It is believed that as early as the 1860’s when the farm equipment was pulled by horses, farmers would boast that their animal was the strongest and could tow the largest load and go the longest distances. The farmers would challenge each other to prove who had the strongest horses.
It wasn’t until 1929 that the farmers would use their tractors to hitch weighted sleds and race down a track to see who could pull the farthest. The first events were held in Bowling Green, Missouri and Ohio. The sport didn’t become popular until the '50s and '60s when everyone realized that there was no set rules. The rules were different from state to state; and they varied from county to county. No one knew what standards to follow. In 1969 eight states sent representatives to meet with each other to come up with a uniform book of rules. This would give the sport the structure that it needed and would create the National Tractors Pullers Association.
There were also safety rules put into place. Spectators were moved back and barriers were put up. The drivers of the tractors were also required to wear helmets and fireproof suites. Kill switches were added to all tractors.
Through out the '70s and '80s the modified division continued to excite the crowds by adding more engines. The limit ended in 1988 when a tractor was built with seven engines.
Tractor pulling started out with 50 horsepower, now it’s up to over 5,000 horsepower. The prize for the races is now up to $150,000. National cable networks televise the event, and thousands come to see the events in person.
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