The super-charged pulling competition helped solidify its reputation as one of the top indoor tractor pulls in the country during the 40th National Farm Machinery Show and will try to duplicate that record-setting feat again this year.

What just might push capacity crowds into the arena each night is the built-in competitive drama of two drivers, Joe Eder and Jordan Lustik, trying to become the first to win a fourth championship title since the CTP added a Finals format in 1993. They both reign as the only two drivers with three CTP titles among all pullers that compete in the semi-final elimination format.

In addition, the Tractor Pull Committee this year expanded the roster of drivers in the 9,300 lb. Super Farm Tractors division, and added the extra block of pullers who will compete in that category to the Saturday afternoon schedule. Now 10 more drivers than last year will compete for the same number of available spots in the Finals in the 9,300 lb. category.

Even without the added drama, the action-packed, engine-roaring excitement of the CTP regularly fills Freedom Hall with nearly 75,000 people over its four-day run. The oldest indoor pull in the country has continued to captivate fans of all ages and attract the country’s top drivers into fierce competition for the title of Grand Champion.

Remaining tickets for this year’s show are $26 and on sale now at the Freedom Hall Ticket Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Friday and Saturday nights’ pulls are sold out. For more information, visit www.farmmachineryshow.org

This farm news was published in the February 8, 2006 issue of Farm World.