Truck and Tractor pull draws a crowd

If there is such a thing as heaven on earth for boys and their dads, it was likely Saturday at the McHenry County Fair's annual Truck and Tractor Pull.

The noon event, held at the fairground grandstand, drew more than 200 people from the area.

Nearly 60 trucks and tractors, competing in various weight classes, each raced down a dirt track pulling a 40,000-pound sled.

As a competitor drives down the track, weight shifts from the front to the back of the sled, making it more difficult not to get "stuck," said Noelle Sauter of the Illini State Pullers, who organize the race each year.

James Dulen of Ingleside and sons Caeleb, 8, and Ryan, 2, cheered and shouted as Dwight Frick of downstate Mendota made it past the 275-foot marker driving his Minneapolis Moline M5 Tractor.

"Yeah!" Ryan screamed as Caeleb clapped his hands on top of his blue Cubs cap.

Shortly after, Steve Willis of Belvidere willed his GMC pickup more than 200 feet.

David Lampl and his 10-year-old son Zak, of Wonder Lake, make the event an annual tradition.

"I've been (here) every year," David Lampl said. "It's loud, it's dirty - not something you get to see every day."

Plus, he said, the element of surprise makes for no dull moments.

"The guys who look like they can go the farthest never do," he said, "and vice versa."

The five-day fair ends today.