Breaking Trucks and Taking Names

This past weekend I missed what could possibly be the most fun event in the state of Virginia for country people.  The annual Field Day of the Past in Goochland is an event that has all the entertainment and fun of a carnival and all the historical and educational value of a museum.  It’s basically a weekend long county fair that brings in around 35,000 visitors over three days.  From engine shows and equestrian competitions to carnival rides and tractor pulls, this place does it all. The most exciting part is undoubtedly the last event of Friday and Saturday night: the truck pulls. 

     

         Truck pulls are basically exactly what they sound like: trucks pulling things. The idea is that country boys with souped-up trucks come from all over to compete to see whose truck can pull the most weight before their truck stops moving, breaks, or crosses the finish line.

  

       The truck is chained to a “sled” (pictured on right) that has one set of wheels on one end and a sled on the other.  There is an enormous weight over the wheels (this is shaped like a box in the picture).  As the truck travels, the weight slides closer to the sled end, creating more and more friction against the ground.  Eventually, the truck will not be able to pull any farther.  Whether that’s because the engine just can’t keep up or because your several thousand dollar axles bent into scrap metal is irrelevant.  Whichever truck makes it the farthest, wins. 

            

      People pour their money into their trucks like crazy, but hey, everyone needs a hobby, right? Is this a stupid motocross sport?  Yes.  Is it fun to watch and exciting?  When you have a couple thousand rednecks surrounding you, who are all really excited for it. 

   

      Next year, you better believe I’ll be right there with them.  The most fun event in Virginia isn’t made fun because you’re surrounded by awesome people doing something smart.  It’s the most fun event in Virginia because you’re surrounded by awesome people doing something stupid! 

RCTech. Image. 9/23/13.http://www.rctech.net/forum/attachments/monster-trucks/373792d1222380816-tractor-pulling-truck-sled-4-sale-p9160034.jpg

Cumberland County Cooperative Fair Association. "What is Truck Pulling?". 9/23/13.  http://www.cumberlandcofair.com/truckpull.html

Field Day of the Past. 9/23/13. http://www.fielddayofthepast.net/id1.html