Features

Number Four Could Mean One-of-a-Kind

Article taken from the 2006 Championship Tractor Pull Souvenir Program

A quick look through the names of the drivers who've competed at the Championship Tractor Pull (CTP) over the last decade reveals many of the same competitors year after year. In fact, during that span, a good portion of the drivers have received so many invitations to compete here that they've practically made the nation's oldest indoor pull their home away from home.

Reading the names in the first-place column of each category during that timeframe, however, reveals a much different trend. Actually, what's revealing is the lack of a trend. Since the Saturday night Finals were added to the CTP competitive format in 1993, only six drivers have earned two championship trophies. Search for success beyond that, and the field slims down even more. Over the last 12 years, only two drivers have held the title of three-time grand champion: Joe Eder and Jordan Lustik.

Across all the categories of competition, that's a total of 67 first-place finishers since 1993, with only those two names appearing in the top spot more than twice.

"I'm excited about that, big time," said Eder , who pulls in the 7,500 lb. Modified Tractor division. "It's really special because it's one of the biggest pulls of the year, so being able to do that has meant a lot."

Winning just once means a lot, given what it takes to make it to Saturday night. Since the addition of the Finals, each driver has been required to compete in a semi-final round to determine who advances. The competition is stiff, with some of the categories whittling down the pool of eligible Finals drivers from 36 to just eight. Another, the 10,200 lb. Pro Stock Tractor division, slims 54 drivers down to 12 who move on to compete in the Finals.

Of course once a puller does well enough to advance, his or her strong semi-final performance doesn't guarantee the same result in the championship round. Even driving two different tractors in the same competition doesn't ensure a win. In 2004, two-time champion Esdon Lehn drove Red Line Fever and Red Line Fever Too in the 8,200 lb. Super Stock Tractor division, but couldn't capture the top spot, finishing second and third.

"(The CTP) is probably the toughest one to keep winning at," Lehn confided. "Two-thirds of the guys I drive against during the year come to Louisville and they're all very good."

Lustik agreed with Lehn's assessment and mentioned that, given the level of competition in Louisville , he's a little surprised that he's done so well.

"You know when the Tractor Pull Committee selects the vehicles (for each division) that those are the best in the country, and you only get one shot in the finals," explained Lustik. "It's the toughest (pull) there is."

Having to first get past the lineup of talented drivers in the qualifying round makes multiple wins even more remarkable, especially for Eder , who stands alone as the only driver to capture first place in three consecutive years (2002-2004). Lustik won the 9,500 lb. Super Stock Tractor division in 1998 and then earned consecutive victories in the 8,000 lb. Super Stock Alcohol Tractor division in 2003 and 2004.

Despite the introduction of a Finals round at the CTP, two competitive classes have kept the original one-pull format to determine that division's winner - the 6,200 lb. 4x4 Modified Trucks and the 6,200 lb. Super Stock Tractors. During that time, Darrell Meese captured four consecutive first-place finishes among the 6,200 lb. Super Stock Tractors, but earning a fourth win is yet to be duplicated by any driver who must compete in the semi-final format. Last year, both Eder and Lustik just missed accomplishing the feat as each finished second in their respective categories.

"That's one of the worst feelings," admitted Lustik, who missed his fourth championship by just a foot and a half. "It's such a prestigious pool (of drivers) and the qualifying rounds build up so much excitement, so it's disappointing no matter when you lose, but knowing you're that close is tough."

With the "sting" of second place on their minds, both drivers have taken somewhat drastic measures to try and surpass the competition this year. Over the summer, Lustik's team experimented with a new set of tires, while Eder started from scratch and built a whole new tractor. He even teamed up with two-time Championship Tractor Pull winner Bill Leischner to do it. But Leischner hasn't exactly hung up his keys. He'll be seeking his third title this year in none other than Eder 's division - the 7,500 lb. Modified Tractors.

Head-to-head competitors partnering up to build a tractor together? Perhaps Eder hoped to learn something more about how the competition operates. Or maybe his goals have shifted a little from when he first started driving.

"I've been in the game for 17 years, and I've been able to accomplish so much," Eder explained. "Now our team just likes to go out and have fun at every pull we compete in."

Lustik has been pulling competitively for 10 years and fun for him would be adding to his trophy case. He doesn't necessarily have a goal of doubling his achievements and becoming a six-time champion, but he does hope to consistently stay on top. He's particularly looking forward to the Championship Tractor Pull.

"Winning at Louisville is first on my list of priorities every year," Lustik said.

Sit tight. It could be history in the making at the Championship Tractor Pull this year.