G-MAN
09-26-2002 07:42:26
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Re: Re: do Div. V tractors really belong in antique/classic pulling in reply to bill, 09-25-2002 18:00:40
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I agree with a few of your comments, Bill, but let's not forget about how tractor pulling itself got started - as a way for farmers to have fun and gain bragging rights on their FARM tractors, not some highly modified machine that is suited for nothing but going down the track. I like seeing the big boys run, but I also like seeing tractors that were pulling a disk the day before pulling, too. Antique tractors are nothing more than old FARM tractors - regardless of how much they're modified. The overwhelming majority of antique pullers are the guys that are tinkering with Grandpa's old tractor or are just in it for fun. They have neither the time, money or inclination to spend multiple thousands of dollars on an custom engine, aluminum wheels, fancy paint, and so on. They might make it to a few local pulls, but time, money, jobs and other considerations prevent them from making it to all the big events. Why should these pullers pulling basically stock or slightly modified tractors have to compete against somebody's old Division IV or V tractor that is no longer good enough for that class, and has to be moved down to be competitive? I agree that tractor pulling is supposed to be a competitive sport in some respects, but it's also supposed to be a hobby that everyone involved can enjoy. But like all motorsports, it's becoming a contest for the guys with the most money. I generally have a lot more fun at what I call the "good ole boy pulls", where most of the tractors are working tractors, than I do at full-blown sanctioned pulls. I could care less if I win or lose, but I know there are probably hundreds of guys who have given up antique pulling because they just didn't have the means to compete with the big dogs, and got tired of losing all the time. That sort of thing hurts the entire hobby. My two cents.
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