A track has been built from scratch, old machines have been pulled out of storage, and new ones have been purchased in anticipation of the Thunder on the Prairies modified truck and tractor pull event, which is scheduled for the weekend of July 8-9 in Odessa.
For those who have never seen a tractor pull, there was a time when tractor pull competitions were one of the main attractions on the summer fair circuit. Modified tractors, trucks, super mini-tractors and antiques all combined to pack the stands, and the Hoffart family of Odessa along with Bernie Mastel of Vibank, wanted in on the action.
So over the winter of 1978, they built their first tractor, named Odessa Special, from a WD9 International with a 327 Chevrolet engine and the transmission from a 1968 Pontiac. That machine was followed up a year later by Odds ‘N’ Ends, a much stronger competitor that was built with two 455 Oldsmobile engines and a WD9 rear end, then 2nd Attempt (which was actually the third tractor) and Odds ‘N’ Ends 2.
The latter two machines were involved in competitions throughout the prairie provinces and northern United States until 1988, when the Hoffart family decided to retire from the sport.
By then a struggling North American economy had started to take its toll and many events were being eliminated anyway due to budget cuts. While a handful of the most dedicated pullers, such as the well-known Boss Blue tractor, continued competing, they were required to travel deeper into the United States to find events and any talk of modified pulling in Saskatchewan had become a thing of the past.
Over the past 10 years or so, however, the once thriving motor sport has begun to reclaim some of its past momentum, and add new classes of competition as well. That led to the return of 2nd Attempt which was pulled out of storage and tuned up by Joe Hoffart and his family in time for the 2014 tractor pull season.
The Hoffarts went on to purchase and build two super-minis along with a second modified tractor with three supercharged alcohol-injected engines pushing a combined 5000 horsepower, they have eagerly been awaiting the 2016 season — and more specifically, the chance to host the second annual Thunder On The Prairies modified truck and tractor pull in Odessa.
Hoffart said they are expecting over 50 competitors to take part in the pulls coming from all over Canada and the northern States. Thunder on the Prairies has also expanded to include monster truck rides and a beer gardens with live entertainment including well renowned band Third Degree Birnz, with all proceeds going to the Odessa Community Enhancement Fund.
Gate admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children age 12 and under, and free for pre-schoolers, a weekend pass is also available for $35.
The pulls themselves will highlight a full weekend of events starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 8, and 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 9.
