For the kids, being in the middle of all that power, it's just a huge thrill. Although the Dream Machines Show has been part of the Coastside landscape for ten years, Peter and his father began the tractor pull competitions three years ago . The first year, we had about 60 competitors. Last year, we expected 100 and ended up way over that. This year, it will be even bigger.
More competitors means more opportunity to see exactly what an engine is capable of doing.
Tractor pulls are an American pastime, a chance for farmers, ranchers, and truck drivers to get together and see who gets bragging rights as to the toughest rig in its class. Then, with engines straining and the crowds whooping, it's time to see how far the sled can be towed. Most common problem is the horsepower, which, after hundreds of hours and hundreds of dollars, can just give out. Despite the purchase of his new truck, Peter considers himself to be on the low end of the spectrum as far as devotion to his vehicle. He says it's not uncommon to run into guys whose financial and hourly investment in their trucks run into the thousands.