2008 EXECUTIVE

The History of the Club
Now in our 29th Season!

Our association was born at the Ramada Inn, London, Ontario on November 25th, 1979,  by a group of people interested in promoting the sport of tractor pulling in Ontario.  The original name of the club was Great Lakes Tractor Pullers.   Some of the members of the organizing committee were Art & Barb Helm, Bruce Leach, Chuck Leonard, Ed Rodzas, Dave Dann, Frank & Mary Verheyen, Grant & Sheila Davis and Warren Powers.  The first president of the association was Art Helm, 1st Vise, Chuck Leonard, 2nd Vice, Grant Davis and Secretary Treasurer, Dave Dann.

The club was originally associated with Michigan Tractor Pullers Inc. and most events were co-sanctioned by the two clubs.  Many of the meetings as well as the banquets were held in Michigan.  

The first pull ever was held in Strathroy, Ontario, in the summer of 1980 though the actual date eludes us.  Classes operated that first season were Super Stock Tractor, Modified Tractor, Open Tractor and 4 x 4 Open Tractor.  As the years went along, some of the classes changed and the trucks began to pull along with the tractors and by 1981 Great Lakes had 23 pulls in southern Ontario and Michigan.

Much of the necessary equipment and many of the rules have changed over the years but the members today remain true to the roots of Great Lakes in the promotion of truck and tractor pulls.  Safety, sportsmanship and fun are necessary ingredients to please the fan today the same as they were 29 years ago.   

The 2008 season will mark the 29th anniversary of Great Lakes Truck and Tractor Puller's Association.  A quarter century of entertainment put on by the members of our club which couldn't be done without the loyal fan base we enjoy.  Our hats are off to you for the dedication you've shown to the sport we all love!