Thunder by the Colorado Brings the Heat to Texas
Thunder by the Colorado Brings the Heat to Texas
Columbus, Texas played host to the Texas Truck and Tractor Pullers Association annual early May pull they dub Thunder by the Colorado. Eight classes took to the track in what was more of a noise than smoke display, but a good variety of classes not always seen in the upper part of the Midwest. Unfortunately Friday night was a wash in the literal sense, as rain kept the pull from occurring. Saturday was green flags and tight chains though beneath blue skies and perfect pulling conditions.
The Limited Modifieds took to the track first. This was a skinny tire and full tractor body class. Small block naturally aspirated V8’s were the powerplants of choice. The winning distance was accomplished by Robert Kieke aboard his Oliver he calls Moby. This was a fun class, and a nice way to start the evening.
Up next were the Pro Stock Four Wheel Drive trucks. Among my new pulling missions for the week will be to find a more detailed account of the TTTPA’s rule book, as this, to my eye, actually appeared to be a class more similar to what we would call a Pro Street group here in Missouri. Names regardless we saw a really cool story unfold in this event as Lindsay Tyus in her first ever trip down the track in the truck she called Old School picked up the win. Not a bad way to make your debut!
Continuing with the noise side of pulling it was on to the Econo Mod class next. Unlike the Limited Modifieds, these were full mod chassis and 30.5 tires. Still no blowers, though, as motors in this class were single naturally aspirated V8’s. Andy Sandbothe in Wild Child picked up the gold medal position for this group.
It was back to trucks for the next class, but we transitioned from noise to some smoke! Limited Pro Stock Diesel trucks got their shot at the Columbus dirt. Zander Lee was my odds on favorite, coming off strong finishes in Georgia and California to end the 2024 season, as well as a hook in Florida to kick off his 2025 campaign. However, it was Buck Hyndman in his black and orange Dodge he calls Ready 2 Rumble who prevailed.
The TTTPA Pro Modified class is one that reminded me of what I would usually call a Light Limited Modified class in my neck of the woods. We saw a turbine, and single supercharged V8’s. However, I’d have to go back and listen to the announcer more closely, as I am pretty sure he informed us that no Hemi’s were allowed in this group. Just wedge style blower motors. Jason Glueck piloted a black modified he called Brutus to the winner’s circle in this group.
The Super Modified Two Wheel Drive trucks came next. Could Cole and Robert Zajicek come away with a victory at the home town track? Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the stars. Local rival Donald Nelson took the lead with the test hook in Lil Whip, and never looked back, holding it for the duration of the class. Don’t look now folks, but that is back to back victories for the orange truck out the the Texas Bullwhip Motorsports stable.
Back to smoke for our seventh class of the night. Hot Farm would be our second to last class of the evening. Again to draw a similarity, this class is very much like the Light Limited Pro Stock class we would find farther north. I believe these checked in at 9,000 pounds, though, instead of 8,500. It was a beautiful 1486 called Red Mule that took the win being driven by Brian Sandbothe.
The final class of the evening brought us all the horsepower we could ask for. 7,400 pound modifieds. Doug Voth and Donald Nelson got to make passes on each of their new mods. Both still looking to work some bugs out of the Griffon Growl and Bull Buster, respectively. Dustin Corliss made his modified debut on the Twisted Whip and picked up a second place finish, something he no doubt will be very pleased with. However, when the dust settled, things continued to trend in a familiar direction as Cameron Neaves atop Cotton Candy walked away with the victory; a tractor that has been exceptionally hard to beat as of late.
A quick paced show with high entertainment value made for a wonderful Saturday night. My thanks to the Zajiceck family for all their hard work promoting this excellent event. It’ll be one that I keep an eye on every year!
Green Flags and Tight Chains
Pullin’ is Fun
Mike Eitel
Beer Money Pulling Team
Engagement Specialist
michael.eitel.bevier@gmail.com
660.342.0206
