The Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League got out of the gate this weekend with a two night stand at the Franklin Simpson Park just outside Bowling Green, KY in Franklin.  Franklin is the home of The Kentucky Whoopie Pie Company, the title sponsor of Jordan Nelson's Altamont, Illinois based "Whoopie Madness" Ford.

The Friday night session was halted by rain and cancelled after just three trucks had been given the chance to hook.  The drivers were excited to test their new setups on one of the three Franklin tracks. 20 Trucks from all across the United States showed up to try their hand at the season opener.

Jared Nelson drew the number one hook this evening which made him the test puller.  The Pro Pulling League decided to avoid a pull off and let the guys and gals pull just as far as they could.  Jared did not disappoint as he took the famed Miles Beyond 300 Livery of the Midnight Revenger out to a distance of 324.89.   19 trucks would try, but none of them was able to drag the sled farther than The Midnight Revenger. Jared was tickled with the momentum that he had built with a strong showing at the National Farm Machinery Show and continued to show his strength in Franklin. "Im glad to start off the season with a win and happy with our new motor program".  "This gives me great confidence for the summer".

Jeremy Nelson was doing double duty in Franklin as John Mumma the regular pilot of "After Midnight", stayed behind to tend to planting operations on the family farm in Philo, Illinois.  Since several of the regular crew members were unable to attend this weekend Jeremy asked for and received help from a few folks from his fine sponsor Speedco and gave several of the Speedco bunch a crash course in pulling 101. Teaching them how to move the trucks through the staging line and even how to start the motor.  Noted Nelson,  "I have to thank them for their help this weekend, and I couldn't have done it without them".  Jeremy took Mumma's "After Midnight" out to 4th place with a distance of 306.77 and followed it up with a solid tenth place finish in his 1941 Dodge "Speedco Midnight Gambler" with a distance of 299.74.   When asked about his performance on the evening, Jeremy Nelson had this to say. " It's a solid start, and there is plenty of room for improvements".

Altamont, Illinois driver Jordan Nelson was on a mission to have a solid showing at the hometown of his sponsor Kentucky Whoopie.  Jordan took the newly branded "Whoopie Madness" Ford.  Jordan burned it in with a distance of 293.09 which would be good enough for 12th on the evening. Jordan had this to say after the pull was over. " It wasn't the performance I was hoping for, but it's early in the season and everything checked out on the truck.  I am ready to build off of tonight's performance and concentrate on consistent improvement".

All in all a solid performance by all of Team Midnight on the track in Franklin, KY.  The boys are back in action on The Lucas Oil Side on June 15th as they take to the track in Wilmington, OH at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.  The ITPA summer pulling series gets under way in two weeks with a two night double header beginning with the Corn Belt Shrine Pull at the Coles County Fairgrounds in Charleston, Illinois on Friday May, 31 and the second annual Mike Walden Memorial "Hammer Down" pull at the Champaign County Fairground in Urbana Illinois  on June 1.  Stay tuned for updates and thank you as always for your interest in Midnight Pulling.,

 FULL RUNDOWN FROM FRANKLIN KY

Hi Fans,

Please do us a favor and visit www.milesbeyond300.com and vote for our own Jeremy Nelson for Puller of the Year.  You do not have to register, or log in.  Simply locate the poll on the upper left hand corner of the page and vote for Jeremy Nelson. The poll expires tomorrow so act fast.  It's as simple as that.  We appreciate your support!

Midnight Motorsports is on site at the famous "Diamond of the Dirt", Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.  Tonight marks the last event of the PPL Lucas Oil Champions Tour for the Optima Batteries Two Wheel Drive division

The points race is still up for grabs at our own John Mumma leads by nine points coming into tonight.  Jeremy Nelson sits third, 20 points back of John. Brother Jordan Nelson is just 5 points back of Jeremy in the 4th position.  Jared Nelson is currently number ten coming into the last event, just 8 back of Dr. Tim Messer in "The Driller".

One thing is for sure.  After tonight, a new champion will be crowned.  Will it be one of our own?

Stay tuned to our facebook page and www.midnightpulling.com for more information.

Thanks as always for your support!

Midnight Motorsports has arrived at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg, PA.

All eyes will be on the participants tonight as we compete in the second to last event on the PPL Champions Tour Circuit.

Tonights pull will have major implications on the season title as it's still anyone's race with two events to go.  Currently, Midnight Motorsports has 3 trucks in the top five in the points standings, with John Mumma's "After Midnight"  Chevrolet at the point currently with a lead of 11 points over the "MavTv" machine coming into tonight.

Sidney, Illinois based Jeremy Nelson and his "Speedco Midnight Gambler" is sitting in third in the standings coming into the Waynesburg event just 3 points back of the Longs in the "MavTV Bullseye".

Jordan Nelson and his Altamont, Illinois centered "Midnight Madness" Ford sits solidly in the 4th position, just nine back of the Gambler.

One thing is for sure, after tonight, we should have a clearer picture of the points race going into the finale next weekend in Wheatland Missouri at the famous "Diamond in the Dirt", Lucas Oil Speedway.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for results, and check in here for a full recap.

If you are in the area, and attending the pull, stop by and say hello and do your part to cheer on the drivers of Midnight Motorsports!

The 46th Annual National Tractor Pulling Championships opened today in Bowling Green, Ohio.  Midnight Motorsports was very happy to make the trip to Pulltown for the weekend extravaganza. Midnight had not been able to attend this event for the past few years due to conflicts in scheduling.

A record 63 trucks answered the call to battle in Bowling Green, and what a show it was.  

The sports premier outdoor event offered a who's who of really strong competitors from the US and Canada.

Midnight Motorsports had a bittersweet performance.

John Mumma and was on a fast pass aboard his "After Midnight" Chevrolet SSR when the crankshaft broke, causing damage to the engine.  John's distance of 285.420 was good for the 39th position out of 63 trucks.  The crew immediately went to work to repair the hemi powerplant so that John will be able to participate in session number 2 on Saturday.

Jordan Nelson and his Altamont,Illinois based "Midnight Madness" Ford finished in the number 16 spot  with his pass of 300.875.

Jared Nelson gave his lovely wife Bethany a present on her birthday with a trip to the winners circle.  Jared piloted his "Midnight Revenger" Chevrolet to a distance of 313.679 which would be good for 4th place on the day.

Jeremy Nelson and his "Speedco Midnight Gambler" was in the pulloff with an distance of just over 318 feet which was the best on the day.  The Bowling Green rules state that the three trucks with the longest distance over 310 come back for a pull off.  Jeremy Nelson wound up in a pull off with two of the four tough running trucks from the Petro stable.

As the dust settled on the afternoon show, Jeremy Nelson put the "Speedco Midnight Gambler" in the number 2 spot with a pull of 304.050.  Jeremy's performance on Friday afternoon makes him a legitimate contender for the highly coveted winners ring, which is awarded to the puller who has the best two day performance.

For a full class rundown, please visit the following URL:

http://www.ntpapull.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1382&Itemid=100244

Thanks for checking in with us, stay tuned for further updates throughout our weekend at Pulltown.

Indianapolis:  The Circle city.  Motorsports capital of our great nation,  A city that normally plays host to a wide variety of circle track and drag racing, yesterday became the home of the most powerful show on dirt as the Lucas Oil Champions Tour invaded the world famous Indiana State Fairgrounds, as part of the prestigious Indy Super Pull.

The day offered pulling fans two ground pounding sessions of wide eyed truck and tractor pulling and a good time was had by all. Previous to the competition, fans were treated to a walk around the pits and an autograph session sponsored by Speedco Truck Lube and Tire.  The Optima Batteries Two Wheel Drive class pulled in the first session during the early afternoon. The rains came through the previous evening, and left the track soft in places, and the sun and heat came quickly, causing the competitors to work really hard to find the best set up for the tricky track conditions.

Twelve PPL regulars made their way to the Indiana Fairgrounds, hoping to add their name to the list of winners of this prestigious event.  When the day ended, and the dust had settled, Midnight Motorsports towed home following a solid showing at Indy, but not the win they had hoped for.

Glasgow Kentucky based Keith Long was in the unusual spot of running two trucks and finishing back to back with a 1, 2 performance.  The Ridin Dirty Chevrolet took the victory with a pass of 316.77, while the MavTV Bullseye machine finished number 2 with a distance of 305.60

In third place at Indy was our own John Mumma who supplied another solid run, and kept his strong position in the points.  John took his Philo, Illinois based "After Midnight" SSR to a distance of 291.69.

John's third place extended his points lead to 13 going into the next event.  "I am happy with another solid top five finish" "and am looking onward to Waynesburg",  said Mumma.

Jordan Nelson and his "Midnight Madness" Ford had been on quite a run coming into the super pull with wins in the last two events.  Jordan parlayed his recent success into a 4th place effort with his pull distance of 290.69.  "I didn't like my pass all that well", "but i'll take a solid 4th place effort against this group any day" mentioned Nelson.

Rounding out the day for team midnight would be none other than Jeremy Nelson, who like his Father In Law John has been the picture of consistency this season. Coming into this event, Jeremy was in the second position in the points.  Jeremy took the famed "Speedco Midnight Gambler" down the hallowed track where he won in dominating fashion at this same pull a year ago, and burned it in with a distance of 288.78 which would be good enough for the sixth position.

All in all it was another good day for Midnight Motorsports.  We will now enjoy a few weeks of farming and working around the shop before going back on tour to close out the season in early September.

We appreciate the support of the Midnight nation, and ask that you stay tuned to www.midnightpulling.com for more updates. 

Indy Super Pull-PPL (Final)

The ITPA rolled into Lincoln Illinois on Thursday night for a show at the Logan County fair.

7 competitors were entered at the Lincoln Event and just as he has several times previously this year, Dale Nelson has proven he still has it.  Dale took son Jordan's "Midnight Madness" Ford down the track for the win and a distance of 314.20.

Other Midnight Motorsports drivers were 4th and 6th on the evening with John Mumma and his "After Midnight" SSR in the 4th position with a distance of 295.11.  Jeremy Nelson and his "Speedco Midnight Gambler" finished 6th on the evening with his pull of 291.40.

The gang has a weekend of pulling action ahead with hooks on Friday night in Altamont,Illinois and Sunday at the famous Indy Super Pull in Indianapolis.  Stay tuned for updates and thanks as always for checking in to www.midnightpulling.com

Logan County Fair-Lincoln, IL Final Results.

Craig Corzine built on the momentum from his last event win, and doubled up with his second win in two days at the McLean County Fair in Bloomington, IL.  Corzine was the best on the evening with 7 competitors total in the class.

John Mumma ran second to corzine with his distance of 303.70 aboard his '[After Midnight" SSR  Jeremy Nelson was 3rd in his 1941 Dodge panel van the "Speedco Midnight Gambler.  The gambler made a decent pass with a distance of  292.07.

Dale Nelson, driving son Jordan Nelson's "Midnight Madness" Ford, pushed the machine to a 4th place finish, and a distance of 288.04.

The boys are back in action on Thursday Night in Lincoln, IL at the Logan County fair for another ITPA event.  Stay tuned for further updates.

Mclean County Fair-Bloomington, IL

Midnight Motorsports left Evansville, Indiana on Saturday morning and headed straight to Waterloo, Illinois and the Monroe County Fair.  This would be a PPL Midwest Region event.  A large majority of the competitors from Friday night in Evansville made the trip to Waterloo.

There were 13 competitors total, among them, a good mix of PPL and ITPA competitors so there was sure to be some fierce competition.  Jordan Nelson, fresh off a win in Evansville, relinquished his ride for the evening, and let his dad Dale climb aboard the familiar orange and white Ford for a ride.

Jordan's decision to put his dad in the hot seat, paid off in spades, as Dale Nelson took the "Midnight Madness" Ford to the lead with a hook of 352.53. "I'm tickled", said Jordan after the show. 'All the work we've done paid off with two wins this weekend".

Brother Jeremy Nelson was fourth on the evening with his distance of 334.81.

"Our "Speedco Midnight Gambler" made a solid pass tonight". said Jeremy in a post pull interview.

Father in Law John Mumma, fresh off a 3rd place finish in Evansville was solidly 5th in Waterloo with a distance of 333.50."I'll take a top 5 against this crop of trucks any time", replied Mumma when asked about his thoughts on the Waterloo event.

Jared Nelson drove his Altamont, Illinois based 'Midnight Revenger" Chevy to a distance of 329.81  which was good enough for 7th place on the evening in Waterloo.

Midnight Motorsports had an excellent two night  showing against a tough group of trucks.

Waterloo Illinois PPL Midwest Region

Final Results

Dale Nelson-Midnight Madness 352.53

Mark Austin-Gamblin After Dark  350.89

Tony Tatum-Parts City 343.64

Jeremy Nelson-Speedco Midnight Gambler 334.81

John Mumma-After Midnight 333.50

Tim Messer-The Driller 330.86

Jared Nelson-Midnight Revenger 329.81

Lisa Tatum Hardin-Full Throttle 329.51

Don Finney-Movin and Groovin 326.24

Craig Corzine-Burn Notice 326.20

Donnie Sullivan-Big Ed Red 324.67

Dean Still-Bucket of Bad 321.66

Denny Zindars-Ragin Rat 2 310.96

The gang will be in action this week on Tuesday at the Coles County Fair in Charleston, Illinois. Wednesday night, we will be in Bloomington, Illinois at the Mclean County Fair, and Thursday will find us in Lincoln, Illinois at the Logan County fair.

Friday Night, August 3rd, the PPL Champions Tour travels to the Effingham County Fair in Altamont, Illinois, the home pull for Jared and Jordan Nelson.  Sunday August the 5th in Indianapolis, Indiana will be the prestigious Indy Super Pull at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

As you can see, this coming week will be among the busiest pulling weeks of the summer circuit.

Stay tuned to www.midnightpulling.com and our facebook pages for up to date coverage, and thanks as always for your support of Midnight Motorsports.

The ITPA rolled into the Marion County Fairgrounds in Highland Illinois for the latest stop on the summer tour.  Seven Trucks took to the dirt in Highland, and when the evening was settled, Jeremy Nelson and his "Speedco Midnight Gambler" finished in the number 1 position.

The gambler's pass of 311.30 bested second place Mark Austin and his "Gamblin After Dark" Dodge who pulled 303.11.  Dennis Zindars, and his Rajin Rat 2 finished just out of the number 2 spot with a distance of 303.10.

Assumption, Illinois based Craig Corzine and his "Shell Rotella Burn Notice" Chevrolet, fresh off a trip to the Lions Super Pull of the South in Chapel Hill, TN, finished in the 4th position at 301.11

Jordan Nelson and his "Midnight Madness" machine finished in the 5th position in highland with a pull distance of 297.10.  His Midnight Teammate John Mumma finished number 6 in his "After Midnight" Chevy SSR with a distance of 292.11

Rounding out the class was Paris, Illinois based Don Finney with his "Movin and Groovin" Ford with a distance of 280.90

Midnight is back in action on Thursday for the start of the midwestern swing with 3 pulls in three days Starting at Goshen Indiana for the Elkhart County Fair, and then moving to Evansville, Indiana for the Vanderburgh County Fair on Friday night.  Then it's on to Waterloo, Illinois for a region hook on Saturday.

Stay tuned for updates and thanks as always for visiting.

On Sunday July 15th,  The ITPA was in action for a rare Sunday matinee performance at the Morgan County Fair in Jacksonville Illinois.

Midnight Motorsports brought 3 trucks to this event as Jared Nelson had a prior committment and did not compete at Jacksonville.  Midnight Motorsports showed consistancy on the day and finished 2,3, and 4 in the class of 7.

John Mumma and the "After Midnight" SSR got the runner-up honors with his distance of 287.21.  Jordan Nelson and his Altamont, Illinois based "Midnight Madness" Ford was in the number 3 spot with a distance of 286.49

Jeremy Nelson and his "Speedco Midnight Gambler" wound up in the fourth position as he pulled the 41 dodge to 271.15 feet. 

Congratulations to Craig and Ashley Corzine as they got the victory with their Assumption, Illinois based "Burn Notice" Chevrolet.

The ITPA travels to Peoria, Illinois on Tuesday night for more pulling action.

Stay tuned to our facebook page for updates and thanks as always for joining us.

Final Results-Morgan County Fair-Jacksonville, IL (ITPA)

1.Craig Corzine-Burn Notice 290.86

2.John Mumma-After Midnight 287.21

3.Jordan Nelson- Midnight Madness 286.49

4Jeremy Nelson-Speedco Midnight Gambler 271.15

5.Don Finney-Movin and Groovin 262.04

6.Mark Austin-Gamblin After Dark 258.44

7.Dean Still-Bucket of Bad 257.49

Midnight Motorsports traveled to Illinois Amish country for the Moultrie Douglas county fair in Arthur Illinois on Thursday night for another ITPA event.  Jordan Nelson and his "Midnight Madness" Ford overcame some adversity in recent hooks with breakage to come out on top of the pile in Arthur. The winning distance was 300.30

Right on his heels was John Mumma and the "After Midnight" Chevrolet with a distance of 294.60 which would be a solid 2nd on the evening.  Jeremy Nelson and his 'Speedco Midnight Gambler" finished in the 5th position with a distance of 286.30.  Bethany Nelson piloted her 'Midnight Revenger" Chevrolet to the 6th position with a distance of  281.06

Midnight Motorsports is at it again on Friday night in Taylorville, Illinois for another ITPA event.

Stay tuned to www.midnightpulling and our facebook page for further updates.

Thanks as always for checking in with us.

Midnight Madness 300.30

After Midnight 294.6

Movin n Groovin 288.10

Speedco Midnight Gambler 286.3

Midnight Revenger 281.06

Rajin Rat II 267.11

The Lucas Oil Pro Pulling Champions Tour made their way to the New Wayne County Fairgrounds in Fairfield, Illinois for the Southeast Illinois Summer Heat Truck and Tractor Pull.  Never was the title of this pull more relevant than this year with the mercury topping out in the triple digits on Saturday.

14 competitors made the trip for the Summer Heat showdown.  Series regular Lisa Tatum Hardin elected not to make the trip to fairfield, and stayed at home in California.  Her dad Tony was there in his "Parts City" Chevrolet. Other non regulars of note at this pull were Assumption, Illinois based Craig Corzine and his "Burn Notice" Chevy which has done very well in it's debut on the summer circuit.  Also making the trip from Leitchfield, KY would be Chase Richardson with his "Showtime" Chevrolet.  Both of these guys had stellar showings here with top 5 placings.

Jared Nelson and his Midnight Revenger Chevrolet snapped a recent cold streak with the win in Fairfield. This was Jared's first Champions Tour victory of the 2012 season.  "Im happy to get the bad luck monkey off of my shoulders, said a Jubilant Nelson after the pull.  Jareds pass of 334.91 was the class of the field.  John Mumma and his "After Midnight" Chevrolet gave Jared all he wanted and then some, but came up just short with a final distance of 334.21.  "I'll take that pass any night against a strong group of trucks like this", said Mumma after the show.  John's performance was good enough to move him into second place by one point in the Lucas Oil Standings through the Fairfield event.

The most consistent of the Midnight Motorsports trucks this season would have to be  Jeremy Nelson and his familiar Blue and Yellow "Speedco Midnight Gambler 41 dodge".  The Gambler didn't disappoint in Fairfield as he etched another top 5 finish with a solid 4th.  His distance of

319.06 put nearly four feet on his nearest competitor for fifth.  "I am happy with the a solid 4th place and a decent points night here tonight", mentioned the Gambler.

The last of the Midnight Bunch to score in Fairfield would be Altamont, Illinois based Jordan Nelson and his "Midnight Madness" Ford.  Jordans 282.36 would be good enough for 13th on the evening, but is still in the championship hunt in 4th place, just 18 back of 3rd place Keith Long going into the Oak Harbor, Ohio event in two weeks,

As always, thanks for checking into www.midnightpulling.com and visit often for the latest news from Midnight Motorsports.

                                               Final Results-Fairfield Illinois (PPL)

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Friday night marked the first of a two night stretch for the Lucas Oil Champions Tour in Macon, Missouri at the Macon County Fairgrounds.

14 competitors answered the call on this night, among them, series regulars and even some local competitors such as Tim Fitzsimmons and his high winding "Country Heat" T bucket.

The track appeared to get batter as the evening went on, and the night got cooler.  Midnight Motorsports fared well against a tough group of competitors.  John Mumma was the best of the Midnight gang tonight as he pulled a preliminary distance of 311.21 which was good enough for the pulloff.  John joined Keith Long and his "MavTV Bullseye" and Tony Tatum and his "Parts City" Chevrolet in the pulloff, where he would come home in 3rd place.

Jeremy Nelson was 5th aboard the "Speedco Midnight Gambler".  Jordan Nelson finished in the 8th spot with his " Midnight Madness" Ford and Jared Nelson's "Midnight Revenger" took home 10th place honors tonight.

Midnight Motorsports will take what they've learned at Friday's session and work to apply it to Saturday Nights pull.  Stay tuned to our facebook page for live results and check back here for a full recap tomorrow. 

Thanks as always for your interest in midnight pulling.

Show Me Showdown Friday Night Results.

Saturday night marked the second stop on the hotly contested Lucas Oil Midwest Region Series.

13 competitors decended on the Macon county fairgrounds in Decatur, Illinois for some good old fashioned pulling action.

The evening saw a mix of both series regulars as well as some newcomers.  RJ Simon brought his two trucks out of Iowa.  The Timmerman's out of Wisconsin also made the trip, as well as Assumption Illinois' Craig Corzine who brought his brand new Burn Notice Chevrolet to the event.

John Mumma had a very early number for Midnight Motorsports and immediately took the lead. "It made a good pass and I was happy with it" said John.  "The track got much better as the night went on".  John's pass of 335.11 would be good enough for 8th place.  Jeremy Nelson took his turn in the "Speedco Midnight Gambler" and took it to a distance of 301.10 which made him 11th.

Dale Nelson took his turn at the decatur dirt and bested Mumma's distance and held on for a time.  Dale piloted his son Jordan's Midnight Madness Ford to a distance of 339.50 which would put him number 6 to end the evening.

The last of the Midnight competitors to hook was Jared Nelson, who is currently leading the Midwest Region points after a commanding win in Franklin, KY.  Jared took the "Midnight Revenger" Chevrolet out to a distance of 349.06 which just missed the pull off.  The three longest distances would come back to contest the win. "Im happy with our run"  a jubilant Jared Nelson said after the pull.

The battle for the win would come down to RJ Simon and his Farley, Iowa based "Dirty Pearl" Chevrolet and his "OL Blue" T-bucket and the "Burn Notice" Chevy of Craig Corzine in just it's third time out on the track.  When the dust settled, the pearl was victorious, and the Burn Notice took the runner up honors.

Decatur Illinois Final Result

1.RJ Simon-Dirty Pearl  358.09/339.05

2.Craig Corzine-Burn Notice 350.70/334.20

3.RJ Simon-Ol’Blue 354.11/Sled Bump

4. Jared Nelson-Midnight Revenger 349.06

5. Wayne Timmerman-Showtime 343.11

6. Dale Nelson-Midnight Madness 339.50

7.John Mumma- After Midnight 335.11

8.Lisa Tatum-Full Throttle 332.30

9.Terry Timmerman- Hot n Nasty 315.8

10. Tony Tatum-Parts City Chevy 307.03

11. Jeremy Nelson-Speedco Midnight Gambler 301.10

12. Mark Austin-Gamblin After Dark 299.04

13. Denny Zindars-Rajin Rat 291.30

This coming weekend Team Midnight is back in action in Wilmington, Ohio as part of the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League's Champions Tour series.  Stay tuned to our website, and our facebook page for updates.  Thanks as always

As a young boy growing up in rural South Central Indiana, I had the pleasure of living close to a magical place which is now considered hallowed ground in the truck and tractor pulling world.  It was a place called Thunder Valley in Greenville, Indiana.  The local township volunteer fire department would put on truck and tractor pulls there and it was a fantastic venue.  The valley was the track and the spectators sat on natural hillsides as opposed to bleachers.  The firemen fried fish and offered games of chance like Bingo on the hillside while the pull went on below.

It was at this wonderful place that I first discovered truck and tractor pulling.  I remember very vividly the evening when I saw the first bunch of two wheel drives that I had ever seen.  Among them that evening was TNT’s fire truck known as “Flashfire” among others.  It was then that I remember falling in love with these magical machines that dance their way down the track. As I continued to grow, I was exposed to more and more of these awesome machines while touring with my father Butch Krieger.  I saw them in places like Huntsville, Alabama, Nashville, TN, Chattnooga, TN and  Bowling Green, Ohio

The more I watched these trucks, the more I loved them.  I used to tell myself that one day, I would drive a two wheeler, and vowed that I would learn as much as I could about them.  Throughout high school, I drag raced a 1966 Nova Wagon at a local track near our home, and continued to follow truck and tractor pulling, but became fairly convinced that I would never get a chance to strap into one.

In the early 2000’s while at a pull, I was spectating when the two wheel drive class started.  I noticed that there was no one to help this competitor and volunteered my time.  The puller was appreciative and eagerly accepted my help at that event.  For the next year or so, I helped whenever I could and began to learn more and more about the machines I loved so well.  It was during this time, that I met the Nelson's and the Austin’s.

From about 2005 on, I followed the circuit as a crew member for Midnight Motorsports.  I started as mostly just a gofer, but as time went by, and I learned more, I was given more and more opportunities to expand my knowledge base.  Before you knew it, I was taught how to service the trucks, and do light maintenance on them as well.  I continued to display my love of the class and my enthusiasm to one day crawl into one of these machines.

In the summer of 2011, the Nelson bunch invited me to announce a pull in Illinois with my brother, Miles. Knowing full well that I don’t really enjoy announcing that much, they made me a deal.  If I agreed to announce with my brother, I would be given the chance to warm the famous" Midnight Gambler".  I announced the show, and the following night, sat in the 41 dodge as it fired and rumbled beneath me.  The power and noise associated with it only took my love to new heights and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity again a couple more times that summer.   I was even able to move it backwards and forwards during the warm up process.

The season of 2011 ended in awesome fashion for Midnight Motorsports, as Jeremy Nelson clinched the championship in both the Lucas Oil PPL and the ITPA Circuit.  As the season came to a close, Midnight Motorsports launched a new website and several other projects that kept me busy.  I was happy to contribute to the team, but in the back of my mind, the fever to drive was getting stronger.

In February of this year, I began to have some health issues.  I have a disease called Ulcerative Colitis which you keep forever, but it can come and go as it pleases. I last had it in 2008, but it went into remission that Fall, and stayed gone until this year.  In February, it came back, and has given me quite a time.  Even though I was fighting my disease, I was able to make the first PPL hook of the season in Saluda, SC with the help of friends Jeremy Nelson, and John Mumma, as well as Mark and Jim Austin, who all supported me and watched me closely in the Carolina sun.  A few weeks later, there was a regional hook in nearby Franklin, KY and I went to see my friends.  Mark Austin was there with his “Gamblin After Dark” hemi powered Dodge, but in a stroke of luck for me, he had also brought the old school “Still Raisin Kane” Chevrolet that his dad Jim campaigns from time to time.  Any one who knows me, knows I have a love of Nostalgia and of the Big Block Chevrolet, and this truck has both of those.

Photo: Jay Krieger

That evening, Mark was busy with the Dodge and asked me if I would help him with the Chevy.  Naturally, I jumped at the chance to help.  I helped Mark change the gearing in the truck and agreed to help him get it through the line that evening.  Imagine my surprise when Mark tapped me on the shoulder and said “Time to warm”.  I headed to the front of the truck to start the motor, when Mark pointed me to the driver’s seat instead.  I settled into the cockpit, and nodded I was ready.  Mark started the truck and I flipped the mag on, and the Big Block came alive.  Rump, rump, rump, rump…..

As I lowered the body, I smiled to myself, and thought what a wonderful thing this was. Even though I felt like crap, I was having a blast and getting the opportunity to warm this truck.  The body came down, and all eyes were upon me as I put the truck through it’s paces.  Though I wasn’t as smooth as my friends who drive these trucks week in and week out, I was still pretty happy with the way I performed.  I backed the truck up, and turned it around in the pits, getting a feel for the throttle, and the brakes, as well as how to turn the mag and fuel on and off.  I left Franklin that evening with a euphoria that I couldn’t explain.  I had warmed a truck that was near and dear to me.

The weekend of the first of June would be a life changer for me, though I had no way of knowing it.  I was invited to announce the Corn Belt Smoke and Noise truck and tractor pull in Charleston, Illinois.  This was the same event I had announced with my brother last year, and as an added bonus, my father Butch would be joining us this year.  “Cool” I thought when I was asked by the Austin family to go.  The inaugural Mike Walden memorial “Hammer Down” pull was the next night, so my wife and son decided to come with me and make a weekend of it.

We made the journey from our home in Louisville, KY to Charleston,IL on Friday afternoon  June 1, 2012.  We got to the Coles County Fairground and I made my rounds, saying hello to all of my friends, and pulling family members.  I chatted with friends and made my way to the scales to see a brand new truck that the Corzine’s had built.  I walked back to my car and saw Jim Austin approaching me.  I thought he might have something to tell me about a sponsor or a plug he needed me to announce, but instead he handed me an entry slip, and told me that I’d be driving the “Still Raisin Kane” that evening.

Photo: Ann Boehm

I nearly lost it as Jim smiled and walked away.  It was then that I realized that all of my pals from the Illini state were in on this.   I explained to my wife and family members what was to happen that evening, and prepared myself as well as I could.  I warmed the truck when the time came, and did a much smoother job of moving it around this time. I then gathered as much advice from my pulling friends as I could get in a short amount of time.  I got in the truck, and got towed through the staging lanes to the head of the track.  I suited up, and paced and paced and paced while trying to understand what the track needed of me.

I watched as the competitors each took their turns and I tried to soak in as much information as I could from everyone who I spoke to, but in the end, only I could be the one to drive this machine.  Bethany Nelson, wife of Jared Nelson was piloting the “Midnight Revenger” on this night, and she advised me to “be smooth” and all would be well.  Craig Corzine in the “Burn Notice” Chevrolet went before me, and as I sat there in my suit and helmet,  it hit me.  The time has come.  You’re about to accomplish something you have dreamed about since those early days on a hillside in Southern Indiana.

Last minute instructions from all of my friends, and a wave of the tech mans fingers meant it was time to fire. The big Chevy came to life, and again I smiled as the music of the rump, rump, rump, filled my ears.  Body down, forward gear engaged, and showtime.  I got the truck out on the track, and with the help of Jeremy and Mark, got as straight as I could get.

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

I was relieved when I felt the sled on the rear bumpers.  I tightened up on the draw bar, and heard the voice of John Mumma in my head “Take your time”, “Go when YOU are ready”.  I collected my thoughts, and considered the magnitude of this moment.

I’ll bet you think that it’s loud, and crazy, but to tell you the truth, when you are hooked to that sled, and it’s time to go, there is an eerie calm over you.  It’s just you and your machine, and I felt like I was in tune to the truck, and felt that it was ready for me.  I started down the track and again heard the voices of my friends, as hundreds of times before I would hear them talk about “it hooking” and not knowing what that meant.

Photo: Ann Boehm

Well, I understood immediately when that truck hooked, and I responded by dropping the hammer.  Then it was off to the races, and I was in tunnel vision,  all I could see was the white lines, and the end of the track,  I felt everything it did, and it reminded me of the days when I was a high schooler riding a bucking barrel in my friends barn.  It skated, and bounced, and finally settled down and I felt the box top out, and then all of the sudden, the big sled jerked me to a halt.

Photo: Ann Boehm

The red flag flew, and I backed out of the gunning rod. I burned it in at 290.08 which would be good for 8^th place that night in a field of 13 trucks.  Imagine my surprise when I learned that the pull paid back 8 spots.  I had hit the pay window!   I got congratulations from all of my friends, and had an awesome interview with my brother.

Photo:  Ann Boehm

It was very special making my first hook at a pull where my dad and brother were the emcees.

I thanked Jim Austin and handed him my winnings.  He handed them back to me and told me that I would be using them to enter the Hammerdown pull in Urbana the next evening.  “What “? I thought. I get to drive it again?  Saturday came, and so did the rains.  The track ended up being a little tricky on this night, but given my second shot, I felt more comfortable in the seat, and made 11^th place with a distance of 271 feet.  I went to bed that night realizing that this would be a weekend I would never forget.  Most importantly, a dream came true for me, as I was able to experience what it’s like to drive a super modified two wheel drive truck.

Photo:  Ann Boehm

I will always want to own a two wheeler and be able to drive it. Who knows, maybe I will have one someday.  Even if I never get the opportunity to drive again,  I got the chance to do it, and can one day tell my grandkids about it.  Pretty awesome.  Don’t ya think?

I have to thank many people for making this come together.  Jim Austin, Mark Austin, Jami Austin, Tomi Austin, and Angie Austin for trusting me with their equipment, and giving me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.  Jeremy Nelson, John Mumma,  Jared Nelson, Bethany Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Craig Corzine, and Roger Simon,  for doing their best to keep me calm, and for all the advice. Ann Boehm, for the Pictures, Gracie Riley, for the video and Mikey Mullins, for the do better talk.  I also want to thank my Wife Lori Ann and my Son Bradley for sharing in this special event.  Thanks also go to my Father Butch, Mother Donna, and Brother Miles, for their support while I was there.  Lastly, I have got to thank Jordan Watkins and Keith Nicholas for being my crew over the weekend.

As a crew member myself, I can't stress how nice it felt to relax and just concentrate on driving.

Photo:  Ann Boehm

In closing, I want to encourage all of you out there who have an interest in learning more to hang around at your local pulls,  listen, learn, and help anyone who needs it.  And who knows,  you may be living a dream one day just like me.  Thanks for listening.  Jeremy Krieger.

Midnight Motorsports gets to stay close to home this weekend for an ITPA double header.  Tonight marks the opener of the ITPA Championship series in Charleston Illinois for the Corn Belt Shrine "Smoke and Noise" Truck and Tractor Pull.   This pull offers local street diesels, 2.6 diesel trucks, two wheel drive trucks, modified tractors, and pro stock tractors.  The pull will take place at the Coles County Fairgrounds and the action starts tonight at 6pm central time.  National announcers Butch and Miles Krieger a long with your's truly will be calling the action tonight.

On Saturday June 2, we will travel the short distance to Urbana and the Champaign County Fair complex for the first annual Hammerdown Truck and Tractor pull.  This pull will feature two wheel drive trucks, pro stock tractors, limited pro stock tractors, and modified tractors.  Stay tuned to midnight pulling for a feature story on this pull, as well as results from the events.  If you are at either event, please come and visit us.  Thanks for your interest in www.midnightpulling.com