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.

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.