulling the recognition is aimed toward the vehicle's name. When pullers reflect on what to title their machine, they should truly consider the idea that they will be known by this name for many years to come. Many fans can't tell you the driver of a pulling vehicle but with ease they can shout with pride their favorite machine. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Let's make our pullers Super Heroes </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those who follow the Dirt Late Model Circuit are quite familiar with the nicknames of the drivers on their circuit. Though I feel pulling is associated by the vehicle name, I do think that the nicknames given to the late model drivers allow one to differentiate within a wide world of motorsports. The nickname becomes an alias or almost a super hero persona that the driver becomes. I can just see it now. How cool would it be for puller's to develop their own alias? For instance the "Wauseon Warrior Jim Holman" or the "Schochoh Showstopper Brad Moss?" Having these personas gave the fans yet another reason to ask the question: "How did they get this nickname or why"? I firmly believe that if we can truly engage the fans of the sport then why not create an additional opportunity for an impression for the folks that are in the stands? I am hoping that over the course of the pulling circuit in 2012, that I can help the rookies develop a nickname that the fans will be able to embrace to help grow the following of each individual. Wouldn't you like to meet New London, North Carolina's own "Axman, Hacksaw, or the Radial-Man" Grayson Shelton, the pilot of the General Tire Cutting Edge? If a fan can find a means to relate, then we have done our jobs in the sport of pulling. Every fan is just looking to be influenced. It is often the name or unique style of the vehicle that draws folks in but maybe the nickname can help to wrangle folks into one team's environment. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Snake</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaDJWA2i5dvLj31S-9VdDAr5TbkunGRVQfpb9ghyphenhyphennCM7IA2qs5XbK-dDBF2vLA5QYruIukw3G-uU9KVlXfixkxN9RHpLxmTtysFn8sMnp6efg-vr0pQdr5HYM75qELp7ALKVBumLzd0M/s1600/misc.+pictures0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaDJWA2i5dvLj31S-9VdDAr5TbkunGRVQfpb9ghyphenhyphennCM7IA2qs5XbK-dDBF2vLA5QYruIukw3G-uU9KVlXfixkxN9RHpLxmTtysFn8sMnp6efg-vr0pQdr5HYM75qELp7ALKVBumLzd0M/s400/misc.+pictures0003.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">As a fan of pulling, I have always loved the message that a name can portray! I have witnessed firsthand how popular a specific vehicle can be and the name recognition that accompanies it. Writing this blog, I often refer to my childhood which was spent in the sport! I remember the following that John Lorenz of Fresno, Ohio carried when he drove his International Harvester Pro Stocker. When I close my eyes I can almost hear the fans of Bowling Green starting with a very slow and lightly chanted "Snake". As the International began to get ready to pull the chant got louder and more frequent, "Snake, Snake, Snake, Snake, Snake". This scenario truly epitomizes the power of a name when 20,000 fans are chanting the vehicle's name in unison just as the tractor spoils up on the International's screaming horses. In today's pulling culture, I don't believe there is a name that truly captivated an audience like the "Sneaky Snake" did in the eighties and nineties.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Names that have captured me or an audience over the years! </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Whadjathink</b>- The late Jake Owen campaigned this Chevy for a year as part of the HOT Motorsports Team. The next season he changed the name and the truck over to Outrage but Whadjathink always captured my mind as I love the idea of a question as a title.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Willy Makit-</b> Arguably the most recognizable two wheel drive truck and name in the sport in the last two decades has been a staple of the Long Motorsports Team. Ricky and Keith purchased the Willy's from Billy Johns of Adairville, Kentucky and campaigned the truck with a few upgrades and changes until the end of 2011. In early 2012, the truck was purchased by Bob Barbee of Full Pull Motorsports and will be driven by his wife. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6GPmRswTjEVY9SEiKbnXKONjoMPZbM7qSTEmNHbSVgcRiSkMXDAw40Rn0mu2qyAY9lULqm5SP8E_ff5lDmrQpvad2JiXHsDNi-j7XWAWkGPq3-vOh2uRhiQdk1eiPILBTC-tnq-rO_A/s1600/bg87r-ell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6GPmRswTjEVY9SEiKbnXKONjoMPZbM7qSTEmNHbSVgcRiSkMXDAw40Rn0mu2qyAY9lULqm5SP8E_ff5lDmrQpvad2JiXHsDNi-j7XWAWkGPq3-vOh2uRhiQdk1eiPILBTC-tnq-rO_A/s400/bg87r-ell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Fancy Farmer</b>- The late Robert Elliott pulled his modified from the area of Mayfield or Fancy Farm, Kentucky from the early eighties to the mid nineties. Robert was a big threat with his mod and later moved on to a Two Wheeler known as Ol Blue when he finished his pulling career with a slew of Grand National event wins.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mr. Sparkle</b>- The late Glenn Davis drove the heck out his Chevy S-10 known as Mr. Sparkle. Glenn was from Hollywood, Florida and truly was considered a threat at any pull he arrived at.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Honkin Donkey-</b> The Hathaway's of Pennsylvania are now back in the sport in the form of Mini Rod's but for years they campaigned a two wheel drive by the name of the Honkin Donkey. I fell in love with the name and for the trick on the back of truck that promotes the Hathaway's Donkey Farms.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Odd Couple</b>- Joe Eder was one of the more dominant puller's in the era of this tractor. The Odd Couple spoke of the motor combination that he ran with his modified out of the state of New York. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL96Avkpo0_ZClTXSi1gBhDxsSpHuut_iQa2rQPryxxCUxhC_hu4F675yhH0apZWfrirBfWWFcnl3zefFRBqVzdN2Cqxzel3TuzR0haXKjwa92MLDVE_EOR6VeS8uHpCWcnZ94SuayWJE/s1600/bg05b-bod2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL96Avkpo0_ZClTXSi1gBhDxsSpHuut_iQa2rQPryxxCUxhC_hu4F675yhH0apZWfrirBfWWFcnl3zefFRBqVzdN2Cqxzel3TuzR0haXKjwa92MLDVE_EOR6VeS8uHpCWcnZ94SuayWJE/s400/bg05b-bod2.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Studley Studebaker</b>- The late Jon Boden was the pilot of this aptly name pulling machine from the Buckeye state. The Studebaker was quite Studley as it helped raise tremendous awareness of the Super Modified Four Wheel Drive class not only on the state level but the national circuit. Jon's wife Patty ran the stablemate to Studley known as the Green Machine and the nineties and early two thousand's the Boden's were a potent force. Their son Bob later took the reigns of the program as his father's health declined but I will never forget just how awesome the Green Studebaker was and what a fitting name it had! </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Shotgun Red</b>- The running mate to my vote for the all time most recognized name the "Sneaky Snake", "Shotgun Red" was driven by John Wilkins of Fresno, Ohio. The "Shotgun Red" 3688 International was a highly decorated tractor with many NTPA Grand National Titles and Super National wins with the USHRA and NTPA Circuit. "Shotgun Red" was actually a puppet that was made famous by co-hosting the show Nashville Now on TNN. Today, the puppet is still very popular and so too is the name in the pulling world.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Orange Blossom Special</b>- What has actually served as anthem for Bluegrass musicians throughout the world describing the train known as the "Orange Blossom Special", also captured the hearts of pulling fans in the eighties when Allen Gaines brought his two wheel drive Chevy to a pull. Gaines later built a late thirties series Chevy for exhibition only and that truck will forever be carrying it's wheels through my mind like the fiddle in the song makes me sway!</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some of Todays more recognized names- </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silver Bullet- Jordan Lustik-84, Pennsylvania Unlimited Super Stock </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Redline Fever- Esdon Lehn- Dayton, Minnesota Diesel Super Stock </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">American Thunder- Bill Voreis Argos, Indiana Unlimited (May not be competing in 2012) </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4Play- Jim and Paul Holman- Wauseon, Ohio Four Wheel Drive </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Footloose- Larry Koester- Wadesville, Indiana MiniRod </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dirtslinger- Bill Leischner- Weldon, Illinois Modified </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>For years I have often reflected on what I would name my own pulling vehicle if the day or time came that I was to own one.<span> </span>In all of my reflections the same name sticks out continually and that is the name “Motor Mouth”.<span> </span>For those of you that know me on a personal level you understand that is a play on words based on the fact that I love to talk and do so quite often at pulls with a microphone in my hand.<span> </span>Though I have yet to settle on what my nickname might be with my resent move to Evansville, Indiana, I had settled on a name in previous home of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.<span> </span>The Cape Crusader was certainly a name that I felt was fitting for a super hero type persona but now it is back to the drawing board for names.<span> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>There are so many wonderful pulling names out there and these are just a few that popped into my mind while working on this story. I would like to generate a running list of names based on the feedback we receive on this story and maybe work our way to voting on the most popular name in pulling. </span>As always I appreciate you reading and I hope you will share your comments on some of your favorite names of pulling vehicles either on here in the comments section or on the Miles Beyond 300 Facebook page.<span> </span></span></span></div><b><br />
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<b><i>Photo Credit to Dan Mayer/Jeff Luckey/Mike Walker/Tarry Feiss</i><br />
</b>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3673846871700684600.post-78234679382132861932012-03-21T23:15:00.000-05:002012-03-21T23:15:09.504-05:00Pulling exists outside of my bubble!The 2012 National Farm Machinery Show was an eye opening experience for me and my project of Miles Beyond 300. As the week went along, I met numerous people who expressed an interest in talking with me about pulling in their respective communities, however it was one conversation that truly opened my eyes. Let me firstsay that I have not purposely lived in the bubble that I do but I feel I have had blinders on as I have grown accustomed to my pulling community, which doesn't really stray from the midwest. Growing up I traveled with my dad to events on the TNT circuit, SRO, USHRA, NTPA, ATPA, KTPA and Bluegrass Pullers. To me, pulling really didn't exist outside of these markets and as the NTPA continued to grow and the Pro Pulling League formed, I never strayed too far from what I knew. I did get a strong introduction to the Outlaws over the summer of 2005 and 2006 and additionally in those years I learned about one of the most strongly independent state organizations in the form of the ITPA. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc8cUPfvuUptBXs3tLSAPmloXjpUlWPXtLu5J2fF9Gjp1YaYIQ2pGpQcWTXjI_9pu2nt_UE7KDoYj2E6TvXitnfeBOeXdtf6zmUHu5tc7G5uhvhklhiU6Jnmdo4P483wAbelE6kKETO0/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc8cUPfvuUptBXs3tLSAPmloXjpUlWPXtLu5J2fF9Gjp1YaYIQ2pGpQcWTXjI_9pu2nt_UE7KDoYj2E6TvXitnfeBOeXdtf6zmUHu5tc7G5uhvhklhiU6Jnmdo4P483wAbelE6kKETO0/s400/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>On Friday Afternoon in Louisville, I spent over an hour learning about the United Pullers. For those of you who may live in a bubble just like I do, the United Pullers is a western based pulling organization which sanctions events throughout the Rocky Mountains, reaching the states of Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Washington, New Mexico and Alberta, Canada. In the club they currently have a membership of nearly 250 competitors. Due to the lack of events, the United Pullers has to travel to where they can find a fair in which to hook and that requires the competitors to spend a good amount of seat time in transit to the events. Every class that the organization sanctions will run at each of the events which raises the total number of hooks to between eighty and one hundred per event.<br />
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Thanks to the president of the organization Skyler Neibaur for pulling the blinders off my eyes and introducing me to a great show that currently exists that I did not know about. Skyler, his father and a couple other representatives of the United Pullers made their way to Louisville for the first time in 2012. The idea of competing at the prestigious NFMS is something that the folks from the United Pullers would like to consider, but the setup they require at home on their circuit is quite different from what they would need to run in Louisvile. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu1VFznB65ffWgIBq_Ll9iCxWYZVbMd5TAecGxaLJ6IQcp3dayO9LvYAn_vmHV_Gkjd0ijHo2w92gkvkGZ3LI3BTaFEQB3l1THAwt7Fvxd-ht3OzGKRpApdz4I5amjuZKFCg3EH8XAis/s1600/Afton-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu1VFznB65ffWgIBq_Ll9iCxWYZVbMd5TAecGxaLJ6IQcp3dayO9LvYAn_vmHV_Gkjd0ijHo2w92gkvkGZ3LI3BTaFEQB3l1THAwt7Fvxd-ht3OzGKRpApdz4I5amjuZKFCg3EH8XAis/s400/Afton-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The United Pullers are faced with the idea of pulling on sand and at altitude on a daily basis, with only one event on the schedule being contested below 4000 feet of elevation. The approach they apply is such that they have no weights on the front of their two wheel drive trucks, while boasting several layers of weights on the back of the truck. To get the grip they need they have to pack the back of the truck so that the two rear tires will bite. Once the tires bite, there are no weights on the front to prevent the truck from wheelies so the tuning technique and driving style are of the utmost importance. <br />
As is the trend with many pulling organizations, the United Pullers have seen significant growth and attendance in their Diesel Pickup classes (Superstreet, 2.6 and 3.0). With the increase in the diesel classes, the United Pullers have found themselves with many sponsorship opportunities coming forward from companies within the diesel industry. Another exciting sponsorship has come in the form of new title sponsor, Edge Products. Edge Products is known for aftermarket performance electronics not just for diesel vehicles but also gas cars and trucks. <br />
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If you are a fan of pulling and are looking for a unique organization that brings the entire package to the fairgrounds week in and week out, look no further than the United Pullers. Pulling is wonderful wherever it is being contested but wouldn't it be cool to experience it a mile high? <br />
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To learn more about the United Pullers please visit their website by clicking the link! <br />
<a href="http://www.unitedpullers.net/" target="_blank">United Pullers </a>Miles Kriegerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10948184197789528981noreply@blogger.com0