The National Tractor Pulling Championships is an open invitation event that attracts the largest number of competitors and fans of any outdoor super-national tractor pull in the world. An estimated 65,000 fans and over 300 competitors converge annually in Bowling Green, Ohio on the third weekend in August. The National Tractor Pulling Championships has an economic impact from its fans of $33,684,122.00 annually for our city, county and NW Ohio. Our fans do not come here for an event; they come to Pulltown for the experience.
Further study can be broken down into two distinct yet similar components: competitor and fan. There are over 425 competitors representing 31 states and Canada on the active files of the NTPChampionships. Likewise, the fan base boasts residences in 45 states and Canada as well as 31 countries. Although the diversity of driver and fan is high, the concentration is definitely Midwest. The top six states in both categories are identical with Ohio leading the way followed in no particular order by Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Gender, age, and background have evolved in similar paths for both competitor and fan.
The roots of truck and tractor pulling began in the agricultural arena. The Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pullers Association (NWOTPA) has succeeded over the last two decades to broaden the fan base and therefore, fan appeal by concentrating on total family entertainment for the weekend event. Where once was just tractor pulling, now includes toy and trade shows, retired tractor museum, kiddie pedal pull, RC Tractor Pulling competition, various food and beverage concessions, and a midway that generates a large concentration of pullers and fans before and between pulling events.
Just as fans have evolved, human nature has caused the competitor to build bigger, better and more powerful machines. As technology and competitiveness increase, so does expense. Early tractor pulls events offered two or three divisions with the only difference being weight. Today’s events offer thirteen divisions including four truck and nine tractor-based vehicles. The past few years have seen women moving to the forefront of successful drivers. It is also encouraging to see younger competitors involved in the sport.
In addition to Pulltown (event), the NTPChampionships also offers Camptown, largest campground for an outdoor motorsport event 4th only to Nascar’s Daytona, Bristol and Charlotte speedways. Fans arrive the Wednesday before the event and stay until Sunday morning, enjoying the company of old friends, good food, drinks, and concerts, in addition to the pulls, off road vehicles are also permitted on the grounds.
Whatever the situation may be, truck and tractor pulling continues to be popular here in the Midwest as competitor and fan base continue to broaden. The 225 members of the NWOTPA, the club that promotes the National Tractor Pulling Championships, recognize the appeal of the entertainment of the sport of truck and tractor pulling and continue to monitor it’s success by consistently offering the best in purse money, contingencies, and hospitality for both driver and fan. The most efficient way to offer this top treatment is by sponsorship through companies or individuals that have a unique relationship to those that participate and attend this event.
For information on sponsorship contact the office at info@pulltown.com or 419-354-1434. Thank you for your interest in the National Tractor Pulling Championships
