Machines resembling dragsters more than tractors severely tested the space limits of the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds' rodeo arena Saturday evening.
Billy Brite, of Leawood, the first driver who pulled the event's sled across the arena's mud strip, landed near the arena's northwest gate. He traveled more than 270 feet. In the process, Brite spooked several straggling spectators, who had stopped to gawk.
When they realized he was headed straight for them, they darted away like startled bunnies.
The Missouri State Tractor Pullers Assn. had arrived at the Douglas County Fair. Saturday's Hot Rod Tractor and Truck Pull showcased 45 drivers from Kansas and Missouri and their souped-up tractors and trucks.
Brite's pull was enough to win his division in his green, 30-foot-long tractor, Silver Bullet. But he really started the contest with a bang when his engine caught fire as the tractor jerked to a halt.
"We need a fire crew," the event's announcer said on the public address system.
As one association board member disposed of the engine's air filter engulfed in flames, others threw bottles of Gatorade and other liquid until the small fire was under control. Then a Jeep hauled out Brite's tractor, and competition resumed.
The roar of the modified tractors and trucks - along with rankings at stake - gave Saturday's fair event a more competitive tone than Thursday's Antique Tractor Pull.
Saturday's results
These participants won in the following categories, with age divisions listed after their names:
PHOTOGRAPHY
¢ Chloe O'Dell, 7-8
¢ Maria Penrod, 9-11
¢ Chase Brecheisen, 12-14
¢ Wes Callahan, 15-19
LIVESTOCK JUDGING
¢ Lacey Kittsmiller, 7-8
¢ Colton Horne, 9-11
¢ Mackenzie Flory, 12-14
¢ Luke Wempy, 15-19
TURTLE RACE
¢ Joanna Male
David Nation, of Mound City, said he had pulled on the circuit for nine years. He readied his modified purple tractor from the pit area before his class began.
"I didn't come here for second place," Nation said. "That's where I've been the last two weeks, and second place is the first loser."
Nation owns a rock quarry in his hometown, but hot rod tractor pulling has become his hobby, he said, voicing concern about how his turbine engine would fare against his competition.
The turbine engine comes out of U.S. Coast Guard helicopters, and Nation has used them in his tractor for three years, he said.
The fair wraps up today with the 4-H Livestock Buyers Reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Building 21N. The Fair Awards Ceremony takes place at 3 p.m. in the Community Building, which is followed by the 4-H Livestock Auction at 4:30 p.m.
Douglas County Fair - 2005
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- 6News video: Fair festivities continue (08-02-05)
- 6News video: Douglas County Fair gets into full swing (08-01-05)
- Horses draw big crowd at Douglas County Fair (08-01-05)
- 6News video: Riders dazzle crowd at 4-H horse show (07-31-05)
- On the Street: What is your favorite thing about the county fair? (07-31-05)
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- 6News video: Pet show kicks off Douglas County Fair (07-24-05)
- County fair contests get early start (07-23-05)
- Douglas County Fair Web site
- More stories on the Douglas County Fair »»
- Multimedia:
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair 08-07-05
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair 08-06-05
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair 08-05-05
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair 08-04-05
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair 08-03-05
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair 08-02-05
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair: What the ribbons mean
- World Online Panorama: 4-H Horse Show
- Audio Slideshow: 4-H Horse Show
- Photo Gallery: 4-H Horse Show
- Photo Gallery: Douglas County Fair animal shows
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