start your tractors Phil Haight, a Hamlin resident, has a need for speed that doesn't go away when he hops on his garden tractor. That's why he and his 11-year-old son, Joe, are members of the Western New York Garden Tractor Pullers Association Incorporated. The group of more than 50 competitors from all over Western New York and one from Canada, meet almost weekly during the summer to compete at different venues. The tractor racers see how far they can pull a 5,000 pound sled to determine the winner. Each garden tractor is unique because of the work that the racers do on their vehicles. Some competitors spend upwards of $5,000 modifying their vehicles. The league offers four different classes of racing including stock altered, pro stock, modified class and super modified along with an adult and youth division. In the super modified division some tractors have up to 300 horsepower. Haight's weapon of choice is a 1972 John Deere. Riding a Deere makes Haight stand out as most of his fellow competitors opt for a Cub Cadet. With his son approaching 12 years of age, Haight plans to buy another tractor, so that Joe may compete in the adult class next year. "I will probably go with another John Deere," said Haight, who says the tractor has worked for him since he has finished in the top 10 the last couple weeks, including a second place finish. Joe also placed fourth in Kendall on July 13. Haight said he and his son plan to continue their two-year competition tradition again next year. The hobby is even getting more popular with his wife. "At first she wasn't too happy about the idea," said Haight. "But now she is quite supportive." The opportunity to be supportive is one of the main reasons Bill Smith decided to join the Garden Tractor Pullers Association. Smith and his 11-year-old nephew, James Haibach, enjoy the time spent working on their machines and the time spent helping others fix their tractors up. Smith, who lives in Kendall, said this has been a positive experience for him, because the association has a real family atmosphere. "After each meet everyone stops for dinner together to discuss what each person can do better and brag about what worked," said Smith. His nephew, James, didn't race in Kendall, but still has a lot to brag about considering he was last year's points leader in his division. The pair has fixed up a 1969 Cub Cadet for James to compete in the youth stock altered division, and has built a 1961 Cub Cadet replica and another 1961 Cub Cadet with 60 horse power. Smith said they are considering building another tractor this winter in anticipation of James' move to the adult division next year. Smith said they plan on continuing to compete for years to come. "James has learned patience, attention to detail, and the need to work hard," said Smith. "He also learns that sometimes his uncle has more money than brains." |
