What is Pulling?

Basicalyl "Pulling" is a contest between an immovable object (the weight transfer machine) and an irresistible force (the tractor, truck or ATV). The vehicle attempts to pull the weighted sled a set distance or as far as it can.

On the first attempt the force of the weight transfer machine is over the rear tires of the sled. As the vechile pulls the sled down the track the weight moves forward, thus creating more resistance for the vechile to pull against. Eventually the weight on the sled is directly over the front end of the sled which causes enormous resistance (friction) with the ground, bringing the vechile to a halt. The distance the vechile has traveled, measured from the starting line to the point at which the front of the sled now rests, is the distance of that pull.


About the Track:

The contest is not timed, it is a measurement contest. The length of the track varies depending on whether the dirt track is indoor or outdoor.

Indoor tracks vary in length from 150 feet up to 300 feet. Outdoor tracks are 300 feet. If the vechile pulls the sled the full length of the track it is call a "full-pull."

The object of the contest is to come up with one competitor (the winner) who has pulled the sled the greatest distance. If two or more competitors have both recorded "full-pulls", then those competitors pull again, until one vechile has set a distance greater than the other finalists Usually no vechile pulls more than twice in one session before a winner is declared.


All Things Being Equal:

To ensure a fair contest, each vehicle must weigh the same. Standard weight classes have been established over the years so that all vehicles pulling in a contest, within a particular class, must have the same weight. The vehicle is weighed with the driver in his seat.

In all fairness like vehicles compete against like vehicles. Everything from garden tractors and Harley Davidson’s, to 4 wheel drive trucks and jet powered tractors compete on both a local and a national level.


Truck and Tractor Pulling, what’s it all about?

Truck and Tractor pulling has become the fastest growing motor sport in North America attracting thousands of fans to events all over Canada, USA, Europe and Australia. Hundreds of people travel the "circuit" each and every weekend.

Horsepower & Traction is what it's all about. Without the best of both you're beat. If you've never been to a Truck & Tractor Pull now may be the time to experience the wild excitement! This sport is not only a Canadian sport, but also attracts thousands of spectators in the US, Europe and Australia.


Glossary of Terms:

Staging Area - The area where the pullers wait for their turn to pull. Vehicles (with the driver seated) are weighed and the hitch is measured.

Starting Line - The point where the sled is positioned for the puller to start their pull; and where the measurement starts from.

Shutdown Area - The first 75 feet of the track in which a puller can shut down his vehicle if he has a problem or wishes to restart his pull. Pullers get two chances to make measurable pulls.

Out-of-Bounds Line - The chalk line that runs down both sides of the track. If the vehicle touches one of these lines, the puller is disqualified.

Full Pull - Pulling the entire length of the track is considered a "full pull". If more than one competitor passes the full pull line in the same class, this results in a "pull-off".

Pull-Off - When two or more competitors in the same class cross the 300 foot line. This results in a pull-off. In a pull-off the competitors who made full pulls get to re-pull to see who can pull the farthest. The furthest pull is the winner of their class.

Run-off Area - The area at the finish end of the track where the puller shuts down. This area must be at least 1/3 the length of the track for safety reasons.