Finley sure knows how to pull a crowd.
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Saturday’s annual Finley Tractor Pull once again received plenty of recognition, with competitors praising the high quality track and great atmosphere.
Finley Community Tractor Pull Committee Inc. along with Down Under Modified Tractor Pullers Association replicated their success from 2023 with the event, which is the first round for the 2024 season.
Finley committee secretary Paul Dundon said the attendance was once again strong.
“I’d say we had 1600 people through the gate; it is a bit of a moving crowd.
“There was a good group early, and after a tea break in the afternoon more people were coming to check it out from 6pm to 7pm, and then even more between 7pm and 8.30pm with another group.
“It was a great crowd.”
A warm but beautiful Finley evening greeted the crowd.
“It was hot but great weather, which was helped when the breeze came across,” Mr Dundon said.
“Patrons had access to the infamous Pullers Bar which sold out, along with the Finley Little Athletics food stall.
“Once the sun went down the cool air came in, that’s when the magic happened.
“The cool air helps the tractors and the right amount of moisture allows the tractors to get that grip to pull.”
Entries were on par with 2023, with Madness being one of the few new competitors to claim a win this year.
The rest of the field pulled hard to defend their 2023 victories on a very competitive track.
“We have one of the best tracks in the country - plenty of traction and zero dust, which is important for tractor pulling.
“The track was fast and furious, with multiple modified tractors completing full pulls.
‘That is a big achievement in tractor pulling.”
There was plenty to see and do for spectators on top of the race action, with the Ringers Western truck, local competitor Joe Cottam and his Riverina Screamer back in action and a couple of lucky spectators who won a chance for a ride in Sudden Impact.
“The event was a complete success and great to see after all the effort put in,” Mr Dundon said.
“Thanks to all the people, helpers and volunteers who made the event possible - Finley Lions at the front gate, Finley Year 12 who helped pack up, Finley Little Athletics who ran the food and Finley Football Netball Club who ran the bar, Harry Ferguson Tractor Club for the towing of the tractors, Down Under Modified Tractor Pullers with their help organising and Pascoe Earthmoving and Grading for producing such a brilliant track.
“Thanks also to everyone else who worked so hard and selflessly in all the different areas to make the event run so smoothly and to put on a great community event.
“It really makes a difference to Finley.”
Category winners from Saturday night are as follows:
Limited Modified - Shillberite.
Open Modified - Riverina Screamer.
Pro Stock - Wicked Whitetail.
Mini Modified - Rockabilly.
Outlaw Mini Modified - Hectic.
Open Mini - Infected.
Super Mini - Madness.
2WD Truck - Sudden Impact.