LSGTPA pulling teams would roll into Sulphur Springs, Texas for the final event of the 2017 pulling season, contested under the lights of the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center stadium. Held as a feature of annual Help-A-Child-Benefit event, the tractor pull would cap a full day of activities, including a chili cook-off, BBQ contest, antique tractor pull, and an auction. The fundraising event has donated proceeds approaching two hundred thousand dollars, since 2008.
Youth Class competitors would take to the sandy arena track first, with Kaden Wilbur scoring a win aboard the 'Yes Deere' tractor, for the Mean Green Pulling Team camp. Lane Duncan would post a runnerup finish aboard his 'Twisted Kitty' machine. Duncan would also place his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor on the podium, with a third place finish in the class. Jared Stephan would wheel his 'Iron Head' tractor into the fourth place spot, with Cody Doyle piloting his 'Old Yeller' tractor into the top five. Kaden Wilbur would place his 'Ugly Duckling' machine, in the sixth place position, to round out the field of tough Youth Class competitors.
In Stock Class competition, Kody Langham would wheel his Longhorn Express Pulling Team entry into the top spot, with Claude Lewis taking the runnerup spot aboard his 'Old Yeller' machine. In Hot Stock, Steve Bowerman would use on opening round Full Pull on the 160 foot track, to secure the victory. John Aufdenkamp would place his 'Rusteze' tractor in the runnerup spot for the Outlaw Pulling Team. Mason Hovind would steer his 'Yes Deere' tractor onto the third place podium position.
In Stock Diesel, Patrick Bramlett would take the win aboard his 'Warthog' tractor, with Aidan Hovind pulling his 'Buckshot' machine into the runnerup spot. In Big Stock, Kody Langham would double up on the night, with a win aboard his 'Texas Thunder' entry. Jerry Toland would score the runnerup, with his 'Triple Deuce' machine. John Aufdenkamp would take the third place position, with Gary Bramlett scoring a fourth place finish aboard his 'Amuck' tractor.
In Outlaw Class competition, hired gun Jerry Toland would pilot Paul Smith's 'Texan' tractor into the top spot. In Mini Rod Class, David Houchen would take the victory aboard his 'Back In The Day' tractor, using two great pulls to secure the win. Colby Crowe would pilot his high-winding 'Weekend Warrior' machine into the runnerup spot. Jerry Toland would post a third place finish, aboard his alcohol burning 'Shinin Time' tractor. Sarah Crowe would finish in fourth place, aboard her turbo charged '99% Moody' tractor, after drivetrain issues would sideline her tractor in the second round.
The Super Rod Class tractors closed the event with a wild show. Kody Langham would use a final round Full Pull, aboard his Ford powered 'Sneaky Snake' tractor, to take the victory. Ken Langham, Sr. would score an opening round Full Pull, aboard his 'Psycho' machine, to pace the field. Langham Sr. was on a great pass in the final round, in an attempt to match the 'Sneaky Snake', when the engine let go aboard his Chevrolet powered entry, just inches from the finish line and the lead. The Longhorn Express Pulling Team would finish one-two in the class, just inches apart. John Kiemele would use two great pulls aboard his 'Dodge This' tractor, to score a close third place podium finish in the class. Randell Moody and his 'Ridge Runner' tractor would score a fourth place finish, with Rocky Young making his pulling debut aboard the machine as the final round pilot.
As part of the Help-A-Child-Benefit fundraising, a raffle was conducted for a welding trailer package, provided with the support of Faulk Company, Anchor Contracting, 5W Construction, Kearney Trailers, Air Gas, and others. The LSGTPA Youth Class drivers were honored to draw the ten finalists names from the entries, with the grand prize awarded to Baylee Massey.
The LSGTPA 2017 season final was an exciting event, combined with the excitement of great prize drawings and fantastic food at the Help-A-Child-Benefit, held in an awesome facility that is the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. To stay tuned for the crowning of the 2017 Champions, and the 2018 LSGTPA pulling schedule, visit the www.LSGTPA.com web page.
