Tractor pull starts Friday in Zellwood
January 31st, 2008, 1:56 am Hobby Shops
Tractor-pulling as a sport began in the 1970s after the National Tractor Pullers Association created the rules and started organizing events throughout the United States. The object of the sport is to drive a tractor the farthest down the track while pulling a sled with a weight box that ultimately hinders the tractor from moving. The tractor that travels the farthest during the competition wins. Bo Waller, 63, of Sorrento used to be a stock-car and drag-racing driver. He decided to give tractor-pulling a try after watching an NTPA event at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis in 1974. “The next year I built a tractor by myself. I had a 1962 705 Minneapolis Moline,” he said. “I liked tractor-pulling better than stock-car and drag racing because it was more of a challenge. I also love to feel the horsepower and the tires spinning.” Son Rob Waller, 37, of Leesburg grew up watching his dad perform in tractor pulls with the Central Florida Tractor Club and outside the area since he was 5 years old. His family wore T-shirts with a picture of the senior Waller’s tractor on the back whenever they attended one of his tractor-pulling events. A nationwide farmer’s strike in the early 1980s put a stop to tractor-pulling events at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Bo Waller sold his tractor and gave up going to events. Then, in the mid 1990s, one of Bo Waller’s friends told him about an antique tractor-pulling event in St. Cloud. Bo Waller felt the itch to get back into the sport. He bought a 1959 green Oliver tractor, installed a Chevrolet V-8 engine and joined the Florida Antique Tractor Club. Remembering how much he enjoyed it when his dad participated in tractor-pulling events, Rob Waller decided to get a tractor and became a club member. “For me, it’s a hobby. I build my own tractors like my dad. I love antique and stock tractors. Most people want the tractor that looks nice and is painted. “I want the one that’s in the backyard with the tree growing through it.” He owns a 1948 green Oliver tractor with a Chevrolet V-8 engine called the Red Headed Step Child, which is named after his stepmom’s nickname for him. Rob Waller has zoomed down the track at 15 mph and almost 300 feet in past tractor pulls. He wants to continue to go the distance. “It’s a thrill because you’re spinning your tires and you know that there’s something behind you that wants to stop you,” Waller said. “Your goal is to get past the spot the person has stopped before you.” Other family members have joined in the fun and call themselves the Family Affair team. Bo Waller’s 20-year-old grandson, Dustin, pulls garden tractors, and his stepson John Acey, 38, rides farm stock tractors. COURTESY OF ROB WALLER . CLUB HISTORY The Florida Antique Tractor Club began 14 years ago after Billy Newman installed a track, provided a sled and started scheduling tractor super pulls in St. Cloud. Northwest Orange County Improvement Association, the organizers of the Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival, allowed the Florida Antique Tractor Club to build a track for their tractor pulls on the festival grounds. The club has grown to 100 members and has continued to have the tractor pulls in Zellwood. This year’s event will use a new 400-foot track. . BOX: IF YOU GO What: The Florida Antique Tractor Club will have its 14th annual Florida Antique Tractor Super Pull Where: Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival grounds, 4253 Ponkan Road When: 6 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday Registration: Begins at noon Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. Fees: The hookup fee is $10. Adults are $10 and children 9 or younger are free. Proceeds will benefit Camp Challenge in Sorrento. Information: Call 352-636-9898 or go to floridaantiquetractorclub.com.
More articles
Tags: amp, dad, family members, Hobby, momRelated posts
