Lil Whitey

Kent City Truck & Tractor Pull

2010-08-26T17:41:00.003-04:00

2nd Annual Greg VanHouten Memorial Truck and Tractor pull. Plan to come.
Local trucks and tractors start at 11:00 and some "beefier" equipment starting at 3:00. Bring whole family!!!
Big payouts for 2.6 Diesel & Open Diesel 4x4 trucks, 9300 Super Farm tractors, Modified Gas 4x4 trucks.

Update

2010-06-28T08:11:00.002-04:00

Been to a couple pulls, Williamston and Blanchard. Did well at both, videos are on our YouTube Channel. See link on top left of this page.
2nd place in Williamston behind Pat Pixley, (3) 1sts in Blanchard including a mixed 8000# open class. Once and a while ya gotta keep those diesels in their place!!
Planning to go to Lake Odessa on Saturday the 3rd. Greg Hikock pull, he always does an awesome pull. Come out and watch if you get a chance.

Marshall 1

2010-06-14T11:16:00.003-04:00

Got a run in without blowing fuse for Emergency Kill Switch Circuit, goes a lot farther!!!

Sponsers??????

2010-04-05T18:07:00.003-04:00

Anyone out there looking to get a "bit" of recognition on a "clean" white pulling truck with no decals or ........."sponsers" on the side? ..................uuuuummmm maybe to just so you can "say" you sponsered a white pulling truck? Need a Torque converter and "exhaust system" yet, oh and the tires are getting "used" as well. :-)

Sloooooow process

2010-04-05T18:03:00.002-04:00

Thinking we are going to need a BIG hammer for the hood!?!?

New Engine progress

2010-03-03T10:47:00.006-05:00

HUGE THANKS TO BRAD BICKEL!!!
LOOKS GREAT SO FAR!!

Test n Tune anyone??

2010-01-04T11:38:00.002-05:00

Working on maybe getting a test and tune going late April / Early May. Kent City Track. $15-$20 per hook, no admission fee. Maybe have some 6200# gas, 8000# 2.6 diesel, 8000# open diesel "winner take all" classes at end??
Thoughts??

Update

2010-01-04T11:30:00.003-05:00

Ole faithful sits proud on the ground!! We had a discussion, he knows that it is nothing personal and I told him he would make us all proud in his new ride this spring!! New motor is in process, hoping for a dyno start and tune early February. Sounds like a 557ci A-head motor, I hear they have been known to make a few ponies. I will keep you posted.

Changes??

2009-12-01T07:24:00.004-05:00

Rumor of some changes for next year? I will put it this way, I know of new blood coming into the Mod Gas class, 1 for sure, probably 2. The one for sure seems to think he wants Lil Whitey's power plant. This would mean that Lil Whitey would need a new power plant. This is all still in the "discussion" stages ..... but how exciting, new and more pullers and a change for Lil Whitey!!

I missed some big pulls at end of year, I will update those throughout the winter.

Thoughts??

Kent City

2009-10-20T11:20:00.002-04:00

Jeff pulling to a 2nd place Behind Brad Bickle

Brad Bickle 1st place by about 14"

Sister Sara Hendrickson pulling the longest distance of the whole Day!!

2009 Greg VanHouten Memorial Truck & Tractor Pull

2009-08-07T14:04:00.004-04:00

Greg VanHouten spent his life in Kent City, he knew practically everyone. He started this pull 2 years ago and am sure that he would want this to be as large and fun as possible. Help us make it so!!

September 12th at Noon

Rules etc. at http://www.kcpull.blogspot.com/

Hoping to have some pretty serious machines!!!

-Some of the top Diesel Trucks and Top Super Farm Tractors in the Midwest

Put it on all your calendars and bring ALL your friends, or trucks or tractors!!!

Hastings

2009-07-24T17:29:00.005-04:00

What an awesome event. The track was awesome, lots of traction, long, and not bumpy. Greg Hickok had the Thumb sled there, he did a nice job. We hooked at 6200# in an open gas class. There were 15 trucks in the class, and some really good ones too. I think Jeff is still a bit gun shy about taking off to aggressively, he still has bad dreams about Gladwin I think. We got going pretty well, then he kicked it in. Got lot's of speed and pulled it out to a 312'. There were 4 other trucks that got it over 300' making a pull off with 5 trucks in it. Brad B with that Proverbial truck was within a couple feet, there was also a cheav.......cehvroe.......chelrvor........not sure how to spell that word, some fancy truck with a bowtie on the front which was also there really close. Mr. Petz seemed to be having some clutch slippage going on, not sure but it looked / sounded like the wheels were slowing down and the motor was accelerating??? Maybe that is a "I wish I had Mopar" thing?? We hooked first in the pull off, Jeff took off much more aggressively and man did we get a run going. Felt really good, I heard later we got up to 24.5 mph. I know that is not real fast but remember I had 45,000# sliding on the ground behind me!!! We ended up getting to 326' before Jim (sled operator) got us stopped. Next was one of those fancy bowtie gentlemen, he tried really hard but only got to about 295, we are giving him a break, he is running a small block. Had a great night for a small block!!! Next Mr. Bickle hooked, got going about 100' and "Bang" the rearend exploded. Happens to be he had made some bumper stops that day at work, they say timing is everything cause the sled made sure he made them solidly. We ended up pushing him off the track, rearend was bound up, had to pull the axle and drive shafts to run it onto the trailer with the frontend. Sorry about that Brad (fyi it was a fancy bowtie rearend, lesson: don't try to push Ford power through a tuxedo :-)). Andrew and his pet tiger (rides in passenger seat) couldn't get it to roll to good, ended up 280 something. OK, now for the big tuxedo man. He had a great run going ended up around 317' and blew is front axle and transfer case apart. I am not sure but I don't think even if he would have kept it together he wouldv'e caught us. (lesson, don't try to push enough power to beat a ford through tuxedo parts :-)). Ends up we had the longest pull. All this is in fun, I know that tuxedo man had more power than I did, that is a really good running truck!!!! He will win a plenty of his share when he gets all that power to the track!! Brad, I hope you get your rearend working good again!
Thanks Greg for the great pull, really enjoyed it.

Thought for the day: If you put your hands in a bees nest, you should probably expect to get stung (note to Lil whitey) lw

Michelle Tromp, if you have some video for us............that would be really cool. :-)

Remus

2009-07-22T22:45:00.003-04:00

Went to Remus on Friday, that is always a good time. Mr. Aten was the heaviest this year when empty of weights, 5850#. So that was our light class weight, we could add about 300# to get there. Track was a bit slippery to start again, just like Sparta the night before. Couldn't get much footing in that light class, bounced on the rev limiter the whole way, finally at the end our driver, aka Jeff, did let off the throttle a bit. Don't remember the length but ended up winning that class. Added weight to get up to 6500#, that was a bit better for traction, ended up winning that class. Added another 1000# to the 7500# got 1st in that class too. On a roll, we needed to put the jumper cables on the battery between each class. We noticed the regulator on the alternator was blown apart, so we didn't have an alternator all night. Thankfully the battery was good and it held just fine as long as we had it connected to the duramax tow truck in between pulls. We also entered the 6000# open class, all diesels in there. Had the perfect opportunity again to beat the diesels, however, there were a couple pretty good running trucks. Jerrod with "Barney" and another good running Cummins, both beat us by a few feet. We ended up 3rd. I guess we can't complain about (3) 1st and (1) 3rd in a night eh? We could really use a bit shorter gear for the 7500-8000# classes, the gear we have now is a bit too fast, I just can't get it rolling that fast with that much traction. Does anyone know of anyone who can move my 1st gear into the 2nd position and make a slightly slower 1st gear for the 1st position. It would need to be a very small gear difference. Over all it went great. A big thanks to WATA for their efforts, once again a very fun pull!!!

Thought for the day: Life.....it's not a thing, or a thought, or a feeling, or an emotion, or a friend, or an enemy, it can't be quantified, it needs a recipient. Life is so unique and yet so required to make our world even remotely what it is. We cannot make it or create it or give it to someone/something else, Only it's Creator can.....and GIVE it He did!!! lw

Sparta

2009-07-22T22:24:00.004-04:00

Sparta, the almost, hometown pull. Had 4 of us in the class, Mr. Bickle, Mr. Aten, & Mr. Petz. Track was a bit "slimey" to start the night. Thankfully there were a couple tractor classes and the street truck class before us to kind of settle the track down. We had second hook behind Mr. Bickle. they had a nice hook, we think they got the bounce out of it, they are fine tuning the front tire "chatter", but doing well. I think that light blue truck is pretty "hot".......I am not sure my driver shares my sentiments. :-) Anyway.........sorry about that little distraction........they decided to turn down their first hook and try again. We hooked next and gave it all we had, I didn't have much bounce, Jeff was driving me right up next to the railing, I was a bit nervous I was going to rub my passenger side on the railing. I could tell why he was steering me that close, my right tires were sure doing a lot more work than my left ones, the traction was much better right there by the railing. I think we went around 260', can't remember for sure. Mr. Petz had a good run, came to within a couple feet of us, then Mr. Aten and the "Silver metal" hooked, they threw the power steering belt and we think that made them get pulled into the slippery center area, they were short by a bit as well. Finally that light blue "Proverbs" truck (Mr. Bickle) hooked for their second time, they had to "peddle" the gas a bit right at the end (little front chatter again) and came about 5" short of our mark. 1st place for our first points pull, we are really thankful. We also entered into the "King of the hill" class. Everyone puts in $10 and winner takes all. You can hook whatever vehicle you pulled in your class, except we were suppose to be around 7500#. There were diesels at 8000# plus, tractors at 10,000 & 13,000# and..........us at just under 8000#. We were second hook again, pulled a 285' and change. There were 13 vehicles in the class and we ended up winning by a foot or so over Mr. Tromp. I think he let us win, thanks Tim!!! So 2 firsts......Woo hoo!!

Thought for the day: It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling. Proverbs 20:3 God

Charlotte

2009-07-14T12:56:00.003-04:00

Alright....back up a bit. Ends up it was a bit more than pushing the output shaft out the retainer plate. Output shaft was snapped in half. They put in a heavy duty shaft and a billot aluminum retainer plate in me, hopefully this will hold up.
They changed my oil, that felt good, I had about 20 hooks since the last change. I told them thanks for the oil change last night.............I gave them a couple good runs. :-)
While they were warming up my new oil, my alternator decided to throw sparks and smoke. Ended up totalling itself and in the process took out a bunch of fuses, a fusible link. They still can't figure out why the electrical gauges are not working. While they were trying to get the gauges working, in the pits at Charlotte I might add, they blew another fuse and couldn't get my starter to work. They ended up having to jump a wire from the battery to the starter coil just to get me started. That was a bit intense, I was ready to rock, the truck before us was hooking, and they were trying to figure out how to start me!!!!! They got me going, we made our way to the line, had to wait for a couple minutes, they did not want to shut me off and man did I get hot!!!!
Finally we got hooked, the track looked good, smooth, and plenty long. He gave me the GO signal and I ran for all I was worth, man did that feel good. I was screaming, good thing he had my rev limiter set at 7300 rpm, cause I was pushing it the whole way. Ended up getting about 380' before Dan (Nearpass) drug us down from behind. Man he can pull hard. We hurried around to the pits, he turned me off, opened my hood, put jumper cables to Mighty Whitey, and ran my fans and water pump, I was soooooo hot. Next thing he comes running back to say we needed to hurry back out there for a pull off. 3 other trucks did full pulls (over 300') as well. I new it would be a HOT work out. Dan had set the sled to "drop" sooner, so I knew I would need to get going quick. We got the green light, I gave it all I had, ended up going about 335'. I was sooooo hot, we went back to the trailer, he shut me off, I was boiling......literally!!!! Got the job done by about 30'. What a riot. I think Mrs. Tromp got some video, I think he is going to try to get it from her on Thursday, maybe he will put it on the site.
Shane Smith came along with us last night. I think he liked it. He helped load the weights and wired in some the gauges. Thanks for all your help Shane!!!

Sparta is Thursday 6:30 - 7:00. Should be a good one. Look for you there.

Thought for the day: Why is there such large gaps between the different levels of species in the so called "evolution idea". How long before the next group of apes become human and why is there no group, of whatever they would be called, in between there right now? lw

Gladwin TTPA pull

2009-06-29T08:00:00.007-04:00

Adam Tarswell, 1st Place

Bodacious, 2nd

Terry Card, 3rd

Lil Whitey, 4th

What a pull, we got out driven and out "set up". I think we had plenty of truck, just lacked on the driving ability and set up. We were not allowed front weights and I think we have gotten spoiled. We added about 600# in the bed and nothing on the front, this makes for a much more unstable truck. I got into it to quickly and got us bouncing. I couldn't get it to quit? Maybe some tire pressure adjustments would help too. You guys (TTPA pullers) obviously have the set up figured out for the rules you run, Great Job!!! I will remember for next time though! :-) We ended up 4th place. We did push the output shaft through the transfer case and out the back side of the transfer case housing, Brad Hyma says it is nothing to fix, "you just need a new this, that, and the other thing, guess we will see what "nothing" is huh? Adam Tarswell and his sweet 69 Chevrolet beat us all, he put up a 291 +/-. The Bodacious Truck pulled a 285.31 feet for second. Terry Card pulled at 285.30 for third. We had a 285.23 for fourth. Great job you guys!! We really enjoyed hooking with you guys, what a great show. Mike you keep that Chevy tuned in..........we are coming for you!!!! :-) Thanks again to you all for allowing us to hook with you!!

Centreville Pull

2009-06-22T09:34:00.008-04:00

Brad, Lil Whitey

Jeff, Lil Whitey

Ed Aten

Brad Hyma

After much debating we decided to go to Centreville for the pull rather than Morely. With lots of rain of past 3 or 4 days we didn't know if they would be able to get the track together, but they did a great job. It was a great track! Pulled into pits a bit late, there were already 10+ trucks signed up in the Big Block Mod class. Mike Tarswell was there just ahead of us and triggered some complaints with his hitch. When we pulled on scale they told us they were going to make an "open" class. Apparently they didn't like our hitches. That was cool, we had 5 trucks entered into the class and needed 6 for it to pay out places. There were a couple guys who said they might jump from BB Mod to Open if they didn't break in their class. They also told us we could enter the same truck multiple times with same or different drivers to make the 6 entries. Brad Bickle had come to watch, didn't have his truck, and Brad Hyma was there as well. Ends up Brad B entered to hook with Lil Whitey and Brad Hyma hooked with............do you have name for that thing yet Ed?.............Ed's "Silver Pull Truck". We, myself & Lil Whitey, ended up hooking first, had a great hook, 368.485'. Ed went next 355' or so, good hook Ed. Ed had some very aggressive tires, and that track was hooking pretty good, it may have been a bit over geared? Ed, thoughts? He seemed to run out of steam right at the end. then there were 4 or 5 other trucks who hooked in there, Mike Tarswell & Andrew had good hooks, Pat Tixley (sorry about the spelling if I got it wrong Pat) had something come loose in transfer case he thought. Hope that is a quick fix. Brad Bickle then hooked with Lil Whitey and pulled a 368.615', that is exactly 1 1/2" difference from our first hook. Good job Brad!!! Brad Hyma was up next, he took some quick clutch lessons, including a couple trial runs. He finally got it going and got on top of the cam, did a nice run as well. How did you like using that "mans truck" with a clutch Brad? Was a great event! Thanks to all you at Centreville for the good time and letting us create another class.

1.5 inches?!?!?!?!!!!!...................I guess at least Lil Whitey is consistant.

Thought for the day: To drive from Grant MI to Los Angeles CA is approx 2210 miles. 1 1/2" is to 368' just as 2/3 of one mile is to 2210 miles. Maybe "Lil Consistant" is a better name? lw

2009-06-15T23:42:00.006-04:00

Marshall is a favorite for the family. We went down Saturday for their pull, another great pull. Started a bit late but heard they put a lot of stock farm tractors through in afternoon and took a bit longer. Weighed up to 6500# for their Big Block class. Was one of the first pullers in class, pulled a 272'. Felt good, seemed to go well, track was a bit hard and slipperey but not bad. Part of truck pulling is prepairing for each type of track. There were a lot of really good trucks there that I don't think had their best hooks. Ended up winning the class by a few feet. I know there were a few who were breaking in their engines from a winter freshen up or a new engine, So really doesn't mean a whole lot. We had a good hook nonetheless. There was also a 7500# open class that had 7 or 8 trucks entered, however, only 3 of us pulled. Had a couple diesels in that class with us and we had to beat them as well. Have I mentioned recently that I really enjoy beating the diesels? :-) I was disappointed that Tim Tromp, Eric Merchant, or Jerrod Glover did not enter into that class. Oh well, maybe next time?!?!

Notice in the 7500" class we were very heavy on the front, I was a bit concerned with the "60" in the front not holding it, it did fine!

Muskegon Test N Tune

2009-06-15T23:31:00.002-04:00

Finally made it to the track at about 5:45. I had scheduled a company golf outing during that day......I am not always the best at allowing any margin in my life. We made it nonetheless. Got weighed and tech inspected, everything was good. Wondered around the pits for a bit, Brad has done some very nice work on the front end and the hitch of his truck. I wish I could do fabrication like that. Looks nice Brad. Seems to maybe have helped a bit too. He was first to hook and took it way down and WITHOUT BOUNCE!! We went next and had a great hook as well, I think we only got Brad by a foot or so. I think he took his gloves off this winter as well :-) he wants to play for "real". Next Ed hooked with his silver dodge. Had a good hook going but broke his rear pinion shaft. Truck looks great Ed, I really like your bed cover!! We got to hook again later on, had another really good pull. Brad hooked right after us and broke his rear U-joint. Hope you all get them together soon.

Brad (and Amy) Bickles Beautiful Baby

2009-06-09T22:39:00.002-04:00

What a bunch of "B's". Congratulations to Brad and Amy Bickle. Libby Corrine Bickle was born on June 2nd . All are doing well and are amazed at the wonder of God's handy work in creating new life. It is truly a miracle!!
Congratulations again!!!!!
Hope to see you ALL soon cheering on that light blue Ford!!! :-) (and the Lil White one too!! :-))

Thought for the Day: EVERYTHING that has life, has that life breathed into it from God. We will pray that someday very soon you will accept His gift of un-ending Life, only that one really counts!!! lw

Busy weekend

2009-06-09T22:30:00.002-04:00

Well we made it back from CA. My wife and I went to "sunny" California for our 17th anniversary. It was a great time, sun struggled a few days to come out but was still a beautiful and relaxing get away.
Hoping to get to Muskegon this Friday night to get a couple test hooks in. Doing a Carb change and would like to make sure we have the jets dialed in. If all goes well we hope to head to Marshall on Saturday. Sounds like we need to be there around 3:00 or so.
We changed some of the hitch height brackets around to save a little weight in the rear and it lookes like we built one of them maybe a bit on the "light" side. Had a bit of a bow in the cross piece when Lil Whitey got back from Remus so we added a couple pieces of flat stock to give a bit more "beef" to it. Hopefully that will eliminate that problem.
Hope ya'll can make it out to Muskegon or Marshall. See ya then.

Remus

2009-05-26T11:52:00.002-04:00

Lil Whitey made it to Remus for a couple hooks. Brad Hyma was the "hired gun". Sounds like it went well, Ed Aten and his "Silver Bullet" kinda cleaned up sounds like, apparently he was not just sitting around all winter?!?!?! Sounds like it went good Ed, congratulations. Brad / Ed feel free to comment.......tell us all about it.

Remus Test & Tune

2009-05-18T14:52:00.002-04:00

We will not be able to go to Remus Test & Tune. Our little Emma turns 9 this week and she is having a party that day!! Ya'll do some major testing & tuning without us, hopefully we wont need much of that!!

Warsaw IN Test n tune / open class

2009-04-30T09:31:00.009-04:00

Went down to Warsaw Indiana last Saturday to do some testing and they had a couple open classes at night. Hooked first time with normal STS tires, big carb, 6200#. First hook of the year, track was really soft, didn't get much ground speed. Was a good hook. We then put the smaller carb on seemed to do about the same, the larger carb seems to only help on the top end and with not getting much ground speed the top end speed was low. We then put on the 35" tires (not much tread on them, it seems to come up missing after taking out on the road for a galavant), those tires seemed to get more tire speed but had pretty bad bounce. About the same distance, maybe a bit shorter. Test n tune was done by then. We set it up to run the 6500 open class. We used the 1250 carb, 33"STS, and added weight in front to get the weight. Ended up with a 304' hook. There was a turbine tractor and an Alcohol tractor in this class as well. The turbine pulled a 301' and change, (he had to hit the brake, was headed hard left) and the Alky about took it around the track. So.......we beat a turbine......got smoked by an Alky........AND gave lessons about spark plugs to ALL those oil burners!!!!! Gotta give you guys a hard time, after all you guys are good at dishing it out as well. :-)
Was a fun day. Brad B and Brad H both went with and helped tremendously in the pits and video camera. Thanks guys!!! I had a lot of fun.
Bickle is "upgrading" as well this winter and will be "playing for real" in a few weeks. Can't wait for the unveiling Brad. Also his wife is due to deliver a new little baby for them in next few weeks. Hope all goes well Brad & Amy!!

Gonna be hookin soon

2009-04-06T22:43:00.002-04:00

Heard rumor of a test-n-tune down south, Haisley Machine, April 25th. Not sure will be back together by then, reworking the hitch a bit. Changing a the weight configuration a bit as well. If we don't make this one will try to the test and tune up to Remus on May 23.

New club website

2009-04-04T00:24:00.001-04:00

There is a new website representing the pulling club. The prior "Michigan Farm Stock Tractor Pullers Association" can now be found at mttpull.com

Check it out!!

Maybe a road trip?

2009-03-24T21:35:00.002-04:00

Wondering about taking a little road trip the end of July / first of August. We are looking for a place to hook on Friday somewhere in the North half of Ohio, there is a pull in New Bethlehem PA on August 1st we were thinking about trying to make. If there is anyone out there who knows of any hooks that might fit into this let us know.

New website for the club

2009-03-08T23:30:00.002-04:00

Michigan Farm Stock Tractor Pullers has become Michigan Truck & Tractor Pullers. Check us out at the new website www.mttpull.com

Please comment and have much conversation on the forum. We created this for everyones use.
Thanks

Kent City Pull, tentative date

2009-02-23T22:28:00.003-05:00

Looks like the 12th of September is the date as of now. Start praying for no rain.
Would like to do a very special "In memory of" type pull or event or something special at this pull for our late dear friend Greg VanHouten. Put a bit of thought into it and share your ideas. We have an opportunity to show our support and memory of him at this event, I would really like to make it special.
Are we getting close yet? Is it going to warm up? I went a snuck a peek at him "Lil Whitey" the other day, he is still dormant, out like a lamb.............carefull, that means he'll come in like a LION!!!

Some pull dates for 09.....some are still tentative.

2009-02-17T18:17:00.003-05:00

May 7th Remus Test & Tune
June 13 Muskegon Test & Tune - MFSTPA
June 20 Morley
June 26 Blanchard Trucks
July 9 Sparta - MFSTPA
July 13 Charlott - Greg
July 17 Remus Trucks
July 21 Muskegon - MFSTPA
July 23 Hastings - Greg
Aug. 8 Morley
Aug. 11 Mt. Pleasent - Greg
Aug. 14 Fremont - MFSTPA
Aug. 18 Caddilac - MFSTPA
Aug. 18 Mashall
Aug. 22 Greenville - MFSTPA
Aug. 28 Hart -MFSTPA
Sept. 4 Remus Trucks
Sept. 6 Hudsonville

Anyone getting the "itch" yet?

2009-02-09T11:39:00.003-05:00

How about a couple days of nice weather to get the pulling blood flowing. Lil Whitey is still hibernating. He had a couple minor "skin flaws" touched up before heading to the "den". Looking pretty good if i may say so. Need to get a new harmonic balancer on him, old one was coming apart at end of year. Also some possible hitch changes for the new rules. Gonna try to just keep as is as long as we meet the clearance requirements.
I hear rumblings of some new pull locations this year? Cadillac? Ludington? Hudsonville? Greenville? Holland? Still waiting on some dates for sure.
I have a huge confession to make: Our F350 tow truck is being replaced with an '05 GMC Duramax. I know, many will probably disown us. All I can say is............I do like it. We put so many miles on both towing and more yet for work, I had to go with the fuel mileage and the ride. Both are considerably nicer. I do miss the "ruggedness" of the F350. Maybe...........just maybe..........we will try to get a few hooks with the Dmax, I "hear" they do ok.
Will try to keep some updates more often now.

Passing of a dear friend, Greg VanHouten

2009-02-09T11:02:00.004-05:00

It has been a tough past couple weeks. Greg VanHouten, a friend and pulling comrade, passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack, Saturday January 24th. Greg had touched so many lives in the pulling world, snowmobile racing world and in his world outside of those. He always found and spoke of the good of all those he came in contact with. I had the privilege to have quite a bit of conversation with him last summer. He helped me so much with the taking over the reigns of the Kent City Truck and Tractor pull which he had initiated in 2007. In that conversation with him, I realized his love for his bride to be, Julie. He loved her tremendously. It challenged me in my relationship with my "bride". He also loved and trusted in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and he would talk about that with a smile from ear to ear.

Gal 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

1Thess. 4:13-18 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

There is such peace in knowing that our friend is spending eternity with his Saviour only because of his belief and trust that the required judgement of his sin was taken and paid for by his Saviour Jesus Christ. What a call of consideration we all must do in preparation before we step into eternity. I know it has caused me to consider this in my life. I too share in this love and trust in Jesus Christ as my Saviour as well.

We will miss Greg and his many abilities, what huge shoes to fill.

We miss you Greg!!

Winter stuff

2008-12-10T09:04:00.002-05:00

Well Lil Whitey is snuggled up in the Borman storage building......Hibernating. Thanks for input Paul, took your advice.
Sounds like we may need to do a little bit of hitch work, new rules may change how much the hitch is accessible.
Also, we are having a new diesel class between the "stock" and hot classes. We are going to push to allow us to run with them. Also would like to hook in the Light Limited Super Stock class, and if possible run a 7500# Open class. I guess some don't think this would work????? Not sure why? SIMPLE rules, you must legally hook in another current class at that event in order to hook in the 7500# open class. All the rules of your normal class apply, with ONE exception of weight max of 7500#. Sounds easy to me, I would think that the crowd would like to see different vehicles hook against each other at same weight. I would be glad to help with the inspections etc. for this class.

THOUGHTS?????

Thought for the day: The definition of "mas" is festival or celebration..........are we in a true Christ..MAS season???? or have we turned it into a "Me..Christ" season??? lw

Winter blues

2008-10-23T20:33:00.003-04:00

Hey ya'll. We are wondering were Lil Whitey should spend the long winter days. Should we "winterize" him and put him in a cold, unheated storage someplace? Should we tuck him away in the corner of the shop where he can hibernate warm and clean all winter long? In the shop he will take up some of the B-ball space. What do you think? Give us your comments.

All done "hooking" for the year

2008-09-29T10:59:00.003-04:00

Well, we ended up NOT going to Toledo, so we are done "hooking" for the year. Overall a great & fun year. Lots of time, but grew some existing friendships along with making some new ones. Perhaps some of the best parts of the season was the time spent with some great people!!! We feel it a privilege to be able to be around such great families.
Brad, Simeon, & Amy Bickle Thanks!! Brad you are such a pillar of priorities. I count it a privilege to even be able to compete with you. I have seen and am trying to learn from you the value of your spiritual and family life taking a precedence over the "hobby" of truck pulling. I hope you continue to walk with your God, family, and friends as you have shown and continue to be that "pillar".
Brad, Amy, & girls Hyma, thank you. You have been a great friend and support. We could not have done the Kent City Pull with out you guys. Also for your expertise in the drivetrain, so much of Lil Whitey's success is a direct result of your knowledge and help. Thank you so much!! We have really enjoyed getting to know your family as well, and want to continue to grow that relationship. Continue to raise and train those 3 beautiful girls as you have, that is an awesome privilege you have!!! (Amy, If you find a smaller 4 wheeler for me to use, let me know).
Ed and Robin Aten, Wow!!! You guys are blessed in so many ways. I have, more than once, gotten choked up while watching you guys with your many little people. You two are nothing short of inspiring. I am in awe and feel so far behind you guys when I see your love and care for those children. I doubt they will ever understand what you have given, and are giving to them. They are so blessed to have you guys as Mom and Dad. You have been a huge blessing to my wife, myself, and my family.
Thank you all for your support and blessing to me!!!! I am thankful for the success of the year in pulling, however, I believe the biggest success, for me, has been to get to know you all and so many others.

Thought for the day: What is more powerful than all of our trucks put together........our successful relationships. lw

Kent City

2008-09-24T19:43:00.009-04:00

Whoa, putting on a pull is a lot of work. Hats off to all you who do it all summer long, and thanks for all your work!!! I think it went well. We had a good crowd, probably lost some due to moving it a week. The track was good, got a bit dusty toward the end, but it was a long event.

Lil Whitey did great. We managed to pull out a win in the 6200# Mod gas class, and Colleen hooked in the "powder puff" class. She was first hook did pretty good but turned it down to come back last at win it. Robin Aten did a fantastic job with the ole "Silver Bullet". Does that Dodge have a name yet Ed? Better watch out Ed, she looks like she knows how to bring that sled out of the hole about as good as you do!!! Great job Robin and all you ladies who hooked. We also hooked Lil Whitey in the 7500# open class. Pulled at 302' which got us 2nd behind "One Bad Apple". Had a lot of fun.

Thanks to all you who helped so much!!! Couldn't have done it without you all.

We will be posting the video's on http://www.kcpull.blogspot.com/ as we get time to do it. Check out that website to see all the Kent City Pull.

Thought for the day: If you tell your wife that your last pull was Kent City and someone from Toledo area invites you to come to theirs the next week, is it ok to go? lw

Kent City Pull RESCHEDULED

2008-09-13T07:38:00.002-04:00

The Truck and Tractor Pull in Kent City has been rescheduled for Saturday September 20th at Noon. Same time and classes as set earlier. Please visit http://www.kcpull.blogspot.com/ for any questions on classes and / or rules.

Also, please pass the word to all you know to put on calendar.

Eagle Pull

2008-09-09T19:43:00.003-04:00

Left home about 7:30 in morning was wet and promise of more rain in the western sky. We headed out anyway. We had made plans to meet my second cousin, her husband and family and go to church with them before the pull, so we figured worst case scenario we would spend day with them. Got back to their house from church at about 11:00 and sky was clearing. It had rained pretty good all the way down there in AM. I headed over to the track (about 2 miles away), and the pulling bustle was at full speed. Lots of trucks, diesels, hot diesels, mod gassers, semis and hot semis. Greg Hikock got pull underway at about 12:25 inspite of all the rain. Great job Greg and crew!!!! Stock diesel trucks ran first, was about 14 of them. We were next. We had drawn 3rd hook. Track was really good, long, "hooking", and smooth. We pulled a 329'!!! Had a little bounce going pretty much the first 200' or so. I think it was from the blocks. We had blocked the rear suspension solid, Greg has no rules against rear blocks. The tires take all of the bounce if there is any and the shocks can't help at all. I personally think it is smoother with 3/4" to 1 1/2" of travel than with no travel or no blocks. Anyhow, they took top 3 over 300' for a pull off. Ed Aten pulled a 318' or so and John Petz pulled around 300' so we 3 were in pull off. We bounced again in pulloff, seemed a bit worse so we had to "pedal" once, that seemed to help. Ended up pulling a 318'. Ed had a 305' and John bounced pretty bad and pulled at 278' or so. Our first win at Eagle!!! It was fun with family there and all. Getting near end of season, kind of bitter sweet.

Next pull is Kent City!!!! This Saturday (Sept. 13th). Ya'll come out and cheer us on.

Thought of the day (Thoughts I had today) I am so thankful for my wife and children, I am blessed beyond description. Thank you Lord!!!!

(Note: We witnessed a little 6 year old boy fall about 36" landing on the back of his head on some rough concrete. It was not a good thing. The father was a fellow puller and was at the scene right away, being a paramedic he was taking charge of the scene with his own son being the injured person. The ambulance came and took him away on a stretcher to the emergency room. The point is he gave up his pulling day, without a second thought, to take care of his family. We enjoy this sport, but this was a good call to reality that the Real things in life are our families!!!! This boys name is Seth, if you feel led to pray for him and his family. I haven't heard anything from the hospital visit, if I do I will post it)

Remus 2

2008-09-04T09:50:00.004-04:00

Had a great night. 5700, 6500, 7500, 8000(open gas & diesel) took home 1st place in each. Ed is pushing us hard with his Dodge, couple more tweeks and he will be the "man to beat". Harold was struggling with front spring problems, sounds like he may have twisted them at Hart or somewhere. WATA did another great pull. We will always try to get to their pulls.

Headed to Eagle this Sunday, noon. Sounds like there will be ALOT of trucks!!!!

Don't forget the Kent City pull on Saturday the 13th. Ya'll bring your pulling vehicles and all your friends to watch ya!!

Thought for the day: Why is it that a mistake of equal perportion to a job well done always out weighs it? lw

Schedule

2008-08-25T12:02:00.003-04:00

Schedule update:
Remus, Friday 8/29, 6:00pm
Hudsonville, Monday 9/1, 6:00pm
Eagle, Sunday 9/7, Noon
Kent City, Saturday 9/13, Noon
Centreville, Thursday 9/18, 6:00pm
As of now we are hoping to catch all these.

Notice the Kent City Pull website www.kcpull.blogspot.com

Hart

2008-08-25T08:29:00.002-04:00

No camera again. Pull was good, track started a bit wet but by the time we hooked it was good and sticky. We had first hook, nice a smooth right down to the end. Started to bounce pretty good right at the end, we stepped out of it and tried to get back into it but was pretty well stopped by then. Ended up with a 237'. Brad was up next but couldn't get the Nearpass hook through his hitch, so he pulled off to get a clevis. John Petz hooked next, had a pretty bad miss??? Not sure what was going on there??? He had around 205'. Brad hooked next had a little miss as well for the first 75' or 80' then it cleared up. Nice and smooth, ended up with a 233'. So we ended up winning it after all. Haven't had much of a problem with bounce all year, so we are thinking it was just the Hart track. We are calling it the "Hart Throb".

Schedule update

2008-08-13T12:21:00.002-04:00

We will not be going to Hudsonville on the 18th. Apparently they are not doing trucks that night. There is a rumor of a truck pull at Hudsonville on Labor day, the 1st. We are not sure if we will be going, we may be taking the family to Michigan's Adventure. We will keep ya'll posted.
Tentatively:
Hart, Friday 8/22, 6:00pm
Remus OR Prairieville, Friday 8/29, 6:00pm (Not sure which one yet, will verify)
Hudsonville, Monday(Labor day) 9/1, Noon??? (Will verify as we get closer)
Eagle, Sunday 9/7, Noon
Kent City, Saturday 9/13, Noon
Centreville, Thursday 9/18, 6:00pm

Marshall 2

2008-08-13T12:13:00.002-04:00

Went to Marshall last night, long drive, 2 hrs or so. Always worth the drive there. John Hamilton puts on a great pull, thanks John. Brought the camera along but Steve, new pit crew guy (for last night anyway), had camera with him but forgot to record it. Had about 12 trucks again, we drew last hook. So we got to watch all the others go first. Brad Bickle hooked 3rd or 4th and pulled a 296', enough for 1st at that time. He held that spot till Lil Whitey hooked. Had a great hook again, motor ran great, tires hooked everything seemed to be clicking. We took it out to 314' plenty enough for 1st place. Fun pull.

Looks like next hook will be Hart on the 22nd, usually another great pull. Come on up if ya'll get a chance.

Fremont

2008-08-13T11:49:00.004-04:00

Our worst showing of the year so far. Sorry. Couple little driver errors. Seemed like it wanted to bounce out of the hole, so I kept a light foot tooooo long. Didn't leave us enough time to get the momentum up. Also headed to left at end of track and lost the hitch height when we hit the big gully. Harold had another great hook and Ed did not break. We've been saying all year if Ed can hook without carnage he will be a force to be reckened with. Great job Harold and Ed!!! We ended up 3rd and no breakage. We are happy with that!!

We also had the opportunity to hook the "Tow Truck" or we call him "Mighty Whitey". We hooked in the Street Diesel Class. It was fun, ended up 5th out of 12 or so trucks. Kind of surprised with that, didn't expect to do that good.

Mt Pleasant

2008-08-06T07:32:00.005-04:00

Can you believe, we forgot the camera again (Picture is from the Remus pull). Brad Bickel rode along with us and in the hurry of getting on the road we forgot to grab the camera. We apologize, that means no video. We pulled into the pits area and there were trucks everywhere!!!! Lots of tough trucks, we were thinking if we could get out of there mid pack we would be happy. TTPA had a lot of good running trucks there along with 2 of their Super stock trucks, these guys are built!!! Harold hooked first, again, took it down to a 294. We hooked 3rd, it was a great run, engine came to life and the tires just plain hooked into the track, we put down a 301'. They had decided before hand to do a top 3 pull off of all the hooks that went past 300'. Being the 3rd puller and lots of trucks to hook yet I was just hoping for a chance to make it into a pull off, I was sure there would be at least a few more past 300'. Ended up Harolds 294 held up to 2nd place until the last puller, one of the Super Stocks who pulled a 296. A 1st for Lil Whitey. Ed hooked and had no power to rear axle, something wrong in rearend we think, probably broke when his axle broke at Morley. Maybe broke the Detroit Locker?? Will have to see. Ed's woes continue, hang in there Ed.

Thought for the day: The life lived for tomorrow is realized tomorrow, problem is, tomorrow never comes. The life lived for eternity is realized in eternity, remember, eternity includes right now!! lw

Morley 2

2008-08-06T06:56:00.005-04:00

OK, I will try to catch up here. Morley, the big Morley. It went great, weather was great, sunny and hot. They had 2 classes for us #5800 and #6500. Lots of trucks in both classes, 15 or 16. Track wanted to bounce for everyone including Lil Whitey. #5800 came out of hole wanting to bounce a bit, we feathered it at about 80', that didn't seem to clear it up, feathered it a couple more times at about 125' then is seemed to settle in. Nearpass sled is awesome, Dan you do a grea job!!!! We pulled a 318', we were 4th or 5th hook in class and farthest up until then was about 293'. We knew there were a lot of good trucks coming yet. We did end up holding them off, 2nd place ended up around 309'. In #6500 class we were the 2nd hook pulled a 289.9'. Harold L was the first hook and had turned it down, so he was coming back as last puller. All the other trucks hooked and we were still holding down the 1st place spot by 5'-6'.....................but then that slippery snake Harold hooked for his second hook and pulled at 290.2'. We ended up 2nd by about 3". Great pull Harold, it was a great looking run!!!!!!!!! Ed A broke rear right axle at about 220' in the #5800 class. We pulled out the broken one and tried to find a truck we could borrow on from but not many trucks use the Dana 70's anymore. We ended up not finding an axle for him. We are really bummed for Ed, he has had a really touch year for breakage. Hang in there Ed, you have a really nice truck and it will win a lot of pulls once you get the bugs out of it!!!!!!

Thought for the Day: Time = Digression. The creation of evolution is the attempt to digress The Creator lw

Evart

2008-08-04T21:58:00.004-04:00

OK, sorry about the wait. We went up to Evart last Wednesday. We were expecting a mediocre track at best. The track was actually really good, other than a few stones. The sled had a bit to be desired. We hooked in a #6500 and #7500 class. Sled started hard, they had a lot of weight in the pan, but once we got it going it went alright. We full pulled the first hook, then full pulled in the pull off. Ed Aten and Harold LaFond also full pulled. They were both right there in the pull off but didn't quite get it out the end. #7500 class we full pulled on first hook, boy that thing started hard. Ed broke the CV joint coming out of front of transfer case so Harold was only other one who full pulled. We had asked the sled driver if the #8000 diesels could pull before our pull off so we could cool down a bit. So they added MORE weight to the pan and hooked the first #8000 diesel, Marty N, he full pulled. The second and third Diesels couldn't even get the sled to move. So Harold and Lil Whitey did our pull off. We full pulled and Harold couldn't get his clutch to engage. That was pretty fun pulling the sled to a full pull while some heavier diesels couldn't get it rolling. All in all was a really fun night. Marty mopped up again in the diesel classes. Ed and Harold did great, except that sled hated clutches. Great pull guys, Thanks!!!!!
Thougth for the day: Are we dreaming of living, or living a dream? Perspective is everything. lw

Ionia, no pull for Lil Whitey

2008-07-24T14:02:00.002-04:00

Ionia is not holding a pull for our classes tonight. NTPA will be at Ionia Friday and Saturday!!! Very, very good show to anyone who can make it. Some of the best tractors and trucks in the country will be there!!!
Next scheduled hook is Evart next Thursday and Barryton Friday, then the big time event at Morely on Saturday. NTPA will have some of their classes there as well, along with all of our classes. Well worth the trip to go to. Evart and Barryton are somewhat in the air yet for Lil Whitey?? We will confirm as we get closer.
Thought of the day:
The best reward you can give yourself is someone else saying "Thank You" lw

Muskegon 2

2008-07-23T14:41:00.003-04:00

Sorry, no video. Got all the way to pull and realized we had left the camcorder at home.
Pull went great!! Track was really wet and tore up when we got there about 5:30, it had just rained about 3/10 of inch about an hour previous. Kim Wagner had pushed all the top mud off the track and cut down into the more solid under pan. He packed it down just before pull. They ran the heavier farm tractor classes first then some other tractor classes. We (spark pluggers) were last. Track was good and "biting" by then, great job Kim, Thanks!! We were the first hook so we got to turn it down, gives us another hook. :-) Went about 315' on first hook, Ed Aten (the Silver Dodge team) was the only other truck in the class that night, hooked second and he did great 306' or so. Our second hook was a little better than our first one. We had some bounce starting on first hook right at the beginning, so on second hook we eeeezed into it a bit slower and avoided some bounce. Took it to 317' that time. One of the few times we did better on second hook after turning down the first one. Bruce Hyma thinks the Pilot, Jeff, has something wrong with his head by turning down that first hook. It was a good hook and I (Lil Whitey) thinks he has something wrong with his head too, it's just these other guys are finally figuring it out!!! :-)

Thought of the day:
"If it is the end we are looking forward too only, we will miss the joy of the journey" lw

Remus

2008-07-20T11:17:00.005-04:00

Fun pull, Hot!!! Had trouble keeping Tranny cool!! #5500 (bumped to #5700, most of us weigh around #5700 stripped) Managed to squeek out a 1st. In the #6500 class Brad, Joe and I full pulled, Brad got us by a couple feet in the pull off, for a 2nd. In the #7500 class Brad and I full pulled first time around, we eeked past Brad by a few feet in the pull off for another 1st. They had an #8000 open class, gas and diesel together. We were a bit nervous about hooking with the diesels again, some of those guys run really hard. We were first hook, had a great run, had to just wait and watch the diesels (we were only "spark plugger" in the class), they all had good runs and tried to reach the mark set by Lil Whitey, Marty hooked last in class and came within a few feet but didn't have enough. It is a riot to beat those diesels, I asked Marty if he had turned his programmer down to make it even :-) He said he gave it all he had, YES!!! A 1st in the open class is always fun!!! Over all a great night, lots of fun. W.A.T.A you guys put on a great pull!!!! Thanks!!!! They are putting on another pull in Barryton on the 1st of August and a second pull in Blanchard, I think, on the 22nd of August, we will be in Hart that night.
Thanks to Aaron, Jerry, Dad, and some of Joe's team for helping "throw weights", there was not a lot of time between classes to weigh up. Thanks, Aaron, for taking video!! THANKS GUYS!!!

Sparta

2008-07-18T11:14:00.003-04:00

Pull went well last night. Had some local pickups battling each other, had some good competition between them. Brad B was there again, he fixed his "bouncing" problem, at least last night. He continues to inch toward us. He is a tough competitor, we still managed to Eeek past him by a couple feet. Track had a mud hole right in the middle, had to have some good momentum to get through that.
Headed to Remus tonight, barring any rainouts.

What...... A pull in Kent City???

2008-07-18T11:11:00.002-04:00

Yup, that's right. September 13th, Noon. All the MFSTPA classes, a couple antique classes, some local farm classes, and an "open" class. Tell everyone one you know, and bring even more. Loads of fun.

Sparta pull

2008-07-17T10:35:00.002-04:00

Headed to Sparta for truck pull tonight. Sounds like the #6200 class may be a bit on the light side as far as participants, maybe they will let us hook with the #street diesels??? We will keep you all informed.

A missed thank you

2008-07-17T10:32:00.002-04:00

Tony Deuling reminded me that he had helped tremendously with the truck build. My apologies Tony!!! Thanks so much. I figured you were too busy with your airplane to worry about pulling trucks anymore. :-) Maybe we should hook the airplane and "Lil Whitey" back to back??? Think you can lift Lil Whitey off the ground?? Or can we keep you grounded?

Comment Settings

2008-07-17T10:31:00.002-04:00

I just realized the comment settings were for registered users only. I changed that, anyone can comment now. Sorry about that.
Please feel free to comment.

Morely "One"

2008-06-23T13:42:00.005-04:00

Morely had their typical "power track", you guys do a great job of building a track, thanks. We had 2 6200# classes, basically same trucks hooked twice. Track had a few "waves" in it, thankfully we didn't have much of a "bounce" issue. Brad and Joe seemed to be fighting the "bounce" a little, I am sure our day is coming (hope not). Because they had to "step out of it" a little we could keep a little bit more momentum. We edged them out for the wins, we will take them when we can, both those guys, Joe Felice and Brad Bickle, have very strong trucks and can win at any given pull.

Blanchard

2008-06-23T11:59:00.006-04:00

Track was pretty slippery at start of evening, and first class being the light one, there was not much traction. Sat idling too long before this first hook. Was quite warm when we left the line, water and engine oil where about 245 at finish. Boiled out about 1 1/2 gallons of water and vapor locked the fuel, so we had to be towed back to pits. Ran water pump and fans for 25 minutes or so, got the water temp back down to about 130. Started right up and ran great for 6500# class. Had a bit more traction with extra weight and track was coming to as well. Got a full pull in that one. Temps stayed good for rest of night as long as we let Lil Whitey cool down between hooks. First run of 7500# class they had sled set to slow, we were headed for the woods. Thankfully we got stopped without getting "rammed" by the sled. The second hook in 7500# was a bit tougher, we were working on that one. Also hooked in the 8000# open class, gas & diesel trucks, RWYB (run what ya brung). I don't have a video of that one, my video person, Kalah, was riding with me!!!! They allowed a rider and Kalah wanted to ride.......I think she liked it.

Took 1st place in 5500#, 6500#, & 7500# classes and 2nd place in the 8000# class behind the STRONG running diesel called "One Bad Apple". This was a little better(funner) night than Thurs.

Gladwin

2008-06-23T11:46:00.002-04:00

Thursday was not a real bright spot pulling wise, however, it did contribute to some opportunity for some character building. Drove 2 1/2 hrs to Gladwin, unloaded truck, loaded weights for classes, drove across scales, drove back to trailer to wait for class, "attempted" to start and drive to line up. Starter would not cooperate. We finally got it to smoke, (the starter), then we knew it was "toast". Being an automatic tranny, we were out of options. Ed Aten got us bumped from 3rd puller to last, about 11 trucks, giving us a little more time. Meanwhile, we did have a very friendly competitor who happened to have a spare starter, thanks Jim. We did get started and to the moved to starting area, BUT while waiting for other trucks to go Lil Whitey was getting a little warm so we shut it down. While attempting to restart, by shorting wires to starter terminal, we accidently shorted wire to tranny cooler line and popped a hole in it. Now we were done. Got a tow back on to trailer and took the "long" ride back home.
Thanks to Brad & Bruce Hyma, Tim Guild, Ed Aten, Harold LaFond, and Jim Bailey for all your help during the "charactor building class".

Many Special Thanks!!!

2008-06-16T07:36:00.003-04:00

Just a few thank you's,

Brad Hyma for his drivetrain expertise. You are the man for drivetrain. Also to Valley Truck Parts, for the excellent job they did on the rearend.

Bruce Deuling for his patience for my many "wacky" fabrication ideas. If you can even come up with any build idea, Bruce can make it a reality. He guarantee's nothing, HOWEVER, the way he builds it there is no question as to it's perfomance abilities.

Dan Thompson and John Hill at Hi-Tech on Alpine in Grand Rapids. Brakes and brake system, awsome, thanks!!!

Automotive Machine and Performance in Owensboro, KY. Lem and Charlie Evans, for the unlimited knowledge they have of the Big Block Fords. Thanks for the southern hospitality and great weekend!!

Philip Oakleigh, your carb tuning is second to none. Thanks, hope your racing season for '08 is second to none as well!!

Scotty Johnson @ RHP, for all your head work and the awsome flow numbers.

Brad Bickle for your support and knowledge while doing engine build. I hope your '08 pulling season is second only to Lil Whitey!!!! :-)

My lovely Bride for her MUCH patience and support for the many, many hours this hobby takes. Thank you honey. I Love you!!

Muskegon "one"

2008-06-15T19:32:00.004-04:00

Whoa, it was just starting to rain (again) as we got going on the first hook. Still had pretty good footing, Doug Nearpass (the sled operator) definitely had us trucks reigned in a lot tighter here in Muskegon than at Marshall last week. I had all I could do to get it up to 6600 RPM on first hook and about 6800 RPM on second hook (a bit more slippery footing), nowhere to run. He had that ole sled tied right to the ground by 200' or so. The "pilot" (and I was too, I love this stuff) was ready to give it another try. Since we were the first hook in the class we were able to take the first pull or deline and take the second pull distance. If you decline you have to use the second pull distance as your official distance. Brad B was the only other truck in the class at this event, however, he is as tough as anyone. We were having too much fun and decided to decline the first hook. Brad was having a tough time with some "wheel hop" and had to step out of it, "giving" us an easier shot. We lost a few feet in second run, however, still had enough to win out Brad. Thanks Brad, we owe you one. Second hook was definitely a lot more slipperey, thanks to the rain.

Headed to Gladwin, hopefully, on Thursday. Will keep ya all informed when we get back. If I don't get any "ouwies" we hope to head to Blanchard on Friday and Morely on Saturday. If any of ya'll can make it out, look us up.

If ya'll are seeing something that would be helpfull to myself or "pilot", make some comments. We will take all advise into "consideration".

Thanks and God Bless,

Lil Whitey

Video of maiden voyage, Marshall MI

2008-06-08T19:12:00.003-04:00

Was a fun run, had a pretty good head of steam going out the end. My "pilot" let off a little toward the end then stepped into it, I think he was afraid he was going to run the fence over, thankfully that grass was slippery. Ended up getting 339.6', got beat by 340' and 365' out of 13 trucks. Not bad for first time, I like dancing like that!!!! :-)

Schedule

2008-06-05T05:38:00.000-04:00

Tentative Schedule below, times are close, they may be adjusted as we get closer.

2008 pull schedule

6/7/08 4:00pm Saturday Marshall

6/13/08 4:00pm Friday Muskegon

6/19/08 5:00pm Thursday Gladwin

6/20/08 6:30pm Friday Blanchard

6/21/08 4:00pm Saturday Morley

7/17/08 6:00pm Thursday Sparta

7/18/08 6:30pm Friday Remus

7/22/08 6:00pm Tuesday Muskegon

7/24/08 ??? Thursday Ionia Free Fair

7/30/08 6:00pm Wednesday Evart (Osceola)

8/1/08 6:30pm Friday Barryton

8/2/08 Noon Saturday Morley

8/5/08 5:30pm Tuesday Isabella County, Mt. Pleasant

8/8/08 6:00pm Friday Fremont

8/9/08 ?? Saturday Hawkins

8/18/08 6:00pm Monday Hudsonville

8/22/08 5:00pm Friday Hart

Hello

2008-06-04T23:07:00.000-04:00

Just got up and running. Will try to keep pictures, videos, and information posted here for anyone who cares.