By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
HOULTON – Motor sports are ranked in the top five of the most watched in the United States, and truck pulling is very familiar to the Houlton State Agricultural Fair. It’s back this year again at 5 p.m. on July 3 at Community Park.
Contributed photograph
PULLS – Steve Haines of Phillips pulls with Black Gold during a recent truck pull event in Skowhegan.
This year, the truck pulls will be in honor of James Westerdahl, who was known as a great competitor, spectator and friend, said Jere Humphrey, president of Northern Penobscot Pullers Association. “He was among the best two-wheel drive super stock drivers,” he added.
Starting in 2006, the winner of the 6,000-pound two-wheel drive super stock in the Westerdahl Memorial Pull takes home a traveling trophy, provided by Carol, Josh, Jason and the Westerdahl family.
Since its inception in 1979, truck pulling has garnered a large following of spectators. The NPPA has conducted truck pulls at the Houlton State Agricultural Fair for a majority of 20 years.
“The typical spectator draw varies depending on the size of the community where truck pull event is being held,” Humphrey explained. “But, generally we have a capacity crowd at the pulls because it’s a once a year, basically held during the annual agricultural fairs.”
The NPPA averages a little more than 66 competitors in its 10 statewide events.
Motor sports of all varieties are costly, and truck pulling is not different if a driver wants to stay competitive against others.
The modified classes are the most expensive to get into and finish at the top, said Humphrey.
It is not uncommon to spend $35,000 or more just on the engine, which is approximately 650cc, averaging 1,000-1,400 horsepower.
“It can cost differently for each person, but there is regular maintenance practices, which average $2,500 minimum per season,” Humphrey said.
Event street stock vehicles are becoming expensive to maintain as the level of competition continues to rise each season, said Humphrey.
The purse is no where even close to the investments made into these pulling vehicles, which can run an owner $50,000 or more.
Truck pulling is divided into several classifications, depending upon the vehicle, such as Street stock, Pro Stock Diesel, Super stock, Modified, Women’s or semi-trucks.
The purpose of pulling these high-priced “toys” is to see which driver can move the weight transfer sled — which is attached to the vehicle by a 48-inch chain— the farthest in each division on a 310-foot long, 35-foot wide track.
Now, some may think it foolish to put that much money into something that could easily break, but pride is on the line.
“People are involved in truck pulling mostly as a hobby, just as we all have favorite activities,” said Humphrey. “Originally pulling started as “out-do your neighbor,” lately with the extreme level of competition, it is to see who gets “bragging rights,” at a high cost.”
Several local competitors will be at tomorrow night’s event, including three-time points champion Carl Watson driving the Brookside Special in the Pro Stock Diesel division; Most Improved driver Barry Dow in the Intimidator for the two-wheel drive Super Stock, along with Tim McAtee in Scrap Iron.
“Some drivers have been pulling for years or have taken over from previous family members,” Humphrey noted. “ The NPPA awards points each week on drivers’ performances. We have approximately 65 active members from all over the state, Canada, Vermont and Rhode Island that might possibly attend (a pull).”
Other well-known drivers, include eight-time points champion Humphrey in White Lightnin’ in the four-wheel drive Super Stock division, along with Mark Drost in Fools’ Gold, previously owned by Roy Stevens, in the two-wheel drive Super Stock; 2006 Points Champ Mitch Harris driving Mega Ram in the four-wheel drive Modified and the last three year points champion in the two-wheel drive Modified division, Lee Wood in Half Pint.
But each of the drivers will be confronted by sled operator Randy Reeves, who will attempt to “shut down” each vehicle as they pull.
Organizers are hoping that people come out to show their support for the NPPA and its volunteers, who support the sport of truck pulling, not just locally, but statewide, as a professional non-profit group.
“People will be surprised to see advancement of the trucks over the years,” said Humphrey. “And, people might recognize local drivers they know, competing for the ultimate.”
Truck pulling is presented to each community once a year, and drivers/owners take pride in readying their vehicles to compete against others and put on a dynamic show for those in attendance.
“We have 16 truck pulls scheduled throughout the state from Ashland as far south as Cumberland,” Humphrey said. “This year, we are also offering ATV classes to pull throughout the evening, along with several truck classes.”