Abengoa Bioenergy of Nebraska 35955 Navaho Rd. Ravenna, NE 68869

Nebraska Truck and Tractor Pullers

THE HISTORY OF THE NeTTPA 

It all began in 1970. A large group of pullers from across the state got together to start the association. They had their work cut out for them. They had to decide what and how many classes to run, rules for the classes, purse payout, and other areas of the association to numerous to list. They first started out with the Super Stock tractor classes and Hot Rod or Modified tractor classes. They basically set their rules back then on a Mile Per Hour basis on the vehicles. The maximum allowed was 7 MPH (WOW have things changed). They basically set their rules in accordance with the National Tractor Pullers Association.

Cubic inch limitations were far smaller than those of today's tractors. For instance a 5500# Super Stock Tractor was limited to a maximum of 285 cubic inches. Today's 6000# Super Stock Tractors are limited to 505 cubic inches. There were also turbo charger limitations. Today's Super Stock Tractors are limited to 4 turbos of any size. Alcohol was something that had not been done to a lot to the tractors back in the 70's. They experimented with running tractors on gasoline assisted by alcohol. As the technology advanced with the times, alcohol was used as the primary fuel. Today you see many of the Super Stocks being campaigned, run on alcohol only. They are able to increase the horse power of the engines when they run on alcohol. You can't tell the difference when watching these tractors. They do not have the classic black smoke that the diesel powered tractors do. Alcohol is now also being used in many of our pickups.

The sleds that were used were also very different  than sleds you see today. The first sled used was a "manned" sled. What does that mean? Well they set chairs along side of the track at about 2 feet apart and people would sit on those chairs. As the sled went down the track the person at the chair at that point of the track would step on the sled all the way down the track until the tractor stopped. This is how they increased the weight on the sled. Today's sleds are very different than those of the 70's. The sleds are self-propelled, have brakes and gears, and are equipped to add and take off weights in the weight box. Besides I don't think anyone would be willing to step on the side of a sled today. The power has increased in the vehicles as quickly as the times.

There have been changes in classes over the 33-year span. Currently we have eight classes of vehicles: 6000 lb., 7700 lb. Super Stocks, 8500 lb. and 9500 lb. Limited Pro-Stock Tractors. 5500 lb., 6500 lb. Two Wheel Drive Pickups, 5500 lb., 6500 lb. Four Wheel Drive Pickups.

We are a very family oriented group of pullers. Safety is a big concern to all of our pullers. Each class has a specific set of safety rules to follow and are checked by elected Tech Officials. All vehicles have a fire extinguisher on board, kill switches, and a back up light. All drivers are required to wear fire-proof driving suits, gloves and shoes. Helmets and seat belts are also required. The Super Stock classes and the Limited Pro-Stock classes are required to have roll over protection devices (roll bars) on their tractors. These are also teched to make sure they are built durable enough to hold the weight of the tractor in case of a roll over.

We all enjoy Pulling down that 300-foot track. We all like to win but we understand that only one person will win the class. Maybe next time. We pull all over the state of Nebraska. We are always looking for new promoters that enjoy working with our older ones. Putting on a pull is not an easy task. We put on the show but the promoters have to get the spectators there. They also have to provide us with a track, lots of pit area, and tractors to maintain the track. This is not an overnight setup, it takes weeks and months of preparation. We do pull for a purse at our pulls. Now you may be thinking "well they do it for the money". That's not exactly true, we are lucky if we break even at the end of the season. And that is a rare occurrence. All of the vehicles you see pulling take a lot of specialized parts. And very many of those parts include a hefty price tag. We all run for points at each pull. At the end of the year we have a banquet and give out awards to the top five pullers in each class. Needless to say we finally have a fun evening without changing weights, checking tires or repairing vehicles.

We have a few veteran pullers that have been pulling since the 70's. Our announcer, Jim Puckett use to pull many years ago but has retired from the pulling end but continues to stay very involved with the  association as our announcer. Von Jurjens is also a veteran puller who is still campaigning a Super Stock Tractor. He calls it Sneaky Snake. Lyle Nelson is also a veteran member and also our senior member (at 78 years young). He campaigns a 3688 Black International Super Stock Tractor. He calls it the Born Loser. Jim, Von and Lyle have all done many things with the tractors over the years including increasing the horse-power to stay competitive. All of them have also been past officers in the association.

Over the last 33 years there have been many changes with classes and vehicles. The association has had to progress with the times and technology. We have remained successful and will continue to with the support of our pullers, promoters, and numerous fans. Hope to see you at track-side.