De Leon Peach and Melon Festival LSGTPA Tractor Pull Results

The Leon River in Texas is named for the 1680's Spanish explorer, Alonso De Leon, whose expeditions traveled and mapped much of Texas.  Toward the headwaters of the river, the Texas Central Railroad established the city of De Leon, in 1881.  The area has a rich history of farming, ranching and even a 1918 oil boom.  Since 1914, De Leon has been home to the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival, and since at least the early 1970's, this event has been home to Texas tractor pulling.

The LSGTPA pulling teams rolled into town in 2013, to open a three night tractor pulling weekend with the Texas Truck and Tractor Pulling Association.  On a clear, and cool-for-August night, the LSGTPA Youth Class started the show.  In the awesome, De Leon Tractor Pulling Arena, a nicely prepared track allowed for two Full Pulls in the opening round, much to the crowds delight.  When the dust had cleared, Jared Stephan stood with the victory, aboard the Moody Pulling Team tractor.  Mason Hovind piloted his 'Yes Deere' tractor to the runner up position, while Lane Duncan drove the 'Texas T-Rex' to a top three finish.

Lane Duncan takes his 'Texas T-Rex' to a Full Pull at the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull.

In Stock Class, Makenzie VanBeber led the field, with Skeet Degner pulling to the runner-up spot.  Alton Degner took third placed on the podium, followed by Aidan Hovind aboard 'Yes Deere'.  Tyler VanBeber turned in a top five finish.    Steve Hovind took the title in the Stock Diesel Class.

Big Stock had a great turnout, and it was ladies first, as Connie Jesko took the victory.  John Aufdenkamp scored the runner-up position, while Jerry Toland rode his 'Triple Deuce' tractor to a top three finish.  Tyler VanBeber placed fourth.  Cameron and Cara Paschall made their LSGTPA tractor pulling debut, scoring a fifth and sixth place finish.  Alton Degner made two nice testing pulls, to close out the class, aboard his new entry.

In Stock Altered, Alex Jesko scored the victory, with two back to back 187' pulls.  In the Motorcycle Class, Steve Pierce emerged the victor, aboard his 'Buzzards Roost' tractor.  Todd Hickerson took the runner-up spot, in Motorcycle, then followed up with a win in the Outlaw Class.  This was the closest pull of the night, as Hickerson took the win by a distance of five inches, over John Aufdenkamp's 'Three of a Kind' triple engine tractor.

Todd Hickerson pulls to a victory at the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull.

The Mini Rod Class pullers, were paced by Tommy Kimmons, who turned in a Full Pull on his last pass, to seal the victory.  Colby Crowe also used a Full Pull, to hold onto second place aboard the 'Weekend Warrior' tractor.  David Houchen, turned in yet another Full Pull in the class, to secure his third place postion on the podium.  Sarah Moody, aboard the '99% Moody' turbo charged entry, placed fourth.  Jerry Toland and the 'Shinin Time' tractor, scored a top five finish.

John Aufdenkamp aboard 'Three of a Kind' at the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull.

The Super Rod Class tractors closed the show, with James Moody taking the win aboard 'Varroom', while Randall Moody held on for a second place finish on the 'Ridge Runner' tractor.  John Kiemele piloted his 'Dodge This' entry to a third place finish, while Donny Mayo scored the fourth place finish.

The LSGTPA pulling teams will prepare for a short turnaround, and will be back in action on August 24, at the Bill Halter Memorial Pull in Blue Ridge, Texas.  Bailey Melvin will start the show, with a National Anthem performance at 6pm.  Visit the www.lsgtpa.com website for additional details and directions.

THORNTON LSGTPA TRACTOR PULL RESULTS

Thornton  Tractor Pull Results

by LSGTPA

Thornton, Texas became a stop on the Houston and Texas Central Railway in 1870, and in 2013, became the third stop on the LSGTPA tractor pulling tour.  The Thornton Rodeo Arena, located in Limestone County, played host to the Thornton Chamber of Commerce sponsored event.  The Thornton area is well known for sand and kaolin clay production, for use in pottery, glass and brick production.  On a hot Saturday night in July, the famous dirt was put to test as the pulling teams battled for that perfect balance of traction and power, when horsepower of the fuel burning kind filled the rodeo arena. 

The Youth Class pullers entered the arena to start the show, and Lane Duncan wheeled his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor to the victory.  Jared Stephan posted a second place finish aboard the 'Moody Pulling' entry, and Kody Langham placed his 'Bonham Service Center' entry in the third place spot.  Cassidy Bramlett pulled to a fourth place finish aboard her 'Nacho' tractor with Mason Hovind finishing with a top five pull aboard the 'Yes Deere' tractor.  The Stock Class title was taken by Makenzie Van Beber, with Alton Degner pulling to a runner-up finish.  Skeet Degner took a top three finish, followed by Chris Harper and Claude Lewis in the top five.  Curtis Felps and Aidan Hovind rounded out the Stock Class field.   In Stock Diesel, Ken Langham Jr. pulled out the win over Steve Hovind.  Steve Pierce took the title in the Motorcycle Class, aboard his 'Buzzards Roost' tractor, while Todd Hickerson pulled to a runner-up finish.  Hickerson then went on to win the Outlaw Class.

Lane Duncan takes his 'Texas T-Rex' to victory lane, at the Thornton Tractor Pull.

In the Big Stock Class, Patrick Bramlett pulled out the victory over Connie Jesko, by a margin of two feet !  Jerry Toland pulled to a third place finish with the 'Triple Deuce' tractor, while Kolby Langham took his 'Texas Thunder' to a fouth place finish.  Tyler Van Beber finished with a top five result.  In Stock Altered, Alex Jesko took the win with Patrick Bramlett and Kolby Langham placing second and third on the podium.  Ken Langham Jr. took the Super Stock title, aboard his wild, alcohol burning, Cub Cadet entry.   The Mini Rod tractors were led by Colby Crowe, taking the win on 'Weekend Warrior'.  Jerry Toland piloted his 'Shinin Time' entry to a runner up finish, while Tommy Kimmons managed a third place pull.  David Houchen posted a fourth place finish on 'Back In The Day', and Sara Moody hung on to a top five aboard the '99% Moody' entry. 

'It'll Do' does its job at the Thornton Tractor Pull.

Kolby Langham rides 'Texas Thunder' at the Thornton Rodeo Arena  LSGTPA tractor pull.

The wild Super Rod tractors closed the show, with James Moody aboard the 'Varoom' tractor taking the victory.  John Kiemele posted a runner-up finish aboard the 'Dodge This' tractor, and Randell Moody placed the 'Ridge Runner' in the third place position.  Donny Mayo pulled to a fourth place finish aboard his 'Blackfoot Squaw' tractor.  The teams will now prepare for the next event, during the Deleon Peach and Melon Festival, August 8.  For more information, log onto www.LSGTPA.com . 

Jerry Toland pilots 'Triple Deuce' in Thornton, Texas.

Patrick Bramlett runs 'Amuck'  to runner-up, at the Thornton Tractor Pull.

Steve Pierce pushes 'Buzzards Roost' to the limit at Thornton.

Colby Crowes works the 'Weekend Warrior' to a win at Thornton.

Sarah Moody aboard the '99% Moody' tractor in Thornton.

Randall Moody takes the 'Ridge Runner' down track at the Thornton Rodeo Arena.

Donny Mayo and the 'Blackfoot Squaw' at work in Thornton, Texas.

Hunt County Fair LSGTPA Tractor Pull Results

HUNT COUNTY FAIR LSGTPA TRACTOR PULL RESULTS

by LSGTPA

Hunt County Texas is named for Memucan Hunt, Jr., who served as the Texas Secretary of the Navy from 1838-1839.  Maybe this historical relation to water, explains why the Hunt County Fair seems to always coincide with rain during the Hunt County Fair opening weekend !  The 2013 event was no exception, as the LSGTPA tractor pulling teams converged on Greenville, Texas after a rainy week.  The Hunt County Fair plays host to the only 'double header' event on the LSGTPA tractor pulling schedule.    Opening ceremonies included an outstanding performance by singing duo Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dellow, with the National Anthem presentation.

The Youth Class tractors opened the show, with Jared Stephan pulling to a victory.  Mason Hovind piloted his 'Yes Deere' entry to a runner-up finish over the third place tractor of Kody Langham.  Cassidy Bramlett placed fourth, with Lane Duncan posting a top five finish aboard his 'Texas T-Rex' entry.  Korben Colley-Greer made his 2013 debut aboard a new tractor, and rounded out the field in sixth. 

In Stock, Kolby Langham took the win over Skeet Degner, with Alton Degner pulling to a third place finish.  Colby Crowe and Claude Lewis finished fourth and fifth, while John Aufdenkamp finished in the number six slot.  Aidan Hovind took the 'Yes Deere' tractor on a wild ride out of bounds, with the resulting DQ limiting the team to a seventh place finish.  In Stock Diesel, Ken Langham Jr. led the field with the win, over Steve Hovind and Keith Pope.  The Big Stock Class saw Connie Jesko take the win over Shawn Aufdenkamp, with Jerry Toland placing third.  Kolby Langham placed fourth over Patrick Bramlett and Alton Degner.

The Stock Altered Class title belonged to Alex Jesko over Patrick Bramlett, while  the Super Stock Class victory was owned by Ken Langham.  Todd Hickerson took the win over Steve Pierce in the Motorcycle Class.  The Outlaw Class saw John Aufdenkamp aboard 'Three of a Kind' take the win, over Todd Hickerson and Ken Langham Sr.  The exciting Mini Rod Class tractors were paced by Jerry Toland aboard 'Shinin Time', over the '99% Moody' entry of Sarah Moody, by a margin of two feet!  Colby Crowe aboard the 'Weekend Warrior'  finished third over Tommy Kimmons and David Houchen.  The Super Rod tractors closed the show on Friday night, with James Moody taking the win over Donny Mayo.  Randall Moody took the third place spot over John Kiemele. 

On Saturday night, the Youth Class pullers returned with Mason Hovind and the 'Yes Deere' tractor pulling out the victory.  Lane Duncan aboard his 'Texas T-Rex' entry finished in the runner-up spot. 

Jared Stephan returned to place third aboard his Moody Pulling entry, followed by Cassidy Bramlett, Kody Langham and Korben Colley-Greer.  In Stock, Aidan Hovind rebounded nicely from his DQ on Friday, to score the victory for Team Mean Green.  Skeet and Alton Degner finished second and third.  Kolby Langham placed his Bonham Service Center entry in the fourth spot, followed by Claude Lewis and Steve McCarley. 

The Stock Diesel class title was taken by Steve Hovind, with Ken Langham, Jr. and Keith Pope posting top three finishes.  In Big Stock, Jerry Toland took the top spot over Patrick Bramlett, by a margin of four feet !  Shawn Aufdenkamp and Connie Jesko finished third and fourth.  Kolby Langham and Alton Degner rounded out the Big Stock field.  In Stock Altered, Alex Jesko doubled up with another win for the weekend, followed by Michael Mayberry aboard 'Pulling For Peanuts' and Patrick Bramlett aboard 'A-Muck'.  The Super Stock title belonged to Ken Langham, in a repeat from Friday nights win.  Todd Hickerson took the Motorcycle Class title, over runner up Steve Pierce aboard 'Buzzards Roost'.  The Outlaw Class saw another repeat, as John Aufdenkamp took the win aboard 'Three of a Kind', with Ken  Langham and Michael Hickerson pulling to second and third. 

Saturday night action in the Mini Rod Class featured a repeat win for Jerry Toland, aboard 'Shinin Time'.  Colby Crowe scored a runner-up finish, followed by David Houchen in the third spot.  Tommy Kimmons pulled to a fourth place finish, with Saray Moody and the '99% Moody' tractor scoring a top five finish.  The wild Super Rods again closed the show, with James Moody taking a repeat win over John Kiemele and Randall Moody.  Tyler McCarley lost an engine enroute to a fourth place finish, with Donny Mayo scoring a top five finish. 

LSGTPA would like to thank all those involved in preparing and maintaining the pulling track for the event, and all of the  fair sponsors that make the show possible.  Special thanks to Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dellow for their performance of the National Anthem.  Visit the www.LSGTPA.com website for 2013 pulling schedules and information. 

Ashley Jesko Photos:

HUNT COUNTY FAIR HOSTS DOUBLE HEADER

The LSGTPA tractor pulling teams will be headed to the fair this weekend, as the Hunt County Fair in Greenville, Texas plays host to a double header.  The second stop on the 2013 LSGTPA pulling tour, brings the show to the Hunt County Fairgrounds, on both Friday and Saturday nights, for the only back-to-back pulling event of the season.  The annual event is always a great show, with the pulling teams competing to grab and early points lead and enjoying the luxury of pulling on the same track twice in one weekend.

The show starts at 6pm, both Friday and Saturday night June 7 and 8, and will include opening ceremonies featuring our National Anthem presentation by singing duo Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dello.

The address to the fairgrounds, located south east of Greenville, is:

Hunt County Fairgrounds
9800 Jack Finney Blvd
Greenville, Tx 75402

LSGTPA at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children Farm and Ranch Day

The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children hosted a Farm and Ranch Day event at Reverchon Park, for TSRHC children and their families on Saturday May 18th.  The event was the 15th annual gathering of agricultural themed activities and displays for the children, and provided a load of fun for all involved.  The hard work of the event organizers was awarded by many smiles throughout the day, and the LSGTPA 'Texas T-Rex' pulling team was proud to be a part of the fun.  Lane Duncan was on hand to provide autographed 'Texas T-Rex' action photos, and explain a little about tractor pulling and the mechanics of his tractor.  The team also applied 'Texas T-Rex' tattoos and provided LSGTPA 2013 pulling schedules, along with LSGTPA information cards.  This was an awesome event, and we were excited to be able to contribute.

LSGTPA display at Reverchon Park

Lane Duncan signs autographs at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

A young lady visits the LSGTPA display at Reverchon Park, during TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

The LSGTPA display was a popular hangout during the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

Tractors and tattoos at Reverchon Park, during TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

The 'Texas T-Rex' pulling team was on hand to apply tattoos at  the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

Another 'Texas T-Rex' tattoo customer, at the LSGTPA display in Reverchon Park.

A young pulling fan tries out the 'Texas T-Rex' at the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event in Reverchon Park, Dallas.

Lane Duncan with a few new friends, at the LSGTPA display in Reverchon Park.

Lane Duncan signs autographs for young tractor pulling fans at Reverchon Park.

LSGTPA at Reverchon Park, during the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

A young tractor pulling fan tries out the cockpit of the 'Texas T-Rex' pulling tractor, at Reverchon Park,

Young pulling fans were treated to a little seat time, aboard the 'Texas T-Rex', during the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

LSGTPA Season Opener Results from Bonham

LSGTPA Season Opener Results from Bonham Texas

Bonham, Texas was home to the Texas and Pacific Railroad Divisional Roundhouse in 1881.  It was here that railroad engines would be serviced and repaired, positioned on the brick T&P Railroad Turntable, and returned to service freshened and anew.  Just a few yards from the remnants of the old railroad turntable, the Lone Star Garden Tractor Pullers Association machines were rolled out and returned to service during the 2013 season opening event, held in conjunction with the Bonham Heritage Day celebration. 

Opening ceremonies included an outstanding presentation of our National Anthem, delivered by Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dellow in an awesome duet performance.   Mason Hovind then made his LSGTPA pulling debut in grand fashion, with a win in the Youth Class, aboard his 'Yes Deere' John Deere entry.   Lane Duncan, aboard his ' Texas T-Rex', turned in a Runner-Up finish and Aidan Hovind posted a third place finish.  Cassidy Bramlett took her 'Nacho' tractor to a fourth place finish, with Jared Stephan scoring a top five pull.  Kody Langham and Aston Atkins rounded out the top of the highly competitive Youth Class pulling field.

Steve McCarley took the Stock title, with Alton Degner and Claude Lewis, Sr. placing second and third.  Skeet Degner pulled to a fourth place spot, just inches in front of Jarod Howdeshell and Kolby Langham.  In the newly formed Stock Diesel class, Ken Langham Jr. pulled his Bonham Service Center tractor to the victory.  The Big Stock field was topped by Alex Jesko, with Shawn Aufdenkamp scoring a second place finish.  Patrick Bramlett finished third, with Jerry Toland and Kolby Langham scoring top five finishes.  Alton Degner rounded out the Big Stock tractor entries. 

Alex Jesko doubled up, with a win in Stock Altered, over the 'A-Muck' entry of Patrick Bramlett and the 'Pulling for Peanuts' machine of Michael Mayberry.  Ken Langham took the victory in Super Stock Class, and Steve Pierce took the title in the Motorcycle powered class, with 'Buzzards Roost'.  The Outlaw Class title was taken by John Aufdenkamp's 'Three of a Kind' triple engine tractor, over Ken Langham Sr.'s 'Going Green' electric powered machine. 

The wild Mini Rod class saw two full pulls, with David Houchen taking the win over Jerry Toland's 'Shinin Time' tractor.  Colby Crowe finished in the third place position aboard his 'Weekend Warrior' machine, by a margin of less than one inch, over the '99% Moody' tractor of Sarah Moody.  In the Super Rod Class, James Moody pulled to the victory, with Donny Mayo and Randall Moody placing second and third.  Tyler McCarley and John Kiemele turned in top five finishes to begin the season.

The LSGTPA teams have left the old T&P Railroad roundhouse site in Bonham,  with the next stop scheduled for the Hunt County Fair in Greenville, Texas on June 7 and 8.

Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dello perform the National Anthem.

Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dello deliver the National Anthem during opening ceremonies.

Lane Duncan aboard the 'Texas T-Rex' pulling tractor, during the Bonham Heritage Day celebration pull.

'It'll Do' pulls the LSGTPA sled downtrack during the Bonham LSGTPA event.

'Ridge Runner' on a pass in Bonham, during the Heritage Day tractor  pull.

Ken Langham, Jr. debuts his Stock Diesel tractor in Bonham , Texas.

'Triple Duece' working hard on the Bonham pulling track.

'Weekend Warrior' turned in a great finish at the Bonham LSGTPA  event.

Ken Langham takes 'Going Green' downtrack with electric power, during the Bonham Heritage Day pull.

Mason Hovind debuts in the LSGTPA Youth Class, and scores a victory.

John Aufdenkamp pilots 'Three of a Kind' downtrack in Bonham.

Jerry Toland and 'Shinin Time' at work in Bonham.

"Buzzards Roost' taking the LSGTPA sled downtrack in Bonham.

Making noise in Bonham with the 'Varooom' machine of James Moody.

'Overtime' pulling the sled downtrack, during the Bonham Heritage Day tractor pull.

Sarah Moody and her '99% Moody' John Deere in Bonham.

Morgan Dello and Bailey Melvin perform in Bonham, during the Bonham Heritage Day Celebration.