Truck, tractor pull contests draw hundreds of spectators

View larger image Michael Duncan, of Shenandoah Junction, W.Va., drives his truck down the track during the 8050 Pro Diesel group of the truck and tractor pull event Friday at the Frederick County Fair. Below, Tara Summers covers the ears of her son, David Summers, 16 months, as they watch the event. Andrew Thayer/Daily View larger image View larger image Jason Lambert, of Verona, drives his truck down the track during the 8050 Pro Diesel group of Friday’s truck and tractor pull event. Andrew Thayer/Daily View larger image The crowd watches the competition during the Truck and Tractor Pull event. Andrew Thayer/Daily

By Alex Bridges -- abridges@nvdaily.com

STEPHENSON -- Extra speed costs money in truck and tractor pull contests.

But competitors like Ray Morris have found the class and speed they enjoy most. Morris, of California, Md., joined a dozen other tractor pull competitors Friday night at the Frederick County Fair.

Dragon MotorSports Inc. brought its combination of truck and tractor pull contests to the fairgrounds, drawing hundreds of spectators Thursday and Friday night. People of all ages nearly filled the grandstands or stood near the fences.

Nearly 50 people from in and out of the area entered the competition. Most of the competitors were men, but a few women driving trucks or riding tractors drew loud cheers as they tried to pull the weight as far as they could.

Morris and the operators were in the Hot Farm class, which was the only tractor pull competition held Friday night between several classes of trucks.

Before the pulling began, truck and tractor drivers spent time preparing their vehicles, having them weighed, then adding special weights to make sure they stayed within their class specifications.

Tractors faced some restrictions in the pulling contest, including a 17-mph speed limit, rules that announcer John Nicol explained several times to the audience.

"Depends on how fast you wanna go," said David Seal, of Elkton, standing by his International tractor with Morris. "It takes a lot of money and lot of time."

"The faster you go, the more you spend," Morris said. "Isn't that right, Dave?"

Faster and lighter tractors pulled Thursday night. Morris and Seal said those vehicles cost much more than their own vehicles and include various equipment upgrades.

Morris and Seal compete on the weekends and spend time during the week fixing their tractors.

"Very seldomly it's something that goes that's easy to fix," Seal said. "It's usually a complete tear-down and start over again."

"It's a lot of traveling," Morris said.

Competitions started in April, according to the two drivers, who said they've driven up to four hours from their homes to participate. Both began competing by riding antique tractors about 15 years ago, then moved on to other types as they looked for more speed.

Morris, riding the lone John Deere tractor in the group, made his way to the muddy stretch. The engine roared and thick, dark-gray smoke billowed from the exhaust pipe as he suddenly started accelerating. The tractor sped forward, pulling the weight transfer sledge, which becomes harder to drag the farther the tractor goes. But his performance drew loud cheers and applause.

"I think he's seeing green for one reason," Nicol said.