On the gorgeous evening of Friday, July 15th, the HammerDown Truck and Tractor Pull kept the neighbors up with plenty of noise and diesel smoke from large and small tractors pulling a weighted sled from one end of the dirt track to the other. A variety of weight classes competed, from smaller tractors that almost (but not quite) resembled regular farm tractors to fully souped up hot rods that looked almost like giant drag racing cars. Fans were able to kick back either in the grandstands or the infield and enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages as they alternately plugged their ears and cheered as the farm machinery monsters flew on by.
The HammerDown pull got its start a number of years ago as a memorial to Mike Walden, tractor puller and uncle to event organizer Jared Little. “When Mike passed I thought we might do this instead of a golf outing or fundraiser for a memorial,” said Little. The proceeds from the event go to charity; mostly to the March of Dimes, but also to local families in need of everything from medical expenses to Christmas presents for kids who are less fortunate. Even nationally recognized pullers from around the country come out to compete and help, as Little explained. “There are so many good people in this sport, and they really care.”
Below, Miss Champaign County Fair Queen Jada Burr helps kick off the night’s pull.
Below, HammerDown organizer Jared Little (right).
If you’re not familiar with tractor pulling, here’s how it works. Tractors and trucks hook onto and pull a weighted sled, and need to pull that to at least 100 feet. Once they reach that distance, weight transfers forward from the rear of the sled, pushing the pan at the front down into the dirt and making it harder to pull. Everyone aims for hitting at least the 300-foot mark of distance, and whoever manages to pull the farthest in their class takes home the win!
Oh, and by the way- the tractors can be incredibly loud thanks to their turbo-charged engines. There were plenty of times where it felt like your heart was going to fall out of your chest from the vibrations, so ear protection of some sort is generally a good idea.
All in all, it was a fun night with lots of smoke and lots of noise- exactly what a pulling fan would want. This was HammerDown’s 5th year, and they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Look below for more photos from the night, and make sure to check them out on Facebook and catch them when they come around again next year!
Below, Ashley Corzine of Corzine Motorsports has some engine trouble…
…but that didn’t stop her from beating out her husband Craig (left) for her first ever win!
Below, gotta keep that track repaired and in good condition.
About the author: Stephen N. Kemp
Stephen is an IT manager at the University of Illinois and has been a photographer with Smile Politely since 2015. Find his photography on Facebook, the web, or contact him directly via email.
