Thunder in the Dirt: 15th Annual Truck and Tractor Pull Lights Up Huntland
- Terri Carter
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
It was a weekend of roaring engines, flying dirt, and hometown pride as the 15th Annual Huntland Truck and Tractor Pull thundered into Franklin County. Drawing families, farmers, and machinery fans from across the region, the beloved event transformed the recreational property into a lively festival of horsepower and community spirit. The air buzzed with the scent of food trucks and diesel, while spectators of all ages packed the stands to cheer on their favorites and witness which mighty machine would claim this year’s victory.
The weekend kicked off with a moment of reverence and unity as organizers led a prayer over all participants and attendees, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. With an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 guests filling the grounds each night, the Huntland Truck and Tractor Pull came to life in familiar, classic fashion. The lineup featured fan-favorite categories such as Pro Stock Diesel Trucks, Light Super Stock Tractors, Limited Pro Tractors, and the ever-popular Mini Rods—ensuring thrills for newcomers and returning fans alike.
The Friday Night Light Super Stock category winner was Kevin Essary operating Evening Thunder. The winner of the Pro Stock Diesel category was Colby Counce driving Dixie Ram. The Friday evening winner of the Mini Rod category was Nick Hayes operating LS Addiction. And the winner of the Limited Pro Series category was Patrick Payne operating Bad to the Bone.
The Saturday evening winner of the Light Super Stock category was Clay Haney operating Cujo Unleashed. Winning the Mini Rod category was Dusty Alford operating Freak on a Leash. The winner of the Limited Pro Series category was Patrick Payne operating Bad to the Bone. Winning the Pro Stock Diesel Truck category was Colby Counce with Dixie Ram.
More than two decades ago, longtime friends and Franklin County residents Mike Strope and Tony Miller saw a need in their hometown of Huntland—and stepped up to meet it. At the time, the town had just one ballfield where local youth could play, leaving limited space for recreation and growth. Driven by a shared vision, the duo joined forces and purchased a parcel of land themselves, personally signing for it and donating it to the Huntland Youth Recreation nonprofit organization. Their act of generosity laid the foundation for a space where generations of kids would gather to play, build friendships, and be part of something bigger than the game.
Not long after securing land for the ballfield, Strope and Miller recognized another need—and once again stepped up. They purchased an additional parcel to build a football field, expanding opportunities for youth sports in Huntland. As the facilities began to take shape, so did the roots of what would become one of the town’s most anticipated events: the Huntland Truck and Tractor Pull. With early support from a dedicated partner in Hazel Green, Alabama, the pull began to grow, eventually evolving into a community staple that draws hundreds of families and fans each year.
“We met a guy in Hazel Green, Alabama at a tractor pull and they wanted to build another track.”, stated Strope. “We thought that would be a good opportunity for us to pay our loans off because we had borrowed so much money. Now, this tractor pull pays the payments on the land and the whole complex, which belongs to all the kids in the Huntland community. All of the money raised here goes to the kids.”
A crowd-favorite new addition to this year’s pull was the children’s category, which kicked off Saturday night with enthusiasm and charm. Young participants, eager and beaming with pride, took to the track with their miniature equipment and garden tractors, showcasing their skills and love for the sport. From tiny engines to big grins, the event gave families a chance to cheer on the next generation and added a heartwarming touch to an already action-packed weekend.
Each year, the Huntland Truck and Tractor Pull is hosted by the Mid-South Pullers Association and proudly sponsored by the nonprofit board of directors. Every dollar raised goes directly to support Huntland Recreation, keeping the mission rooted in community impact. The pull—along with a second event called The Challenger League, which serves children with special needs—is one of only two annual fundraisers held by the nonprofit. The tractor pull revs up on the second weekend of July, while The Challenger League event brings families together in the spring. Participants and spectators travel from across Tennessee and neighboring states to take part, knowing that their involvement helps enrich the lives of Huntland’s youth and keeps the local recreation center thriving.
