The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association is a motorsports governing body that sanctions truck and tractor pulling events throughout the midwest.
| Illinois Tractor Pulling Association ITPA |
|
| Sport | Tractor pulling |
| Category | Motorsports |
| Area of jurisdiction | Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, United States |
| Formation date | 1968 |
| Headquarters | 849 Co. Road 1850 East
Greenup, IL 62428 |
| Official website | |
| www.itpapulling.com | |
Contents |
The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association (ITPA) was organized on January 24, 1968, making it one of the oldest sanctioning bodies for Truck and Tractor pulling in the nation. Recognizing the need for uniform competition rules, the ITPA has taken a vision of a level playing field and safety of the competitors and spectators, and formed itself as the premier truck and tractor pulling organization in the State of Illinois, as well as the Midwest. With that vision in mind, the ITPA is ready to take the sport of truck and tractor pulling into the new millennium, and their 5th Decade of organizing events.
The ITPA offers competition classes ranging from single cylinder garden tractors up through super stocks and multi engine modified tractors. The ITPA has something for every tractor pulling fan. The battle of the brands lives on today as John Deere vs. IH vs. AC and Dodge vs. Chevy vs. Ford at over 80 events throughout Illinois and neighboring states. An abundant year end points fund encourages pullers to build and maintain some of the finest pulling machinery in the land.
After numerous meetings, discussions, and a huge amount of research and investigation by the officers and directors, the ITPA ended its lengthy relationship with the National Tractor Pullers Association in 2000. Given the member's confidence in the leadership of the ITPA, Illinois will operate as an independent state for 2000. The ITPA has established a good working relationship with the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association (OTTPA). With this new association, several events in Illinois will be OTTPA co-sanctioned, and pulling fans in Missouri will see more ITPA vehicles at events in the Show Me State.
A new chapter in alliances among several Midwestern states is an organization called the U.S. Pullers Association. While the overall mission statement of this new corporation is yet to be fully determined, it will be the conduit through which insurance coverages for pullers, spectators and promoters is organized.[1]
The smallest vehicles competing in the ITPA, these machines started life like the Cub Cadet or John Deere in your own Garage. Don't let that fool you though- these highly modified mighty midgets run in "road gear" just like the big boys, and can be a real handful to operate. They are powered by single cylinder flathead engines and run on methanol. This class is entertaining and exciting. The reasonable cost of building and operating a competitive tractor makes it a popular choice.
For the budget-minded puller who wants a little more "zip" in his or her machine, the Limited Mini Rods are the way to go. These tractors ride on frames fabricated from scratch. In light of the various different approaches to horsepower in this class, the ITPA has written the rules to ensure parity for virtually everyone that competes. Injected big blocks, blown small blocks, and carbureted small block engines all operate on a playing field made level by various limits on weight, supercharger size, etc.
Similar in appearance to the Limited Mini Rods, the horsepower output of the Mini Rods are not the same. Supercharged big block engines are limited to 575 cubic inches and injected engines are limited to 650 cubic inches. Expect a thrill any time a "mini" hooks to the sled with its awesome wheel speed, light weight and short wheelbase.
This iron is old but it ain't tired. Countless hours of tuning, tweaking and polishing make these tractors manufactured prior to 1940 look and pull like never before. For those who like to see the best from our father's and grandfather's era compete head to head in a modern pulling match, this is the class.
This class is also referred to as the "nostalgia" class in ITPA pulling. These machines that were once considered huge farm tractors are still used today turning augers and mowing pastures. Now they get a chance to strut their stuff on the pulling circuit. Tractors built up through 1953 are eligible.
Farm stock tractors most closely resemble tractors used by today's American farmer. 20.8-inch-wide (530 mm) rear tires and factory sheet metal look stock. Yet, one look at the trick turbochargers and in-line injection pumps shows the trained eye that this no ordinary plow tractor. The 9,500 lb (4,300 kg). class is limited to 466 cubic inches, but thee is no limit in the 12,000 lb (5,400 kg) class. All tractors are "on the governor" (meaning that they must not exceed a specified maximum rpm) and must utilize specified blowers, making them dependable and closely matched. All tractor brands are competitive.
New to the ITPA lineup in 2000, Super Farm bridges the gap between farm stock and pro stock. Up to 640 cubic inches are under the hood, fed diesel fuel by a line pump and air by a "3 in 3 out" turbo. 24.5-inch-wide (620 mm) rear tires hook it all to the ground. Look for various brands when Super Farms head out on the circuit.
New to the ITPA for 2008, Limited Pro Sock has the potential to become a very powerful smoker division with IH, Deere, Ford/New Holland and others all competing head to head. These machines look similar to a Super Farm or full Pro Stock, but are limited to 466 cubic inches, a"3x4" turbocharger and a 8200 pound maximum weight limit.
The Pro Stock division is for diesel tractors only. This class is truly professional as the craftsmanship in these mighty oil burners is second to none. Single turbochargers, bigger displacement (680 C.I.D. maximum) engines, and smaller 24.5x32 tires separate pro stocks from their cousins in the super stock division. The engine can be heard over the sound of the turbo as pro stock tractors charge down the 300' dirt surface.
Super Stock pulling is the most direct link to the real heritage of tractor pulling. From the early days of grudge match pulling behind the barn, Super Stock has endured the test of time to evolve into the multi turbo machines of today. Unfortunately, anyone familiar to tractor pulling will tell you that the Super Stock division has been embroiled in tremendous controversy over the last few years. Diesel vs. alcohol is on everyone's mind. Realizing the importance of both groups, and in an effort to reach a meaningful compromise, the ITPA has drawn clearly defined lines in the class by designating the 9,700 lb (4,400 kg). class as diesel only. Both the 6,000 lb (2,700 kg). and 8,200 lb (3,700 kg). classes are home to the traditional diesel "smokers" and the modern high horsepower alcohol burners. Whatever your preference, the ITPA has you covered with expertly prepared machines on both sides of the debate.
Automotive and aircraft engines provide the motivation for the most powerful division in pulling. Ranging from the single engine 5,800 lb (2,600 kg). tractors to multiple blown V-8's and twin 1700+ cubic inch Allison aircraft engines in the 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) class, the tremble of the earth and high RPM scream are a modified tractor fan's delight. From show to go, nothing beats a modified tractor.
Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge lives on in the 4x4 division. Powered by mammoth 650 cubic inch engines, these highly specialized vehicles represent the most competitive class within the ITPA. Competitors have refined the 4x4 truck into a thoroughbred machine that seldom breaks, hooks hard to the track, and amazes spectators with speed and intensity.
Pro Stock Diesel Trucks joined ITPA in 2007 with results that were nothing short of impressive. With consistently good class numbers, reliable vehicles and close competition, the smoker pickups are quickly becoming a favorite with spectators. This is the only pulling division where the engine manufacturer doesn't not have to match the sheet metal, and whether it is Dodge, Ford, or GM, Cummins is the favored power plant.
Wheel stands are what makes the two wheel drive trucks exciting. Body styles ranging from T-buckets to funny cars spice up the visual effect, but there is nothing "funny" about the way these smooth operators get down the track. Whether you have a flair for the exotic panel wagon or prefer an almost stock Chevy S-10, you will most likely find your favorite in the two wheel drive truck division.
The heaviest of all pulling vehicles at 20,000 lb (9,100 kg), Pro Stock Semis are truly ground pounding beasts. Monster turbocharged engines such as Cummins, Caterpillar and Mack send these rigs charging down the 300' pulling surface under the heavy fog of diesel smoke.[2]
| Day Date |
Event | Location | Day Date |
Event | Location | Day Date |
Event | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday June 7 |
Mexico Young Farmers Pull | Mexico, MO | Wednesday June 11 |
Macon Co. Fair | Decatur, IL | Saturday June 21 |
Perry Co. Fair | Pinckneyville, IL | ||
| Friday June 27 |
Corn Belt Shrine Truck & Tractor Pull | Charleston, IL | Saturday June 28 |
Piatt Co. Jr. Fair | Cerro Gordo, IL | Saturday June 28 |
Union Co. Fair | Sturgis, KY | ||
| Thursday July 3 |
Schuyler Co. Fair | Rushville, IL | Friday July 4 |
Jasper Co. Fair | Newton, IL | Saturday July 5 |
Warren Co. Fair | Warrenton, MO | ||
| Mon/Tues July 7,8 |
Washington Co. Fair | Nashville, IL | Wed/Fri July 9,11 |
Fisher Community Fair | Fisher, IL | Wednesday July 9 |
Fayette Co. Fair | Brownstown, IL | ||
| Wed, Thurs July 9,10 |
Moultrie-Douglas Co. Fair | Arthur, IL | Friday July 11 |
Mercer Co. Fair | Aledo, IL | Friday July 11 |
Christian Co. Fair | Taylorville, IL | ||
| Saturday July 12 |
Jersey Co. Fair | Jerseyville, IL | Saturday July 12 |
Ford Co. Fair | Melvin, IL | Sunday July 13 |
Morgan Co. Fair | Jacksonville, IL | ||
| Su/Mo/Tu/Th July 13,14,15,17 |
Heart of Illinois Fair | Peoria, IL | Tuesday July 15 |
Parke Co. Fair | Rockville, IN | Tuesday July 15 |
Clinton Co. Fair | Carlyle, IL | ||
| Wednesday July 16 |
Macoupin Co. Fair | Carlinville, IL | Fri/Sat July 18,19 |
Montgomery Co. Fair | Montgomery City, MO | Friday July 18 |
Menard Co. Fair | Petersburg, IL | ||
| Saturday July 19 |
Farmer City/DeWitt Co. Fair | Farmer City, IL | Saturday July 19 |
Southern Illinois Fair & Expo | Mt. Vernon, IL | Sunday July 20 |
Iroquois Co. Fair | Crescent City, IL | ||
| Monday July 21 |
Monroe Co. Fair | Waterloo, IL | Tuesday July 22 |
Madison Co. Fair | Highland, IL | Wednesday July 23 |
Pike Co. Fair | Bowling Green, MO | ||
| Wed/Thur July 23,24 |
Fulton Co. Fair | Lewistown, IL | Thursday July 24 |
Crawford Co. Fair | Oblong, IL | Saturday July 26 |
Champaign Co. Fair | Urbana, IL | ||
| Saturday July 26 |
Monroe Co. Fair | Waterloo, IL | Monday July 28 |
Marion Co. Fair | Salem, IL | Monday July 28 |
Adams Co. Fair | Mendon, IL | ||
| Tues/Thur July 29,31 |
Coles Co. Fair | Charleston, IL | Tuesday July 29 |
Knox Co. Fair | Knoxville, IL | Wednesday July 30 |
McLean Co. Fair | Bloomington, IL | ||
| Thurs/Sat July 31, Aug 2 |
Logan Co. Fair | Lincoln, IL | Saturday Aug. 2 |
Ashland Tractor Pull | Ashland, IL | Sunday Aug. 3 |
Bond Co. Fair | Greenville, IL | ||
| Mon/Wed Aug. 4,6 |
Effingham Co. Fair | Altamont, IL | Wednesday Aug. 6 |
Georgetown Agr. Fair | Georgetown, IL | Friday Aug. 8 |
Washington Town & Country Fair | Washington, MO | ||
| Saturday Aug. 9 |
Thunder in the Corn II | Hoopeston, IL | Mon/Tue/Wed Aug. 11,12,13 |
Illinois State Fair | Springfield, IL | Fri/Sat Aug. 15,16 |
American Thresherman | Pinckneyville, IL | ||
| Mon/Tue/Wed Aug. 18,19,20 |
Cumberland Co. Fair | Greenup, IL | Thursday Aug. 21 |
Will Co. Fair | Peotone, IL | Saturday Aug. 23 |
Smoke Over The Water | Carlyle, IL | ||
| Thursday Aug. 28 |
Pana Tri Co. Fair | Pana, IL | Fri/Sat Aug. 29,30 |
Central States Thresherman’s Reunion | Pontiac, IL | Saturday Aug. 30 |
Rhineland Fire Dept. Truck & Tractor Pull | Rhineland, MO | ||
| Sunday Aug. 31 |
Tri Co. Fair | Mendota, IL | Thurs/Fri/Sat Sept. 4,5,6 |
Calhoun Co. Jr. Fair | Hardin, IL | Saturday Sept. 6 |
Southeast Missouri District Fair | Cape Girardeau, MO |