2011 National Farm Machinery Show

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Arena Floor

The day before the Super Stock diesel trucks pulled, they were on display at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Broadbent Arena (among other tractors and Super Mod trucks). Attendance at this year’s four-day event breeched 302,000 (agricultural professionals and exhibitors included) and sled pull revenue increased more than 18 percent. We’d like to think the diesel trucks had something to do with that growth.

The day before the Super Stock diesel trucks pulled, they were on display at the Kentucky

Without a doubt, agriculture is still the backbone of America. Even in today’s white-collar world, there’s no getting around the physicality associated with farming. So as the number of farms continues to decrease and the population of the United States keeps growing, farmers naturally need bigger and more efficient tools to get their jobs done. It’s no wonder why agricultural shows of extraordinary size take place throughout our country each year. Back in February, we attended the largest (and oldest) indoor Ag show in the countrythe National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

Traditionally, the Farm Machinery Show hosts a four-day, five-event, Championship Tractor Pull (CTP) in Louisville, Kentucky’s Freedom Hall. As first-time attendees, we can best describe the event as the Daytona 500 of pulling. This year, 180 vehicles hooked to the sled under the direction of Mike Witt. Witt’s staff of 32 handled everything from prepping the track to running the sled to tech-inspecting the competitors’ vehicles.

2011 also marked a historic year for the event, as it was the first time in 43 years that a four-wheel-drive diesel truck class was invited to compete. The Super Stock (also known as Modified) trucks were scheduled to be the second class to hook during Saturday’s matinee pull, to showcase something new for power-hungry pulling fans. Names like Erik Stacey (featured in Oct. ’10), Cory Atley (featured in Jan. ’09), Ben Miller (featured in Feb. ’08), and nine others were selected to put on a one-of-a-kind show. The result was a 60-percent spike in ticket sales the afternoon the trucks pulledproof that the excitement diesel trucks bring to the table is worth watching.

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Ford Tractor Pull

The main event was a little rough for the diesel trucks and their drivelines. As the first truck to pull, Cory Atley’s Ford, Agstremely Hooked, locked up the rear SQHD axle, which sent all power to the frontend. The shock load literally blew the front differential apart.

The main event was a little rough for the diesel trucks and their drivelines. As the first

It was a true honor for the Super Stock teams and drivers to compete at such a prestigious venue. And it was Diesel Power’s pleasure to be able to cover it. We hope to see the Super Stock trucks back in Louisville next year, but until then here is a look at what we experienced in 2011.

Super Stock Diesel Truck Results:

Place:	Name:	Truck:	Distance:
1st	Van Haisley	Rock Hard Ram	Full Pull, 235.22 ft in pull-off
2nd	Shane Kellogg	Gotta Have It	Full Pull, 228.29 ft in pull-off
3rd	Curt Haisley	Off Constantly	Full Pull, 208.25 ft in pull-off
4th	Ben W. Miller	Double Overtime	235.87 ft
5th	Wayne Greier	Resurrected Ram	232.36 ft
6th	Carl Atley	Lethal Weapon	232.20 ft
7th	Calvin Miller	Runnin In The Red	210.68 ft
8th	Brad Ingram	Scheid Diesel	200.01 ft
9th	Kent Crowder	Scheid Diesel	181.52 ft
10th	Cory Atley	Agstremely Hooked	156.26 ft
11th	Erik Stacey	Smoknya HD	Broke
12th	Terry Thain	Kickin’ Gas	Did not pull

View From the Driver Seat
First Time Indoors
With the event taking place during the heart of the winter season, a warm-up strategy was a necessity for the Super Stock trucks, as they had to be lined up outdoors before entering the pulling arena. The combination of low-compression engines and large, cold turbos could’ve wreaked havoc on starting and spooling the trucks, but according to Brad Ingram of Scheid Diesel, most were prepared. When we came out of Broadbent Arena (where the trucks were on display), we were allowed to run and warm up, Brad told us. I had a couple of magnetic oil heaters on my truck, and most trucks had some kind of heater, he added.

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Ford Front Three Quarter

Both Carl and Cory Atley were running some serious cuts in their tires and looking to take the ultimate bite out of the track. Despite Cory’s breakage, Carl (shown) piloted the Lethal Injection Ford to a strong, Sixth Place finish.

Both Carl and Cory Atley were running some serious cuts in their tires and looking to take

Set On Kill
One of the first things we noticed was how large some of the cuts were in Cory and Carl Atley’s tires (the Agstremely Hooked and Lethal Weapon Fords, respectively). This paralleled what Brad told us after the show. Everyone was set on kill, he said. Before the event, we’d been on the dyno with my engine and found some more horsepower. This was indicative that most (if not all) trucks that competed might’ve been running hotter than they ever had before.

Center Stage
Brad described his first trip to the invitation-only pull very well: This is the biggest stage the Super Stock trucks have ever seen. It’s a neat feeling when you’re on the ramp, pulling into Freedom Hall. With 20,000 potential fans in the seats, we can see why Brad felt this way. The Super Stock truck pull was like watching an All-Star gamewith all the heavy hitters in one place to put on a heck of a show.

Scheid Diesel was one of the 850 exhibitors on hand at the show. Its booth was wicked busy all week long, as enthusiasts sought out its expertise on hard parts, fuel systems, and turbochargers. Dan Scheid himself even fielded questions on the spot and rang up sales from behind the counter.
Scheid Diesel was one of the 850 exhibitors on hand at the show. Its booth was wicked busy
Did we find the world’s largest air filter? We certainly found one of the largest elements K&N offers. Here, Editor David Kennedy holds the Class 8 truck filter, which is designed for over-the-road trucks, agricultural and earth-moving equipment, and diesel motorhomes (it’s every bit as big as a 5-gallon bucket).
Did we find the world’s largest air filter? We certainly found one of the largest elements
Just as we’re used to seeing, the Super Stock trucks were allowed to weigh up to 7,500 pounds, including the driver. All trucks were weighed in 24 hours prior to their Saturday afternoon pull.
Just as we’re used to seeing, the Super Stock trucks were allowed to weigh up to 7,500 pou

At all indoor pulls, diesel-powered competitors must run elaborate exhaust systems in order to extricate the smoke. Erik Stacey took the job of adding additional plumbing in stride and showed up sporting a two-into-one, chrome exhaust system—adding a little bling to his triple-turbo’d, one-off Silverado.
At all indoor pulls, diesel-powered competitors must run elaborate exhaust systems in orde
The name of the indoor sled pulling game is to make it into the sand pile. With more than $200,000 in prize money on the line this year, every driver wanted to end up here once the dust settled.
The name of the indoor sled pulling game is to make it into the sand pile. With more than
Wayne Greier had the only single-turbo’d truck at the pull, which made its Fifth Place finish all the more impressive.
Wayne Greier had the only single-turbo’d truck at the pull, which made its Fifth Place fin

Following his father into the pull-off was Curt Haisley in the Off Constantly Dodge. The full-pull mark was set at 238 feet for the Super Stock trucks.
Following his father into the pull-off was Curt Haisley in the Off Constantly Dodge. The f
During the National Farm Machinery Show’s 10,200-pound Pro Stock tractor engine qualifying on Saturday (basically, diesel tractors with engines converted to run on alcohol), the Git Er Dun Deere, driven by Brian Shramek, snapped its crankshaft, spit out a connecting rod (arrow), and gave us a great shot of the explosion.
During the National Farm Machinery Show’s 10,200-pound Pro Stock tractor engine qualifying
With semitruck axles, solid rear suspensions, and bulletproof engines, we often think of the Super Stock trucks as indestructible—except when the power is set on kill and the track has good bite. After Brad Ingram lost his rear driveshaft, a chain reaction caused the front yoke to break, stopping him just beyond the 200-foot mark.
With semitruck axles, solid rear suspensions, and bulletproof engines, we often think of t

Showing up in a brand-new version of Rock Hard Ram, Van Haisley stole the show. After making a full pull on his first attempt, he made it into the pull-off. There, his 235-foot effort gave him the win over Shane Kellogg.
Showing up in a brand-new version of Rock Hard Ram, Van Haisley stole the show. After maki
The often-unstoppable Shane Kellogg made quick work of his first attempt and set the front weight box in the sand. The 2010 National Tractor Pullers Association Region II champion took home Second Place in the pull-off.
The often-unstoppable Shane Kellogg made quick work of his first attempt and set the front
Once again, Ben Miller brought the 7.3L-powered Double Overtime Ford out to battle all the Cummins competition. He ended up just shy of the full-pull mark (less than 26 inches).
Once again, Ben Miller brought the 7.3L-powered Double Overtime Ford out to battle all the