Torque Reaction

Last Post...

2012-01-11T02:46:00.002Z

I have not updated this blog in a long time, and reading through the articles which, at one time, I found great fun to write thanks to my 'Man from Havanna', I now find less time to spend writing, since my time is spent elsewhere on the internet. And so I have decided to add one final post here, laying to rest, as it were, the ghosts of those tragic times which in some ways spoilt that fun.

All of you, who have read this blog, and read my account of the tractor pulling accident at the BTPA Tractor Pulling Championships in Great Eccleston in August 2007, that lead to the death of Jan Van Alphen, will remember it as a very sad time in the history of tractor pulling in the UK. I sincerely hope that this tragedy is never repeated again, and that tractor pulling at Great Eccleston, at least, continues to go from strength to strength in the coming years.

Thanks for the good times and God Bless to all my tractor pulling friends...

New Tractor Pulling Forum

2010-05-31T00:39:00.003+01:00

I'm currently testing a new Tractor Pulling Forum for a client and so if you read this, then why not come and say hello...to the forum

Trouble@Mill? Oh Eccy!!!

2010-03-07T00:04:00.000Z

Looks like much has been a going on in Eccy...

Great Eccleston Show

Everybody Knows...

2010-02-01T23:25:00.001Z

The Future...

2010-02-01T23:23:00.000Z

Coroner's Closing Remarks

2009-09-01T17:59:00.009+01:00

In relation to a previous post on this blog, about the outcome of an inquest into the death of a Dutch tractor puller, Mr. Jan Van Alphen, it has been stressed that as many people as possible, in the sport of Tractor Pulling in the UK, be made aware of the implications of the case.

Liz Evans, HSE Inspector writes in relation to the coroner's closing remarks...

"...Please find attached the closing remarks made by the Coroner at the inquest yesterday (27/8/2009) into the death of Jan van Alphen at Great Eccleston two years ago. I understand that most of you are not governed by the ETPC rules but please carefully consider the comments made by Dr Adeley about further incidents being assessed for a charge of manslaughter if they occur..."

Coroner's Closing Remarks

Closing remarks in respect of the inquest touching upon the death of Jan Van Alphen

Tractor pulling bills itself as the most powerful motor sport in the world and the rules suggest that safety is paramount but the evidence suggest that the way in which the sport is administered does not deliver these aims...read more

Jan Van Alphen RIP

2009-08-27T17:11:00.001+01:00

A verdict of Accidental Death was recorded today at Lancaster Crown Court, one day after the second anniversary of the tragic accident, which occurred during the BTPA Championships in August 2007, that resulted in the death of Mr. Van Alphen. The inquest, which lasted three days, was attended by members of the ETPC, BTPA, NWTPC, and the SWTPA. Information about the outcome of the inquest can be found at the UKTP website.

Tribute to a Legend - a link to tributes to Jan Van Alphen on this blog...

NTPA Online

2009-06-10T01:05:00.004+01:00

I've been looking through the brand new NTPA Web site! Thanks to iHostXtremes of Columbus, Ohio and its owner, Gino Petitti, the NTPA Office has built a whole new site that looks to bring you, the fan, closer to the action of NTPA Championship Pulling! As you navigate through the site, you will notice several exciting changes.

First off, WPI/NTPA Office GM Gregg Randall will periodically interview movers and shakers in the NTPA in a podcast found in the multimedia pull down menu. Be sure to check out his one hour conversation with David P. Schreier, WPI President/CEO and former NTPA GN Champion. Schreier talks about the past, present and future of the NTPA brand, and will give fans an insight on his role in the company.

You can link to the first podcast which is listed on the NTPA website. The discussion on the podcast is worth listening to if you are a tractor puller, since the subject is about safety issues which the NTPA have had to deal with over the years.

Starlight Express III

2009-05-16T01:48:00.001+01:00

I could not resist posting this You-Tube video of Starlight Express III at the recent Tractor Pulling event in Italy...

GOING FOR A SONG!

2009-04-28T23:27:00.005+01:00

On Saturday 18th April 2009 at the Showground Gubberford Lane Scorton Lancashire. Silverwoods of Lancashire were favoured with instructions to sell by auction The Whittingham Collection of: Approx 60 Vintage and Classic Tractors, parts, implements, and manuals, modern tractors, machinery, wheels.

This very rare limited edition 1953 McCormick Farmall Super BMD Gold Coronation, believed to be one of 31 ever built, sold for £9,000.

Catalogue
List of Notable Prices

AMERICA v GERMANY

2009-04-15T22:19:00.003+01:00

This is BRILLIANT both in the pulling but also for the entertaining COMMENTATOR!

A Tribute to a Legend

2009-04-03T10:15:00.002+01:00

Gone but not forgotten...

UKTP FORUM TO CLOSE

2009-04-01T09:03:00.004+01:00

It has been announced today that the UK Tractor Pulling Forum is to close. :( But not for good...:) A new Forum is being constructed at this very moment. For the techies out there it's all to do with phpBB and all that jazz... Old version is OUT...New version is IN. The new version works very nicely, different to manage from the old one but more user friendly (when you get use to it!) Good luck to Squirrel and the Admin Team. :)

Ahoy - Video

2009-03-08T23:13:00.000Z

>>>CLICK HERE<<<

Indoor Tractor Pulling 2009 - ZWOLLE

2009-01-09T01:01:00.004Z

24th January 2009 will see the start of the 2009 Indoor Tractor Pulling at Zwolle, Netherlands. Check out their website HERE

Get TICKETS Online HERE

Europameisterschaft

2008-09-10T07:56:00.005+01:00

The weekend of the 6th/7th September in Bryne, Norway, saw the 2008 European Tractor Pulling Championships. The Europameisterschaft in Norway according to Stephan Görtz (http://schizot.blogspot.com/) was "11 Wochenenden Pulling Marathon", roughly translated means, 'a successful conclusion of 11 weekends Pulling Marathon' and just as worthy a conclusion of the Tractor Pulling season...read more

I'd like to also add my personal congratulations to all European Champions!

European Championship Winner

2008-09-10T07:36:00.004+01:00

My personal congratulations to Ashley Middleton and the Black Gold Pulling Team for all their hard work which paid off this last weekend when Black Gold, driven by Peter Wilkins triumphed at the European Championships held in Bryne, Norway.

Black Gold won the 2.5t Modified class against stiff competition from Black Power (who had been champion for the last 8 years), and Green Spirit. This makes it the 3rd time the Black Gold team have been European Champions. Well Done one and all!!!

Separating the men from the boys...

2008-08-31T08:20:00.001+01:00

Next time you get stuck in the mud...

2008-08-31T08:10:00.002+01:00

Tractor Pulling at Great Eccleston...

2008-08-16T18:31:00.001+01:00

August Bank Holiday Weekend (23rd/24th August) will see the British Tractor Pulling Championship Finals together with the Euro Challenge Cup at Great Eccleston (Lancashire) when the Mini-Modified Euro-Cup Series Final gets underway...

BTPA Event Planner for the Weekend

Saturday 23rd - Floodlit - 6pm Start

Under 401 Pro-Stock
Trucks
Pro-Stock
Super-Stock
3.5 Modified

Sunday 24th - 11am Start

Farm Tractors *
2.5 Modified
Super Farm
Pro-Stock
European Challenge Cup Minis Final
4.5 Modified

* To enter Farm Tractor Class please telephone the North West Tractor Pulling Club Secretary on 01995 672563 - Limited to first 10 entries

And for those of you who haven't a clue where Great Eccleston is...

CLICK HERE

BTPA Championships

2008-08-16T18:30:00.000+01:00

The North-West Tractor Pullers Club (NWTPC) have been busy making improvements to the track and spectator areas at the Great Eccleston track in an effort to bring them up to the latest European Tractor Pullers Committee (ETPC) Euro-Cup standards. These include:

increase the track and run out area to 150m long
added extra crash barriers round the end of the track
improved the lower banking spectator viewing area
provided a banking for competitors to view the action
increased the hard standing area in the pits
improvements to the VIP area

NWTPC thanked all those who put in a lot of hard work, especially those members who turned up to help, and to the companies who provided plant and equipment to make this work possible.
With special thanks to Kiernan Construction, EXC@V8, and M. J. Wilkinson.

What you might expect to see...

2008-08-16T08:15:00.003+01:00

Below is a video of the modified tractor The Judge (NL), something you might expect to see at the BTPA Championships at Great Eccleston next week-end...

The Judge (NL)

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Fox - Team larsen (DK)

CLICK HERE to visit Fox-Team Larsen website.

Black Gold (UK)

I'm feeling somewhat depressed...

2008-08-09T14:13:00.002+01:00

This crazy weather front we are in the grip of has managed to spoil it for the SWTPA pullers who were planning on going to the Royal Berkshire Festival which was to have taken place today. Because of prolonged bad weather in the run-up to this weekend's show the organisers had no alternative but to cancel the event. This has left a void in everyone's schedule at the moment. I, personally, am feeling somewhat depressed! This is two weekends which I had plans for which have all come to nothing. What a bummer! I need a bit of a lift...I need a diversion...

Results - Low Ham

2008-07-23T01:51:00.002+01:00


Points Round - Low Ham  (90 Metres) Saturday  July 19, 2008      
      
Modified 3.5 T               First  Position
T55           John Summers   88.45     1
Little Gold   Matt Smith     85.37     2
Mustang Sally Andy Pearce    74.60     3
           
Trucks                             First  Second Position
Possibly Perfection Dave Phillips  90.66  103.58    1
Flintmobile         Darren Angel   93.37   95.59    2
Black Widow         Stuart Moore   94.65   90.52    3
Black Widow         Chris Moore    DEMO    91.35              
      
U401                         First Second Position
Redline Frenzy John Sowerby  90.66  94.23    1
Mean 'n' Green Peter George  92.15  83.04    2
Major Mover    Darren Trower 88.07           3
Supersonic     Dean Mason    84.12           4
Mendip Magic   Nigel Perkins 82.44           5
Under Pressure George Davies 77.53           6
          
Superfarm                       First Position
Bluebird Too     George Davies  94.49     1   
Ditch Witch      Daniel Mason   87.87     2
Midnight Express Richard Sharp  86.32     3
           
Pro-stock                   First Position
The Viking   Alun Mason     99.52     1
Dragon Power Dave Phillips  86.72     2

SWTPA Tractor Pulling at Low Ham

2008-07-18T13:17:00.024+01:00

This weekend (19th-20th July) sees the SWTPA bandwagon roll on towards the Somerset Steam Spectacular being held in Low Ham near Langport, Somerset. The Show runs from noon on Friday through to 6pm on Sunday.

The SWTPA show will commence at 10am Saturday morning, and consist of a variety of tractor classes, including Super Farm, Under & Over 401 Prostocks, Trucks and Modifieds...read more

Photographs © Richard Hutton 2008

Somerset Steam Spectacular

2008-07-18T13:01:00.011+01:00

July 18th/19th/20th at Low Ham, Langport, Somerset...

Formed in 1954, The Somerset Traction Engine Club held its first Traction Engine Rally near Taunton in 1955. A one day event as was usual in those days the show boasted a display of about six traction engines! A few cars, a handful of unusual tractors made up the event, all the entries listed in a programme that consisted of one piece of paper. Nearly 50 years on, the show has gone from strength to strength, with the 2008 event boasting many steam exhibits and a rally programme packed with information.

Live music is also provided free in the beer tent on the Saturday night with the backdrop of Showman's Engines generating and lighting the area, and with a grand Firework display provided by Lockrow Pyrotechnics at nightfall, the evening is not one to be missed.

The Bar is again being provided by the Gremlins Carnival Club, who as well as providing ales and refreshments at reasonable prices also offer good value food on sale from breakfast through to the end of the day. Of course there is still alternative eating and drinking establishments on the site, such as the ever popular "Cider Bus", for those who prefer the local brew. And to keep the heat at bay Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream will be available from various period outlets.

A display of Heavy Haulage Engines to add some extra power to the haulage displays, as well as a good selection of other Engine types, with a large "Working Area" including Sawing, Threshing and Steam / Vintage Tractor Ploughing and Cultivation.

Carmarthen Results

2008-07-14T02:49:00.009+01:00

Here are the results for Carmarthen:

Superfarm


Bluebird Express  Richard Probin    FP   93.47     1
Bluebird Too      George Davies     FP   89.76     2
Midnight Express  Richard Sharp     FP   71.39     3
Ditch Witch       Daniel Mason      FP   67.94     4
Sucking Diesel    Richard Walters  97.14           5
Sucking Diesel    Phil Evans        FP          (DEMO)

Trucks

  
Pulling Pig          Paul Booth         FP    113.85 1
Black Widow          Stuart Moore       FP    102.14 2
Possibly Perfection  Dave Phillips      FP    101.89 3
Flintmobile          Darren Angel      77.10         4
Possibly Perfection  Darren Angel DEMO  FP   
Black Widow          Chris Moore  DEMO  FP

Prostock U401

 
Redline Frenzy   John Sowerby     FP  102.46   1
Mean 'n' Green   Peter George     FP  99.66    2
Chain Reaction   Graham Ward      FP  97.97    3
Big Smoke        Emyr Williams    FP  87.93    4
Major Mover      Darren Trower    FP  84.54    5
Mendip Magic     Matt King        FP  80.29    6
Supersonic       Dean Mason       FP  75.68    7
JustaFORDable    Kevin Morris     FP  6.43     8
Hillbilly        Mike Sharp       FP  Broken   9

Modified 3.5 T

  
T55              John Summers     FP 115.57    1
Mustang Sally    Andy Pearce      FP 107.71    2
Little Gold      Ian Winter       FP  85.38    3

Pro-Stock


The Viking       Alun Mason       FP 104.90 
Dragon Power     Dave Phillips    FP  71.11 
The Harvester    Geoff Garrett  67.73 84.54  (DEMO)

Tractor Pulling comes back to Carmarthen!

2008-07-11T02:00:00.000+01:00

Sunday 13th July sees the return of Tractor Pulling to the 'All Wales Truck & Transport Show', being held at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen. This is the Premier Commercial vehicle show in Wales and along side the SWTPA tractor pull, it boasts an appearance from the ever impressive Monster trucks, which will be performing their car crushing stunts in the main ring. Static exhibits will include vintage tractors, and all classes of Show Trucks & Coaches are expected to be in attendance, and at 5pm on the Saturday preceding the show there will be a vintage tractor road run. Gates open at 10am until 4pm on Sunday and admission is £4.00 for Adults and £2.00 for Children.

Since the last SWTPA event at the Heddington & Stockley steam fair last weekend, the tractor pulling teams will have been twisting the spanners and fettling their machines to be ready to commence battle at 10am Sunday morning.

HOW TO GET THERE

View Larger Map

SWTPA Registered Entries
The SWTPA will be putting on their show which will consist of a variety of tractor classes, including Super Farm, Under & Over 401 Prostocks, Trucks and Modifieds...

Super Farm
Ditch Witch
Lackham Balistic
Sucking Diesel
Bluebird Too
Midnight Express

Pro Stock (under 401)
Big Smoke
Biotronic C.M.F. 3090
Chain Reaction
Hillbilly
Justafordable
Major Mover
Mean & Green
Mendip Magic
Redline Frenzy
Supersonic
Under Pressure

Pro Stock (over 401)
Dragon Power
The Viking
The Harvester

Modified
Little Gold
Mustang Sally
T55
Thunderchild

Trucks
Black Widow
Possibly Perfection
The Flintmobile

© 2008 SWTPA

They're Tractor Pulling at Carmarthen

2008-07-11T01:59:00.002+01:00

News has just broken on the SWTPA website to say that there will be a tractor pulling event on the 12th/13th July this year in Wales, Carmarthen to be exact. The information to hand is a little sketchy at present, but no doubt more news of this event will follow shortly. I've copied a picture put out on the SWTPA website this afternoon. It shows Mustang Sally at Carmarthen in 2004.

Bristol Results - Photo Roll Call

2008-06-14T18:40:00.008+01:00

Click on the photo and it will take you to the website where all the photos are.

Wild One

2008-06-02T22:54:00.002+01:00

I had a lovely email from Lori Jostock, wife of Terry Jostock the owner/driver of Wild One, the tractor depicted in the banner at the top of this page. I wrote to ask Terry Jostock if it was OK to use this image on my website, the answer was yes...so I am really, really, chuffed! Thank YOU! :)

Here's a link to the original photo of 'Wild One' which I used to make my 'Torque Reaction' banner. Wild One

Here's a link to Wild One Motor Sports website, built and maintained by Lori Jostock.

Tractor Pulling at Wraxall

2008-05-04T23:23:00.001+01:00

Bank Holiday Monday 5th May at Wraxall (on the B3130) near Bristol
North Somerset Agricultural Society

Pulling Schedule


10.30 – 11.00am Parade of Pulling Tractors 
11.00 – 11.30am Demo- Step on sledge & Mini Garden Pullers 
11.30 – 12.00pm Super Farm/ YFC 
12.00 – 12.30pm Modified 2.5ton 
12.30 – 13.30pm Mini’s 
13.30 – 15.00pm Prostocks 
15.00 – 15.45pm Break 
15.45 – 16.15pm Trucks 
16.45 – 17.00pm Modified 3.5ton

South West Going Independent

2008-03-17T17:31:00.008Z

The South West Tractor Pullers Club have officially announced that the club will become dormant for the next twelve months...

At an extraordinary meeting of the SWTPC held on Friday, 8th February 2008, it was agreed to make the SWTPC dormant for the 2008 season, leaving it affiliated to the BTPA, and informing their membership that they would be able to renew membership of the BTPA directly, as agreed at the BTPA AGM. This decision was taken due to the problem of the lack of an ETPC ticketed sledge for the series of events that the club wished to put on this year. It was agreed that the situation would be reviewed at the next AGM in December 2008.

You can read more about this HERE

Formation of the SWTPA

At this same meeting it was then agreed, by the members present, to form a new association, which would be named the South West Tractor Pullers Association, with the intention of putting on about six events, unsanctioned by the BTPA, in the 2008 season. The first of which would be at Bristol.

The Fate of Tractor Pulling in the UK

2008-03-17T17:30:00.001Z

I'm sorry that I have taken so long in getting this link here but here it is. Most of what you will read here is as it is. There is much upheaval going on in the ranks. A lot of hot air rising, but hopefully this will all subside when pulling gets underway. More on the events of the 2008 Tractor Pulling Season will be in another post...

Now here's the link to www.uktractorpulling.co.uk/forum/ where you can read about what's been going on over the last few months.

UPDATED: (03/03/08)
In trying to bring this blog up-to-date I am going to add some very important items which need bringing to people's attention. There has been much speculation, lots of gossip, much of which is just that...gossip. Very few know the real facts, only those who care to find out have it to hand. So I thought I might do my bit in bringing you all up to speed...so watch this space.

UPDATED: (15:37 31/08/07)
According to a Government News Network (GNN) spokesperson today (Thursday 30th August, 2007), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have talked with a reprasentative for the British Tractor Pullers Association (BTPA) who told the HSE that the last event for this year was in Scotland, but had been already cancelled in view of the resent happenings at Great Eccleston.

ORIGINAL POST: (10:36 30/08/07)
Information is a little sketchy at this moment in time, as to the fate of tractor pulling in the UK, following the tragic events of last weekend. I'll keep this post open and update it as and when official news breaks on the subject. Since this is a very important issue I want to do things correctly, so please bear with me, it may be a while before I have anything further to post. This is indeed a really sad time for all involved in the sport...my heart goes out to them all.

Popeye

2008-03-08T22:54:00.000Z

Torque Reaction Update

2008-03-02T23:00:00.003Z

I seem to have lost the plot with this BLOG...so much has been happening lately that I feel I'm rushing about in all directions and getting nothing done, I've currently three websites I'm manageing, and that's the easy bit! The rest is family oriented stuff too boring for here, but enough to have kept me away for longer than I had planned. I am so out of touch with everything Tractor Pulling. To keep abreast of it I'm reading Pulling World more than I have been used to. I don't know how Sascha does it! It's AHOY next weekend...I wonder what excitement that will bring. Still no sign of Little Dan.

Bounty Hunter

2008-02-10T13:51:00.003Z

2008 Indoor Tractor Pulling - Zwolle, NL

2008-01-19T19:16:00.000Z

RESULTS

TODAY saw the start of the Dutch 2008 Indoor Tractor Pulling season in IJsselhallen Zwolle, Netherlands. Below are the list of various classes which took part together with the results of today's pull.

2.5 Vrije Klasse


Burning Madness (Demo)FP 70.67
1. Rocket Science   FP
2. Isotov II           75.64
3. Herbie              65.79
4. Little Giant     FP D/NP
5. Droopy              69.69
6. t Smidje            67.21

3.5 Vrije Klasse


l  Bandit               FP 89.94                  
2. Whispering Giant     FP 75.94
3. Beverol Eager Beaver FP 72.41       
4. The Judge            FP D/NP
5. Burning Madness      FP 79.66
6. Rocket Science       FP 76.18
7. Desperate Dan (GB)      63.20
8. Isotov II (D)           D/Q

4.5 Vrije Klasse


1. Whispering Giant   FP 85.00
2. It Kypmantsje      FP 80.55
3. Desperate Dan      FP 79.09
4. Century Fox (D)       77.30
5. The Judge             60.66
6. L'Aspirateur (F)      57.67
7. Iwan (D)              48.80
8. Alleycat              44.30
9. Bandit                 D/Q

950 kg Vrije Klasse


1. Lambada 6              FP 69.80
2. Beverol Sensation      FP 68.59
3. No Fire No Fun            60.39
4. Reny Mission Impossible   49.78
5. The Challenger            43.52
6. Gompie                    43.40
7. Dirty Herrie              32.93
8. Let's Try                 d/q

2.6 Two Wheel Drive


1. Inter-Techno Predator      FP 77.53
2. Screamin' Bobcat           FP 74.56
3. Thunderstruck              FP 68.97
4. Rattle and Hum             FP 64.67
5. Flashlube No Limit         FP 64.65
6. Butterfly Morning          FP 00.67
7. Sledge Hammer              FP D/NP
8. Cleaning Art's No Illusion FP [BROKE]
9. Heart - 2 - Beat              77.03

3.5 Superstock Klasse


1. Hydro Stopp Bits 'n Pieces   FP  79.57
2. Inter Action                 FP  75.40
3. Red Alert (GB)               FP  74.22
4. Zapo                         FP  D/NP
5. Terminator                   FP (BROKE)
6. Silver Bullet                    73.58
7. Hatenboer Bits 'n Pieces         43.91
8. Red Fever (GB)                   35.84
9. Zeinstra Welldone Deere          D/NP
10.Green Muscleman II               D/Q

Acknowledgement: My thanks to 'International Playboy' for the results this evening! :)

Tractor Pulling Events - 2008

2007-12-28T18:40:00.000Z

British Championship Round
Great Eccleston Show
Sunday July 13th
11am Start

British Championships & Euro Challenge Cup
Great Eccleston
Saturday 23th August 2008
6pm Start (Floodlit)
Sunday 24th August
11am Start

NOTE: The above dates and venues are Provisional at this moment in time. They will be confirmed in due course.

European Cup Overall Placing (UK ONLY)

2007-09-26T08:28:00.000+01:00

Results Pro Stock Cup 2007

#  Tractor      H'ing B'nay Made Put'n Lub'sac B'born Total 
9  The Huntsman   X     5     3     3     5       3    19 
11 Rough Justice  X     3     5     X     5       3    16 
18 Baby Bear      X     0     X     X     3       0     3 
20 Ice Bear       X     0     X     X     X       X     0

Results 2.5 ton Modified

#  Tractor    Herning Bernay Made Total
14 Black Gold    X      X     X     0

Results Super Stock class 2007

# Tractor       Herning Bernay Putten Bettborn Total 
2 Just Smokey      20     15      5      15      55 
4 Red Alert        10      7     15       X      32 
6 Red Fever        12      7      5       6      30 
9 Judgement Deere   6      5      8       5      24

LINK: Final Points Standing - ETPC

Dragon Fire

2007-09-24T09:06:00.001+01:00

EUROCUP BETTBORN 23.09.2007 - Results

2007-09-24T08:32:00.000+01:00

3,5t Pro Stock Eurocup

Sigma Power   Finland           FP - 93,96  1 
Rocky         The Netherlands   FP - 92,40  2 
John Deere    Denmark           FP - 91,24  3 
---
The Huntsman  Great Britain     FP - 77,74 10
Rough Justice Great Britain     FP - 51,82 12
Baby Bear     Great Britain     88,78      15

2,5t Modified Luxembourg Trophy

Black Power       Denmark         FP - 91,21 1 
Isotov II         Germany         FP - 90,12 2 
Green Spirit VII  The Netherlands FP - 85,67 3

4,5t Modified Eurocup

Whispering Giant      The Netherlands   FP - 108,80  1 
Inter-Techno Lambada  The Netherlands   FP - 107,52  2 
Baby Duck             Belgium           FP - 100,09  3

3,5t Super Stock Eurocup


Berner Bits'n Pieces  The Netherlands  FP - 94,93  1 
Just Smokey           Great Britain    FP - 93,07  2 
D'n Aerdvruter        The Netherlands  FP - 91,57  3 
---
Red Fever             Great Britain    FP - 86,16  6
Judgement Deere       Great Britain    FP - 85,92  9

3,5t Modified Préizerdaul Trophy

Whispering Giant       The Netherlands  FP - 97,02  1 
Inter-Techno Lambada   The Netherlands  FP - 93,01  2 
Beverol Eager Beaver   The Netherlands  FP - 92     3

Six British Pullers at Bettborn...

2007-09-23T01:10:00.000+01:00

3,5t Pro Stock Class

The Huntsman

Rough Justice

Baby Bear

3,5 Super Stock Class

Just Smokey

Red Fever

Judgement Deer

Eurocup Finals - BETTBORN

2007-09-22T19:21:00.000+01:00

BETTBORN - PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
23RD SEPTEMBER 2007

10:00 - 12:00 3,5t Pro Stock Eurocup

12:00 - 13:30 2,5t Modified Luxembourg Trophy

13:30 - 15:00 4,5t Modified Eurocup

15:00 - 16:30 3,5t Super Stock Eurocup

16:30 - 18:00 3,5t Modified Préizerdaul Trophy

Bettborn - Euro Cup 2007

2007-09-22T19:04:00.000+01:00

Here's a sample of what you might expect to see this year if you are going to Bettborn...

Tractor Pulling - Italian Style

2007-09-20T18:59:00.000+01:00

The Italians are by nature extremely passionate about racing. From the chariot races in Ancient Rome (Ben Hur) through Cycling, Motorcycling, Formula 1 and now their attention has focused in on Tractor Racing (Tractor Pulling) which has been given lots of TV coverage and in return attracts sponsorship. But the Italians are a romantic people and so too is Tractor Pulling...just listen to this TV commentator describing a Tractor Pulling event which took place at Thiene, Vicenza in Northern Italy on Saturday 25th August, 2007...see video link below...First off is Starlight Express III.
LINK: Video
LINK: Thiene Local History Site

Mean Old Pete...FOR SALE?

2007-09-19T20:51:00.000+01:00

Tell me it's not true!

I just learnt today that Tony Bruegger is thinking of selling 'MeanOldPete'. For those of my readers who do not know who or what 'MeanOldPete' is, then read on...

'MeanOldPete' is a 1979 model 352 Peterbilt Cabover with period factory paint and stripes(style 114). The engine is an 8V92TA Detroit, originally rated at 445hp. The transmission is an Allison HD740 series 5 - speed automatic and the suspension is Peterbilt Air Spring.

The truck was in regular use in the Kansas city area until 2001. Eric Eden of Burchard, Nebraska built it into a pro stock semi about four years ago as 'Spare Parts 2'.

Tony Bruegger purchased the truck in autumn 2005 after seeing it advertised on www.pulloff.com

You can see 'MeanOldPete' in action HERE...

Remember by Christina Rosetti

2007-09-17T00:16:00.003+01:00

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

by Christina Rosetti

In Memory of the late Jan van Alphen

2007-09-16T19:24:00.001+01:00

LINK: Memorial Video

Jan van Alphen (1949 - 2007) RIP

2007-09-16T19:23:00.001+01:00

At last Jan is home. An evening Vigil will take place on Sunday in the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter Bandan, Sniederslaan 46 te Bladel. Aansluitend. (NL) at 19:00 when Jan's body will be received into church. The funeral will take place at 10:30 on Monday 17th September, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

News from the Family Van Alphen

2007-09-10T01:51:00.001+01:00

There's a short news item just posted on the Van Alphen website, which states that the Tractor Pulling event on the 15 September at Eext (NL) is cancelled out of respect for Jan van Alphen...

"...Due to the tragic accident in which Jan van Alphen lost his life, the pulling event at Eext is cancelled. The Eext organisation and NTTO made that decision together..."

Other news is that the family members who visited England last week are safely back home. They now await the return of Jan so that his funeral can be arranged. For me this was all too much and I broke down in tears. I read somewhere once that loss cannot be written it can only be felt. What is our loss compared with Jan's family?

One piece of good news was that Popeye is no longer needed for the investigation into the accident by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). With luck both Jan and Popeye will be back home this week...please God let it be so. This waiting must be one of the most painful of experiences to endure. I thought it kind for them to have posted a link to a short video of 'Popeye' qualifying in the 4.5T Modified Class at Gt.Eccleston. Here's the link...Popeye 4.5T - Gt. Eccleston

I also found this picture which brought back so many memories of when my own sons waited in line to get to talk to Jan and get his autograph as well as take pictures of Popeye...

Jan van Alphen - RIP
Eternal rest give unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace...Amen

Results from Herning, Denmark

2007-09-09T13:17:00.000+01:00

2.5t Modified Class
1 Black Power (DK)
2 Wild Thing (SWED)
3 Green Spirit VII (NL)

(Twenty-five metres behind Black Power was Black Gold. The tractor seemed to have lots of RPM's, but slow wheel speed, and didn't hook into the track, possibly too low a gear used.)

3.5t Pro-Stock Class
1 Countdown (FIN)
2 Sigma Power (FIN)
3 Rocky (NL)

('Rough Justice' had a really good two qualifying runs a pity it was not enough for Ted Nicholson to go through to the Pull Off. 'Trial n Error' did a respectable run, but was unable to return to complete qualifying.)

4.5T Modified Class
1 Green Fighter (D)
2 Baby Duck (B)
3 Fox (DK)

(England's Desperate Dan got 84.77 which gave him a place of 7th. It seemed that the new tyres that he bought took a lot of horsepower to drive them and made the motors work real hard. Looks like more power is going to be required for next year Mr.Carter 'Desperate Dan Team')

Thanks again to 'Our Man in Havana' (Herning) who seems to be enjoying both the sun and the fun of the weekend. :)

Results from Herning, Denmark

2007-09-08T20:41:00.000+01:00

Superstock Class
1 Hovertrack Bits & Pieces (NL)
2 Berner Bits & Pieces (NL)
3 Just Smokey (UK)

Mini Pullers
1 Lambada VI(NL)
2 Reny's Mission Impossible (NL)
3 The Dealer (UK)

TWD Puller Class
1 Sledgehammer (NL)
2 Screamin Bobcat (NL)
3 Predator (NL)
(Ken Smith Legend & Hero was test puller,
who on the 2nd attempt blew a motor up!)

3.5t Modified Class - Last Class of the Day
1 Inter Techno Lambada (NL)
2 Desperate Dan (UK)
3 Whispering Giant (NL)

Thanks to 'Our Man in Havana' (Herning) :)

They've all left me and flown off to Denmark...

2007-09-06T19:11:00.000+01:00

Big Sigh...

Ah well...here's the Start List for the European Championship 2007, taking place in Herning, Denmark this weekend...in case you forgot it...and here's a Google Map just incase you get lost...and here's the website which gives details about the event...www.em2007.dk...just in case you forget why you are going! LOL :)

Take care...have a pleasent journey...

Nessun Dorma...

2007-09-06T19:04:00.000+01:00

I have just this minute heard on the news that the legendary Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti died earlier today...what a lost to the music world...read more

Messenger...

2007-09-02T20:00:00.001+01:00

Is there a formula for telling bees
of a stranger's death? They are remote
in the wild upper garden, yet however aloof
and preoccupied, they require to know
of crisis and celebration. They take offence
at a breach of their code, may suffer
a psychomatic sickness,
swarm inaccessible, or leave en masse.

The bees do not know me. Today
there is no-one skilled in their wishes
who has time for them; death came unforseen
to an old man resting here, and broke the calm
of the ordered house. I have no
ritual phrases for this occasion
but am the only messanger
available. How should I speak to them?

Perhaps they will not expect ceremony
for one who is no concern of theirs.
Perhaps it is permissible to approach,
making as little stir as possible,
through the huge hemlock and old black-current bushes,
and stooping at each white-slatted house
say only, 'Bees, an old man has died-
I do not know his name'.

Taken from 'Lighting Candles': New and Selected Poems by Ruth Bidgood
Poetry Wales Press -ISBN 0-907476-13-9

Photes and Video Clips...

2007-08-30T10:18:00.000+01:00

I downloaded all the video clips I took on Saturday night at the floodlight BTPA Championships...not sure how to post them here. I'll have to read up on that first...in the mean time I'll try and post one later on today...or earlier if I can.

Acknowledgement: Photograph used with permission

Here is a photo taken on Sunday at the Great Eccleston Tractor Pulling Event this last weekend. It's a beautiful shot of 'Popeye'...

Here too is a link to Pulling World's Pictorial Memorium for Jan Van "Trekker Trek" Alphen

Listening to Leonard Cohen

2007-08-29T17:01:00.000+01:00

In an effort to try and find some nice words to write here today, I went in search of some and came across this... A Thousand Kisses Deep which I found here... www.leonardcohen.com. I think there is some truth in the message in what Cohen has to say about the lyrics of this song which he wrote.

No Comment...

2007-08-28T21:05:00.000+01:00

I've just heard from a tractor pulling fan who lives in Great Eccleston who says he was approached by a journalist this morning as he waited to catch a bus to work. The journalist was seemingly trying to get public opinion on a number of issues relating to the events which took place last weekend at the tractor pulling championships at Great Eccleston. The person in question told the journalist...No Comment!

Good for you whoever you are!

Thoughts in Passing....

2007-08-28T20:34:00.000+01:00

I am becoming increasingly annoyed at the seemingly insensitive people on the Internet who know little or nothing about tractor pulling and yet post a video of the fateful accident which resulted in the death of a man who was a 'Legend' in the tractor pulling fraternity. And what is more upsetting is seeing the number of mindless comments from people who have no apparent respect for the dead.

UPDATE: I've just found out that the video, mentioned in the above post, has now been taken off. Thank you whoever you are.

A Tribute to Jan Van Alphen

2007-08-27T15:05:00.004+01:00

Many tractor pulling websites are running special tribute pages to Jan Van Alphen who died tragically in an accident at Great Eccleston on Sunday 26th August 2007.
LINKS
Clubs and Association
Pictorial Memorium to Jan Van "Trakkor Trek" Alphen (Pulling World)
Warton Stock Car Club

Because of lost hyperlinks to some of the original tributes I have deleted them, but related to these organisations whose links are listed here...
NTTO - www.ntto.nl
ETPC - www.tractorpulling.com
BTPA - www.tractorpulling.co.uk
NWTPC - www.nwtpc.co.uk
SWTPA - www.swtpa.co.uk

A Final Pull that Ended in Tragedy...

2007-08-26T21:00:00.002+01:00

Although this weekend saw some of the best in tractor pulling as thousands of fans flocked to watch the BTPA Championships & Euro Challenge Cup Tractor Pulling Finals hosted by the North West Tractor Pullers Club at Great Eccleston, none were prepared for the disaster which struck in the 'Final Pull-Off' for the 4.5 Modified Class when the sledge, which the modified tractor 'Popeye' was pulling, malfunctioned causing serious injury to the tractor puller Mr. J. Van Alphen and some serious damage to the tractor 'Popeye' itself.

The sledge had malfunctioned earlier in the day in a previous pull, but the result was no way as catastrophic as the incident which partly demolished the cab and rear end of the Modified Tractor 'Popeye' and seriously injured Jan Van Alphen. It's difficult to describe when RED flags are being waved and engines are roaring and a tractor is going full pelt down the track pulling a weighted sledge. And in the next instance the weight box on the sledge, packed tight with metal weights, suddenly shoots forward crushing the back spoiler and driver's cab of the pulling tractor trapping Van Alphen against the top of one of Popeye's methanol fueled 'Allison V12' engines.

What happened next was a blur as officials shouted orders for various lifting devices to move quickly to the scene. What was most noticeable was the hush which fell on the crowd, the disbelief of what had just happened could be seen on everyone's face. It seemed an age before the emergency services arrived but in actual fact it was only minutes. Lancashire Air Ambulance, Lancashire Fire Brigade, Lancashire Constabulary all arrived and took charge. All was calm and orderly. The crowd dispersed when told.

It was indeed a sad end to what has otherwise been a fantastic weekend of Tractor Pulling. There is no news yet about Van Alpen who was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by Lancashire Air Ambulance at about 6:30pm this evening.

UPDATE: (Monday 27th August 2007) News has broken that Jan Van Alphen died yesterday from the injuries sustained in the accident which occurred at the end of the Euro Challenge Cup Final Pull-Off. My sympathies and condolences go out to his Wife and family as well as all his tractor puller friends and colleagues who, at this moment in time, are devastated by this tragic news.

Editors Note: (27 August 2007 - 19:32) This post has been edited for legal reasons.

A final pull that ended in tragedy...

2007-08-26T19:59:00.002+01:00

Although this weekend saw some of the best in tractor pulling as thousands of fans flocked to watch the BTPA Championships & Euro Challenge Cup Tractor Pulling Finals hosted by the North West Tractor Pullers Club at Great Eccleston, none were prepared for the disaster which struck in the 'Final Pull-Off' for the 4.5 Modified Class when the sledge that the tractor 'Popeye' was pulling malfunctioned causing serious injury to the tractor puller Mr. J. Van Alphen and some serious damage to the tractor itself.

Problems with the sledge had started on Saturday evening when it malfunctioned at least three times to my knowledge. To-day it had malfunctioned in a previous pull but the result was no way as catastrophic as the incident which partly demolished the cab and rear end of Popeye and seriously injured the tractor puller. It's difficult to describe when RED flags are being waved and engines are roaring and a tractor is going full pelt down the track pulling a weighted sledge. And in the next instance the weight box on the sledge, packed tight with metal weights, suddenly shoots forward crushing the back spoiler and driver's cab of the pulling tractor trapping Van Alphen against the top of one of the methanol powered 'Allison' engines.

What happened next was a blur as officials shouted orders for various lifting devices to move quickly to the scene. What was most noticeable was the hush which fell on the crowd, the disbelief of what had just happened could be seen on everyone's face. It seemed an age before the emergency services arrived but in actual fact it was only minutes. Lancashire Air Ambulance, Lancashire Fire Brigade, Lancashire Constabulary all arrived and took charge. All was calm and orderly. The crowd dispersed when told.

It was indeed a sad end to what has otherwise been a fantastic weekend of Tractor Pulling. There is no news yet about Van Alpen who was taken to Royal Preston Hospital by Lancashire Air Ambulance at about 6:30pm this evening.

UPDATE: (Monday 27th August 2007) News has broken that Jan Van Alphen died yesterday from the injuries sustained in the accident which occurred at the end of the Euro Challenge Cup Final Pull-Off. My sympathy and consonances goes out to his Wife and family and all his tractor puller friends and colleagues who at this moment in time are devastated by this tragic new.

UPDATE: (Thursday 27th August 2009) A verdict of Accidental Death was recorded by the Coroner, Dr. James Adeley at Lancaster Crown Court today.

New Kids on the Block...

2007-08-24T22:50:00.001+01:00

Two new north-west tractors to look out for on the track this weekend are Lancaster Bomber and Major Madness. They will both be competing in the under 401 prostock class.

Also hoping to have a new-build truck-puller to join Wicked Blue from Cumbria is Nigel Wearing, who has been spending all his spare time this summer working towards the August 26 deadline to get his Scania truck ready for its debut.

Simply Red...Tractor Pulling Championships

2007-08-22T21:08:00.001+01:00

A local man John Eccles and his tractor, 'Simply Red', will be hoping for a good result at the BTPA Championships which take place this weekend at Great Eccleston. John, who is based 1 mile from the Great Eccleston track, will be busy in the build up to the weekend as he is also the Vice Chairman of the North West Tractor Pulling Club, but as he is second in the British Championship hopes are high of a top 5 finish to stay in the top 3. The competition in the Prostock Class has become stronger over the last year with 3 new tractors coming out.

Tractor Pulling at Great Eccleston

2007-08-22T08:17:00.001+01:00

I've set myself a task to find out about the history of tractor pulling here in Great Eccleston. Ever since I started to promote the Great Eccleston Show earlier this summer, I'm learning more and more about the facinating motorsport of tractor pulling. But what of its history? If anyone out there reading this can let me know I'd be interested to find out. In the mean time I'll make some enquiries, ask around, talk to more of the local teams.

I hope that Tarque Reaction takes off and that I can keep on updating often, which is what blogging is all about. All I can say here is watch this space...

Update: I just got word from one of the teams coming up to Great Eccleston for the BTPA Championships this weekend with promise of some research material on the Hiatory of Tractor Pulling.

First Attempt at Starting Up the Griffons...

2007-08-05T14:18:00.000+01:00

CLICK HERE to see the videos on http://www.youtube.com...