Illinois Tractor Pulling Association

The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association is a motorsports governing body that sanctions truck and tractor pulling events throughout the midwest.Infobox sport governing body
title = Illinois Tractor Pulling Association


image_border =
size = (300px)
caption = ITPA Logo
category = Motorsports/Tractor pulling
jurisdiction = Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, United States
year formed = 1968
year closed =
headquarters = 849 Co. Road 1850 EastGreenup, IL 62428
president =
chairman =
key staff =
website = http://www.itpapulling.com

History

The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association (ITPA) was organized on January 24, 1968, making it one of the oldest sanctioning bodies for truck and tractor pulling in the nation. Recognizing the need for uniform competition rules, the ITPA has taken a vision of a level playing field and safety of the competitors and spectators, and formed itself as the premier truck and tractor pulling organization in the State of Illinois, as well as the midwest. With that vision in mind, the ITPA is ready to take the sport of truck and tractor pulling into the new millennium, and their 5th decade of organizing events.

The ITPA offers competition classes ranging from single cylinder garden tractors up through super stocks and multi engine modified tractors. The ITPA has something for every tractor pulling fan. The battle of the brands lives on today as John Deere vs. IH vs. AC and Dodge vs. Chevy vs. Ford at over 80 events throughout Illinois and neighboring states. An abundant year end points fund encourages pullers to build and maintain some of the finest pulling machinery in the land.

Recent Events

After numerous meetings, discussions, and a huge amount of research and investigation by the officers and directors, the ITPA ended its lengthy relationship with the National Tractor Pullers Association in 2000. Given the member's confidence in the leadership of the ITPA, Illinois will operate as an independent state for 2000. The ITPA has established a good working relationship with the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association (OTTPA). With this new association, several events in Illinois will be OTTPA co-sanctioned, and pulling fans in Missouri will see more ITPA vehicles at events in the Show Me State.

A new chapter in alliances among several Midwestern states is an organization called the U.S. Pullers Association. While the overall mission statement of this new corporation is yet to be fully determined, it will be the conduit through which insurance coverages for pullers, spectators and promoters is organized. [ [http://www.itpapulling.com/history.html Illinois Tractor Pulling Association ] ]

Classes

Garden Tractors

*1050# SUPER STOCK GARDEN TRACTORSThe smallest vehicles competing in the ITPA,these machines started life like the Cub Cadet or
John Deere in your own garage. Don't let that fool youthough- these highly modified mighty midgets run in "road gear"just like the big boys, and can be a real handfulto operate. They are powered by single cylinder flathead engines and run on methanol. This classis entertaining and exciting. The reasonable cost ofbuilding and operating a competitive tractor makes it a popular choice.

Mini Rods

*1800# LIMITED MINI RODSFor the budget-minded puller who wants a little more "zip" in hisor her machine, theLimited Mini Rods are the way to go. These tractorsride on frames fabricated from scratch.In light of the various different approaches to horsepowerin this class, the ITPA has written the rules to ensureparity for virtually everyone that competes.
Injected big blocks, blown small blocks, and carburetedsmall block engines all operate on a playing field madelevel by various limits on weight, supercharger size, etc.
*2000# MINI RODSSimilar in appearance to theLimited Mini Rods, the horsepower output of the Mini Rods are not the same.Supercharged big block engines are limited to 575 cubic inches andinjected engines are limited to 650 cubic inches. Expect a thrill any time a"mini" hooks to the sled with its awesome wheel speed, light weightand short wheel base.

Classic/Antique Tractors

*5500# ANTIQUE TRACTORSThis iron is old but it ain't tired. Countless hours of tuning,
tweaking and polishing make these tractors manufactured prior to 1940 look and pull like never before. For those who like to see the bestfrom our father's and grandfather's era compete head tohead in a modern pulling match, this is the class.
*5500# CLASSIC TRACTORSThis class is also referred to as the "nostalgia" classin ITPA pulling. These machines that were once considered huge
farm tractors are still used today turning augersand mowing pastures. Now they get a chance to strut theirstuff on the pulling circuit. Tractors built up through 1953 are eligible.

Stock Tractors

*9500# FARM STOCK TRACTORS
*12,000# FARM STOCK TRACTORSFarm stock tractors most closely resembletractors used by today's American farmer.20.8 inch wide rear tires and factory sheet metal look stock.Yet, one look at the trick turbochargers and in-line injectionpumps shows the trained eye that this noordinary plow tractor. The 9500 lb. class is limited to466 cubic inches, but thee is no limit in the 12,000 lb class.All tractors are "on the governor" (meaning that they must not exceed a specified maximum rpm) and must utilize specified blowers, making them dependable andclosely matched. All tractor brands are competitive.
*9,300# SUPER FARM TRACTORSNew to the ITPA lineup in 2000, Super Farm bridgesthe gap between farm stock and pro stock. Up to 640cubic inches are under the hood, fed diesel fuel by an line pump and air by a "3 in 3 out" turbo.24.5 inch wide rear tires hook it all to the ground. Look for various brands whenSuper Farms head out on the circuit.
*8200# LIMITED PRO STOCKNew to the ITPA for 2008, Limited Pro Sock has the potential to become a very powerful smoker division with IH, Deere, Ford/New Holland and others all competing head to head. These machines look similar to a Super Farm or full Pro Stock, but are limited to 466 cubic inches, a"3x4" turbocharger and a 8200 pound maximum weight limit.
*10,000# PRO STOCK TRACTORSThe Pro Stock division is for diesel tractors only.This class is truly professional as thecraftsmanship in these mighty oil burners is second to none.Single turbochargers, bigger displacement (680 C.I.D. maximum) engines,and smaller 24.5x32 tires separate pro stocks fromtheir cousins in the super stock division. The engine can be heard over the sound of the turbo aspro stock tractors charge down the 300' dirt surface.
*6000# SUPER STOCK TRACTORS
*8200# SUPER STOCK TRACTORS
*9700# SUPER STOCK TRACTORSSuper Stock pulling is the most direct link to thereal heritage of tractor pulling. From the early days ofgrudge match pulling behind the barn, Super Stockhas endured the test of time to evolve into the multi turbomachines of today. Unfortunately, anyone familiar totractor pulling will tell you that the Super Stock divisionhas been embroiled in tremendous controversyover the last few years. Diesel vs. alcohol is oneveryone's mind. Realizing the importance of both groups,and in an effort to reach a meaningful compromise,the ITPA has drawn clearly defined lines in theclass by designating the 9700 lb. class as diesel only.Both the 6000 lb. and 8200 lb. classes are home to thetraditional diesel "smokers" and the modern highhorsepower alcohol burners. Whatever your preference,the ITPA has you covered with expertly prepared machines onboth sides of the debate.

Modified Tractors

*5800# MODIFIED TRACTORS
*7500# MODIFIED TRACTORS
Automotive and aircraft engines provide the motivationfor the most powerful division in pulling.Ranging from the single engine 5800 lb. tractors to multipleblown V-8's and twin 1700+ cubic inch Allison aircraft engines in the 7500 lb class,the tremble of the earth and high RPM scream are amodified tractor fan's delight. From show to go, nothingbeats a modified tractor.

Four Wheel Drive Trucks

*6200# FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS
Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge lives on in the 4x4 division.Powered by mammoth 650 cubic inch engines,these highly specialized vehicles represent themost competitive class within the ITPA. Competitorshave refined the 4x4 truck into a thoroughbred machinethat seldom breaks, hooks hard to the track, and amazesspectators with speed and intensity.
*8000# PRO STOCK DIESEL TRUCKSPro Stock Diesel Trucks joined ITPA in 2007 with results that were nothing short of impressive. With consistently good class numbers, reliable vehicles and close competition, the smoker pickups are quickly becoming a favorite with spectators. This is the only pulling division where the engine manufacturer doesn't not have to match the sheet metal, and whether it is Dodge, Ford, or GM, Cummins is the favored power plant.

Two Wheel Drive Trucks

*6200# TWO WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKSWheel stands are what makes thetwo wheel drive trucks exciting. Body styles ranging from T-bucketsto funny cars spice up the visual effect, but there isnothing "funny" about the way these smooth operatorsget down the track. Whether you have a flair for the exoticpanel wagon or prefer an almost stock Chevy S-10,you will most likely find your favorite in thetwo wheel drive truck division.

Semis

*20,000# PRO STOCK SEMIThe heaviest of all pulling vehicles at 20,000 lbs, Pro Stock Semis are truly ground pounding beasts. Monster turbocharged engines such as Cummins, Caterpillar and Mack send these rigs charging down the 300' pulling surface under the heavy fog of diesel smoke. [ [http://www.itpapulling.com/classes.html Illinois Tractor Pulling Association ] ]

2008 Events

Notes and references