Donald Teuma-Castelletti
QUYON July 28, 2018
As engines launched farm-grade machinery down a dirt track, kicking dust and spewing dark clouds, all the while hauling an enormous weight, there was no missing the return of an annual event to Quyon.
Between the sounds of revving motors, crowds, trailers and 80 modified vehicles it brings, the 2018 Quyon Tractor and Truck Pull decided it needed to do a little more, by offering more fun for kids, plus the enthusiasts of two-wheeled machines.
With the addition of two new add-ons to the day, a motorcycle show and shine as well as inflatable structures for children, the afternoon sought to bring in more visitors, according to Kerry-Lynn Campbell, one of the organizers. As the day continues to grow in popularity, they’re always looking at how they can improve, she added.

For the show and shine, it definitely brought in some new faces. Row upon row of cruisers, hogs and more lined a portion of the Quyon Fairgrounds, detailing the bike’s make, model and year.
Bikes were then judged across a variety of categories, winning prizes as their owners enjoyed the ongoing pulls throughout the afternoon.
“This is to invite people who ride to enjoy and support our community events,” said Josée Graveline, organizer of the show and shine.
An event planner by trade, Graveline said it was the first time she’s organized such an event but enjoyed the opportunity to gather fellow bike enthusiasts at the pull’s first motorcycle show.
However, Graveline was just one of the many volunteers that help make the day a success across it’s many components. Campbell highlighted that the day takes around 100 volunteers to make it all happen.
“If it wasn’t for our volunteers and sponsors, this wouldn’t be possible,” she said, adding that they were lucky to have the support of so many guests and the community, too.
The luckiest, though, are the drivers themselves. For these competitors, it’s all about the rush and thrill of hitting the track and putting their engineering skills on the line. It is all a hobby to them – an expensive hobby – but without the crowds, there’d be a lot less shows to attend.
Mark Stanton has been driving in tractor pulls for roughly 20 years, having grown up with friends whose parents would compete in them. The Bryson resident said the fun of it all is in the adrenaline rush that hits you as you get the go-ahead on the track, as well as the comradery built amongst participants.
“Other people have quads and side-by-sides, we spend [our time] on this, it’s a hobby,” said Stanton.
Admittedly, chances at winning in these pulls can be all over the place and depend on a number of factors. One thing goes wrong with the engine and the owner is looking at what could be an expensive setback.
Just as drivers can finish in first place, by a few or many feet, they’re just as likely to end up dead last. Stanton, for example, said a recent pull saw him overtake his pals by a mere five feet, yet this weekend saw him go out of bounds.
“You’re a winner one day, and the next, well…” he said, trailing off.