Horsepower! With the Directors' Commentary

Driven by competitive spirit and the love of horsepower, tractor pulling is rural America's most underreported passion. In an era of over-hyped and over-paid athletic superstars, tractor pullers are the unsung heroes of motorsports—focused on community, competition, and the simple task at hand. On one level, tractor pulling is the most basic of contests—a rivalry to determine who has the most powerful machine. It is a sport nearly as old as agriculture itself. However, despite its simple roots, tractor pulling has developed a diverse and complex culture. Over 12 different classes of vehicles define modern tractor pulling, some using thousands of horsepower, multiple jet-fuel driven engines, and computerized turbochargers. They have one purpose only—to pull thousands of pounds only a few hundred feet. The individuals that design, maintain, and run these amazing machines are motivated by a love of adrenaline and an enthusiasm for the pull. Many have devoted years of their lives and countless dollars to the sport. And, most come from rural communities, where they have been farming for generations. This is the story of one uncle and nephew pulling team, Dennis and Rodney Schnitker, of Hoyleton, Illinois, and the tractors they build and pull. Dennis and Rodney describe the thrill of the pull, explain their thirty-year involvement in the sport, and reveal why they have consistently dominated the Midwest in their class. Their commentary is supported by vivid track-side footage that places the viewer in the stands and under the hood.

Google Video | October 17, 2006