John Fairbanks of Massachusetts driving "Rat Poison" in 1987 at the "REDMAN/TNT Winter Nationals" in Rochester, New York takes the win in the 1750 Mini class.
Diary Of Bowling Green Highlights from 1967 to 1991
1967
There was only a $1 admission charge and the first pull drew 5200 fans for the three days. Only 3 classes - lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight - were pulled and a six mile an hour speed limit was imposed. The top 10 in each class came back for the finals on Sunday. The first winners were Mike Rittenger, lightweight: Roger Varns, middleweight: and Myron Riddle, heavyweight. The winner of each class earned $500.
1969
A crowd of 12,000 watched the finals on Sunday. Robert Snyder of Bowling Green won the free-for-all event with his John Deere's 4020's pulling in tandem. It was the only year the event was held.
1970
The pull expands to six classes.
1975
Art Arfons won the 12,000 open class with his turbine powered "Green Monster".
1976
Dale Kohl of Perrysburg wins the 9,000 Super Stock class with his IH 856 going 295.11. The tractors are now required to use steel fly wheels instead of cast iron.
1977
The Four wheel drive trucks were added, also the 1550 mini Rods. Dale Kohl was second in 9000 Super class by 1 inch (288.3 to 288.2) to R.E. Donaldson.
1978
Julie Sporrase of Holyoke, Colorado becomes the first woman to compete, finishing sixth in the 5000 modified class. James Havel wins the open 12,000. The Unlimited modified's was born. The crowd is estimated at 80,000 people and CBS tapes the pull.
1980
The Pro Stock class was added. ESPN was on the grounds to tape the pull.
1982
A laser was used for the first time to measure the distance of the pulls.
1983
John Shaul of Fultonham, N.Y. won three modified classes and the pullers competed for $90,000. in prize money. A three day pass was $22.00.
1984
The two wheel drive trucks was added to the program. The Nashville Network handled the television coverage.
1988
Tommy Holand of Wayne won the 5800 four-wheel drive class with a 274.9 effort in his "Saturday Nite Driller".
1989
Wayne Holman of Wayne won the 6200 four-wheel drive class with a 274.9 effort. The total purse was $137,000.
1990
Wayne Rausch, a 59 year old retired professor from Ohio State, won the two wheel drive truck class.
1991
The National Tractor Pull celebrates its 25th anniversary with four pulling sessions over three days. The purse money goes over $150,000. Roland Barr from Georgetown won the 10,000 Pro Stock class. Our check was 1696.00
James Havel cranks up twin turbines in 1978. He won the Open 12,000.
1982 Indy Super Pull
1991 NFMS Program
Wayne Sullivan "The Kentuckian"Wayne Sullivan
Mello's Mini from Calif. Super Fly ( Photo from Todd Robertson )
Walter Roehn in 1983 Indy Super Pull( Photo by John Banet). Walter Roehn
Dean Berkenbile, Stockton, Calif at Indy Super Pull ( 2 Detroit motors & Photo by John Banet) Detroits
Barney Klaus Jr at Indy Super Pull 1983, 2 426 Hemi, Photo by John Banet. Barney Klaus
Ferry Brothers at Indy Super Pull 1983( Photo by John Banet) . Ferry Brothers
Tim Engler "Mission Impossible" on TNN. Mission Impossible
Art Arfons in 1979 Homemade/Lycoming T-55 Turbine. Green Monster
Allen Gaines 2 engine Truck.Gaines pulling Team
Remembered When
