LANGFORD, N.Y. — Every August, this quaint hamlet south of Buffalo transforms into a hub for fans of a uniquely agricultural motorsport: the tractor pull.
For two thrilling days, spectators flock to the wooden bleachers lining a long dirt runway, filling an arena that can accommodate 4,000 people—an impressive feat given that it exceeds the local population.
“The first weekend of August is something everyone looks forward to in Langford,” says Richard Love, an official at this year’s 79th annual competition.
Love emphasizes that it’s not just about the competition; it’s an exhilarating experience.
Hosting this event since 1946, Langford is proud to have maintained its status as the longest-running event of its kind in the United States, even navigating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the competition continues.
In the tractor pulling competition, drivers attach their vehicles to a sled, which resembles a flat-bed trailer loaded with a hefty weight box that can shift its balance along a slider.
As the engines roar and the competitors thunder down the dirt track, the weight box moves, causing the sled to dig into the ground as it becomes too heavy for the tractors to pull.
The longer the driver can pull the sled before it comes to a halt, the higher their score. A “full pull”—reaching the end of the track—earns perfect marks.
This sport is a fine balance of skill and mechanics, as drivers must manage inertia, traction, and engine power in mere seconds, often with results decided by just a few feet.
It’s this thrill that draws enthusiasts back year after year.
Many drivers and trucks find pride in their horsepower and individual style, creating an electric atmosphere amidst the audience.
Kelly Giltinan, behind the wheel of a red truck dubbed “Bull Headed,” shared the heightened sense of excitement from his Pennsylvania origins.
“The crowd is just electric here – these people come to see the tractor and truck pulling, and they love it,” Giltinan remarks.
With a 1955 chassis and a chrome-plated modern engine, Giltinan’s setup is designed for maximum power in the shortest time possible.
The unique nature of the vehicles creates a stark contrast to everyday driving, as they only operate in one gear, making it an exhilarating experience.
Although Giltinan faced challenges at this year’s event, damaging his truck on the first attempt, he remains hopeful for repairs in time for his hometown pull in Pittsburgh later this month.
Competitors like Giltinan aren’t alone in their preparations; many modify their vehicles for both performance and aesthetics, donning custom paint jobs and sparkling chrome finishes.
The event also welcomes teams competing with traditional farm tractors, such as the local entrants Andy and Chris Gabel, who represent their family farm with a grey tractor.
“It’s in your blood; you just love making horsepower,” Andy Gabel matures from the stands, reflecting on how the competition echoes his family’s history, extending back to the ’60s and ’70s.
Although the spotlight shines on drivers like Giltinan, success in tractor pulling is rarely a solo effort.
Collin Meals discusses the teamwork involved as he readies his family’s tractor for competition, drawing parallels to NASCAR pit crews.
“The team behind building them is just as important as a driver,” he emphasizes, noting that even a powerful engine can’t compensate for a less skilled driver.
Loyal local fans like 20-year-old Matt Sweet express their longstanding affinity for the event, having attended each year since birth—all while his father carries on a tradition that dates back to 1975.
As the walls of the arena reverberate from pure horsepower, Langford’s two-day spectacle continues to solidify its position as a cherished and exhilarating celebration of culture, community, and agricultural motorsport.
image source from：npr
