Breaking Barriers Podcast

Some names don’t just compete in a sport — they redefine it. In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with Ron Perry, the mind behind the legendary “Solid Junk,” a tractor that pushed performance so far ahead of its time the rulebook eventually had to catch up.Ron opens up about the farm-shop creativity that shaped his life — from fixing equipment as a kid to engineering solutions no one else even thought to attempt. What began as curiosity and mechanical instinct slowly became innovation, and innovation became dominance. Along the way, he shares the quiet decisions, risks, and stubborn persistence that separated builders from followers.But this conversation isn’t just about horsepower. It’s about mindset. About working when others quit, learning without formal training, and treating people right even when competition was fierce. Ron reflects on the relationships, the travel, and the philosophy that mattered more than trophies — the kind of wisdom you only earn after decades of building, breaking, and rebuilding.If you’ve ever wondered what drives a true pioneer — not just in pulling, but in life — this episode tells that story.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager welcomes back Kenny Sanders alongside tractor pulling historian Jason Skillen for a deep dive into the innovation, personalities, and pivotal moments that shaped an unforgettable era of the sport.Kenny shares firsthand stories from his early days in light super stock pulling—breaking down how tractors were built, modified, and refined through trial and error long before modern data and dynos existed. Jason provides historical context throughout the conversation, connecting Kenny’s experiences to the broader evolution of tractor pulling across Iowa and the Midwest.The conversation explores:Early county fair pulls and the roots of competitive tractor pullingBuilding winning machines through experimentation, ingenuity, and late-night shop workIconic tracks, rivalries, and memorable moments from Elkhorn, Tomah, Louisville, and beyondThe transition from diesel to alcohol and how rule changes reshaped the sportWhy preserving the stories of pullers and innovators matters for future generationsThis episode blends personal storytelling with historical insight, making it essential listening for tractor pulling fans, competitors, and anyone who values the legacy behind the machines.🎧 New episodes drop regularly—subscribe and help keep the history of the sport alive.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Craig Schlabaugh, a legendary mechanic whose hands helped shape some of the most dominant machines in tractor pulling history. Known quietly across the sport as one of the sharpest minds in the shop, Craig shares the story behind decades of innovation, problem-solving, and hard-earned lessons learned far from the spotlight.From early days working at John Deere and International dealerships to groundbreaking builds in Modified and Super Stock tractor pulling, Craig reflects on the ingenuity that fueled an era before dynos, data, and ready-made solutions. He opens up about working with iconic pullers, developing early multi-turbo setups, navigating mechanical failures, and learning everything the only way it was possible at the time — through trial, error, and persistence.The conversation dives deep into the Hypermax years, national championship runs, legendary tractors, and the relationships that defined the sport’s most competitive seasons. Along the way, Craig offers honest perspective on innovation, loss, legacy, and why preserving these stories matters for the next generation.This episode is a powerful reminder that some of the most influential figures in motorsports never chased attention — they earned respect through craftsmanship, grit, and results.🎧 Subscribe to Breaking Barriers for more conversations with the builders, thinkers, and pioneers who pushed limits and changed the sport from the inside out.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Bob Parks, one of the most influential — and often overlooked — innovators in tractor pulling history. From hand-cutting tires with butcher knives to pioneering double-cut technology and custom pulling tires, Bob’s work quietly reshaped how the sport is run today.Bob walks through his journey from the early days of tractor pulling in the late 1960s and ’70s, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from legendary pulls, groundbreaking horsepower breakthroughs, and the trial-and-error process that led to modern tire performance. Along the way, he reflects on working with iconic names in the sport, the rise of multi-turbo engines, and the relentless curiosity that drove innovation long before dynos, data, and technology caught up.This conversation is a masterclass in perseverance, craftsmanship, and learning the hard way — revealing how one man’s willingness to experiment helped push an entire sport forward.Whether you’re a longtime tractor pulling fan or someone fascinated by innovation born from grit and experience, this episode offers rare insight into the mechanical evolution, personal sacrifices, and untold stories behind competitive pulling.🎧 Subscribe to Breaking Barriers for more conversations with the builders, thinkers, and risk-takers who shape motorsports from the ground up.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with legendary tractor puller Danny “Rooster” Dean to revisit one of the most innovative and competitive eras in the sport’s history.Danny shares how he went from a farm kid at county fair pulls to a national champion, working alongside Hyper-Max founder Jerry Lee God and helping shape the technology that changed tractor pulling forever. From turbo experimentation and tire strategy to mindset, preparation, and winning under pressure, Danny offers a rare inside look at what it took to dominate — and make a living — in the sport.A must-listen for tractor pulling fans, motorsports enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates grit, innovation, and legacy.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with longtime puller and Illinois farmer Rudy Huber to trace the rise of Pro Stock tractor pulling from its small-town roots. Rudy shares how growing up in his dad’s John Deere dealership led to sneaking toy tractors out the back door, learning from old-school mechanics, and eventually campaigning his iconic 6030 Pro Stock, the Midnight Flyer. He walks us through the early days of factory stock and Pro Stock in Illinois, the “farm shop engineering” behind power blocks, water injection, tires, and custom transmissions, and the way innovators like Hypermax and other backyard tinkerers quietly reshaped the sport. Along the way, Rudy reflects on county fair pulls, Bowling Green memories, the tractor community that feels like family, and how his old iron now lives on as Dusk Till Dawn—proof that good ideas (and good tractors) rarely die, they just get rebadged and rebuilt.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with Mark Gettinger, a 60-year veteran of tractor pulling and the man many consider the godfather of Allis Chalmers performance. Joining the conversation is Tylan Reynolds, Mark’s right-hand man, fellow puller, and long-time collaborator both in the shop and on the track.Together, they walk through the evolution of pulling—from dead-weight concrete drags to national circuits—how Mark once made $80,000 in a single season, and why his innovation in drivetrain and engine development reshaped competitive tractor pulling. They open up about risk before safety regulations, building transmissions that could handle over 3,000 horsepower, and what keeps them chasing excellence after six decades in the sport.This episode brings legacy, mentorship, and mechanical mastery together—celebrating not just the machines, but the people who make them unstoppable. #BreakingBarriersPodcast #MarkGettinger #TylanReynolds #TractorPulling #AllisChalmers #MotorsportsLegacy #InnovationThroughAdversity #FarmPower #PullingCommunity #BuiltNotBought

In this heartwarming episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with Doc Wiggins and his son David Wiggins — two generations deeply rooted in the world of farming, tractor pulling, and community preservation. What begins as a nostalgic conversation about brush pulls in the 1980s unfolds into a powerful story about legacy, family, and small-town pride.Doc shares how his love for tractors started on a Missouri farm and evolved into decades of pulling, restoring, and collecting — a passion that now fills 11 museum buildings in Memphis, Missouri, housing more than 350 restored tractors and countless pieces of rural history. Together, Doc and David reflect on the evolution of tractor pulling, their family’s lifelong commitment to preserving agricultural heritage, and the friendships that have defined their journey.From antique tractor pulls and state fair stories to restoring the only remaining Pheasant airplane in existence, this episode celebrates what it means to honor the past, invest in your community, and build a legacy that outlives you.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Gary Bontrager, Gary sits down with Bryan Conners, a lifelong innovator and engineer whose fingerprints are all over the history of tractor pulling. From his early days wrenching alongside his father in the 1960s to developing the groundbreaking fuel and turbo systems that redefined performance standards, Bryan’s story is one of grit, ingenuity, and an obsession with horsepower.In their conversation, Bryan shares memories of building Bad Medicine, running Massey and John Deere machines, pioneering alcohol setups, and shaping a legacy that inspired a generation of pullers. He dives into the evolution of pulling—from step-on sleds and homemade parts to multi-charger systems pushing thousands of horsepower—and the friendships, rivalries, and innovations that kept him hooked for decades.Listeners will walk away with a true appreciation for how mechanical curiosity and relentless experimentation can transform an entire sport.#BryanConners, #BreakingBarriersPodcast, #GaryBontrager, #BadMedicineTractor, #TractorPulling, #AlcoholPulling, #TractorPullingLegends, #MotorsportsInnovation, #FarmStrong, #PullingHistory, #HorsepowerJunkie, #CustomEngineering, #TractorPullLife, #FuelAndFire, #AmericanIngenuity

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with James O. Harmon, a lifelong Massey Ferguson enthusiast and antique tractor puller whose passion for the sport runs generations deep. From his childhood in Clarence, Missouri, to decades spent preserving the legacy of pulling, James shares how family, community, and horsepower shaped his life’s story.He takes us through the evolution of tractor pulling—from wooden sleds and concrete blocks to the modern machines dominating today’s circuits—and the lessons learned along the way. Through stories of working for the Carroll family, building his first pulling tractor from buckets of sand-filled parts, and bonding with his father over the sport, James reminds us that tractor pulling isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection, craftsmanship, and carrying history forward.Together, Gary and James reflect on:- The roots of tractor pulling and the early Missouri–Iowa circuits- Building a pulling tractor from the ground up with family ingenuity- The evolution of Massey Ferguson’s legacy in the sport- How antique pulling preserves agricultural heritage- The pride, work ethic, and community that keep pulling aliveThis episode is a heartfelt tribute to the people who built the sport from the ground up—and to the machines that still roar today in their honor.🎧 Listen now to celebrate the passion and perseverance behind every pull.#tractorpulling #breakingbarriers #masseyferguson #antiquetractors #farmingheritage #garybontrager #storylinemultimedia #midwestmotorsport

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Dennis Kay, a lifelong innovator whose passion for motorsports and entrepreneurship has left a lasting mark on the world of tractor pulling and beyond.Dennis shares how his fascination with horsepower began at county fairs, building models in his basement and sneaking into stock car races with his dad. What started as a local hobby with his brother Lanny grew into a pioneering career in tractor pulling, complete with stretched frames, twin engines, and national recognition. Along the way, Dennis served in the Marine Corps, endured personal setbacks, and always returned with fresh determination to push boundaries.The conversation also explores Dennis’s entrepreneurial path, from launching a foreign auto parts business in Davenport to helping shape the early rules of the National Tractor Pullers Association. His story highlights resilience, creativity, and the spirit of community that fueled both his career and the sport he helped define.Whether you’re a motorsports enthusiast, a small-business owner, or simply someone who loves hearing stories of grit and innovation, this episode is packed with history, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Loren and Larry Ford, lifelong tractor pulling enthusiasts whose journey spans from mowing yards with a Cub Cadet in the 1960s to competing in some of the Midwest’s toughest pulls.The Ford brothers share their evolution through the sport—starting with homemade modifications, graduating into antique pulls, and eventually stepping into the high-intensity world of alcohol-fueled super stock tractors. Along the way, they recount stories of trial and error, rivalries with some of pulling’s fiercest competitors, and the friendships forged in the pits.From the early days of hauling lawn tractors in an old International pickup to running Grand National events, Loren and Larry reflect on the innovation, challenges, and community that defined their pulling career. This episode is a tribute to grassroots determination and the spirit of competition that has fueled tractor pulling for generations.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with pulling legend Dan Hutchings for a ride through decades of tractor pulling history, innovation, and family legacy.Dan shares how he got started building toy tractors with airplane engines, how his passion evolved into a lifetime of pulling modifieds, stock cars, sprint cars, and drag racers. You'll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories—from weight placement tricks at the Iowa State Fair to restoring vintage hot rod pullers and tracking down long-lost hood ornaments.🎯 What You'll Learn:How Dan applied stock car techniques to dominate a tractor pullThe evolution of Twin States and ECI pulling rulesWhy old-school ingenuity still holds up in today’s tech-driven sportThe lost art (and addiction) of toy tractor pullingHis unforgettable fifth-place finish at the Iowa State FairDan’s museum is a tribute to innovation, community, and a family-centered lifestyle in motorsports. Whether you're a seasoned puller or a fan of grassroots legacy, this conversation pulls you in and doesn’t let go.👇 Got stories or know where one of Dan’s old tractors ended up? Drop a comment—we’d love to connect history with today’s pullers.#TractorPulling #BreakingBarriers #DanHutchings #TwinStatesPulling #IowaStateFair #HotRodTractors #PullingHistory #GaryBontrager #ToyTractors #ModifiedTractors #ECIPulling #MotorsportsLegacy #RestorationNation #TractorPullMuseum

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Chris Fountain—renowned transmission builder, hot rod innovator, and Iowa pulling legend—for an unforgettable ride through the golden era of tractor pulling.From building transmissions for the Midwest’s fiercest competitors to crafting his own two-engine modified pullers, Chris reflects on a lifetime of trial, torque, and triumph. The episode opens with a surprise: Chris’s old pulling tractor, restored after decades, is revealed at the Johnson County Fair—leaving him speechless.They explore:Chris’s early days pulling at age 14 and his transition from farm kid to performance mechanicFounding Fountain Transmission and building over 25,000 transmissions—many for top-tier pullers across the MidwestThe evolution of pulling safety, tech, tires, and track designStories of camaraderie, roadside fixes, late-night hauls, and legendary names The blend of innovation and old-school grit that built the sport’s foundationWhether you’re a die-hard pulling fan or a newcomer to the scene, this episode is a rich tribute to the mechanical minds and community spirit that drive the sport forward.🔧 Got memories of Chris or a tractor he worked on? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your stories.#BreakingBarriersPodcast #TractorPulling #MotorsportsHistory #FountainTransmission #HotRodHeritage #ModifiedMadness #IowaPulling #TractorLegends #HorsepowerHistory

In this rich and nostalgic episode, host Gary Bontrager sits down with legendary tractor pulling brothers Tom and Pat Peiffer, recorded on location in Harper, Iowa. Known for pioneering the use of alcohol-fueled tractors in the sport, the Peiffers recount their 40+ years of mechanical innovation, trial-and-error learning, and fierce competition on the pulling circuit.They dive into stories from their early days borrowing a neighbor’s tractor for their first pull, all the way to their custom-built Allis Chalmers machines that ran national events like Louisville. From sourcing alcohol fuel from late model dirt track suppliers to collaborating with drag racing icon Joe Amato on piston design, Tom and Pat share how they turned homemade engineering into nationally respected horsepower.Listeners get a firsthand look into:- The evolution of alcohol use in tractor pulling- Custom part fabrication, trial-and-error with turbos, and valve tuning- Hilarious travel stories and unforgettable mishaps on the road- Competing at Louisville and finishing top 5 nationally with NEPPA- Their philosophy of grassroots building, collaboration, and consistencyWhether you're a fan of motorsports history, small-town ingenuity, or old-school determination, this episode is packed with passion, laughs, and legacy.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with William "Bibs" Giberson—a legendary mechanic, innovator, and storyteller whose fingerprints are all over the history of tractor pulling.From his early days wrenching on John Klug’s iconic machines to shaping the rise of four-turbo tractors in the Midwest, Bibs takes us deep into the golden era of pulling. With unmatched authenticity, he recounts roadside welds, secret engine modifications, and the camaraderie that made the sport more than just horsepower.You’ll hear:How a busted rocker shaft in Florida jumpstarted Bibs’ mechanical legacyThe inner workings of John Klug’s dominant pulling team and Hypermax secretsThe behind-the-scenes story of cutting-edge tire tech and Canadian rubberWhy announcing mattered—and how voices like George Henderson electrified crowdsThe moment Bibs helped build Rob Russell’s first four-charger tractorLessons in consistency, ingenuity, and going fast before dynos and dataThis is more than a history lesson—it’s a tribute to the heart, hustle, and horsepower behind every pass down the track.🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe to honor the legends and preserve the legacy.#TractorPulling #BreakingBarriersPodcast #BibsGiberson #JohnKlug #Hypermax #RobRussell #CombineDerby #MotorsportsHistory #IHTractors #ParksPullers #TractorPullingLegends

In this nostalgic and deeply insightful episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with Ed Sass—lifelong Schellsburg, Iowa resident and tractor pulling legend—to relive a remarkable journey through one of America's most grassroots motorsports.From rebuilding his grandfather’s 1936 F-20 to dominating the light limited classes with his iconic 560, Ed shares a treasure trove of stories spanning decades of passion, perseverance, and mechanical creativity.🚜 What’s Inside:Ed’s humble start with antique tractors and a never-say-die attitudeThe evolution of his 560 alcohol-powered puller and homemade upgradesTales from the road: pit stops, 100mph Freightliner races, and the puller brotherhoodThe rise of pulling safety: roll cages, tie bars, and second hooksWhy Ed walked away and what happened to his legendary tractorWhether you're a seasoned fan of the sport or just curious about rural motorsport culture, Ed’s story is packed with wisdom, humor, and a love for pulling that never fades.👉 Hit play to hear how Ed Sass carved out a legacy with grit, heart, and a whole lot of horsepower.#TractorPulling #BreakingBarriers #GaryBontrager #EdSass #RuralLegends #FarmStrong #PullingFamily #LightSuperstock #DieselVsAlcohol #TractorTalk

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Chris Dix—an Iowa native whose lifelong passion for tractor pulling has made him a fixture in the sport both behind the wheel and behind the mic.Chris shares his journey from watching his first tractor pull as a boy in Janesville to becoming a driver, promoter, and announcer at some of the Midwest’s most iconic pulling events. With vivid stories from decades of competition, Chris unpacks the evolution of safety, the rise of brush pulls, and the tight-knit community that keeps the sport thriving.He also dives into:Building his first pulling truck as a teen and learning from trial and errorThe origins and growth of the Bremer County Fair's combine demolition derbyLaunching a Monday night Tough Truck Show that became a regional hitAnnouncing antique pulls across Iowa and preserving pulling historyEmotional stories of loss, legacy, and the community’s unmatched supportWhether you're a veteran of the sport or just curious about the roar of the track, this episode offers a heartfelt look into the culture, innovation, and people that make tractor pulling more than just a competition.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to support the show!#TractorPulling #BreakingBarriersPodcast #ChrisDix #CombineDerby #IowaFairs #AntiqueAcres #BremerCountyFair #MotorsportsHistory

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Gary Bontrager sits down with Jerry Sipes and his entire family to reflect on a multigenerational journey in tractor pulling. From humble beginnings at a county fair to dominating pulls across the country, Jerry and his crew share stories of mechanical ingenuity, sibling rivalries, all-night shop sessions, and the deep bond forged through decades of shared passion.💬 Highlights include:- Jerry’s first tractor pull experience and how it all started- The family’s iconic 560 tractor and its evolution over the years- Outrageous road trip stories, prank wars, and unexpected hotel chaos- How the Sipes built a pulling dynasty with homemade parts and pure determination- Insights into pulling culture, safety changes, and how the sport has grown- Reflections on the joys (and stress) of watching your kids take the wheelWhether you're a lifelong fan of tractor pulling or new to the sport, this episode is packed with laughter, legacy, and lessons that transcend generations.👉 Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that celebrates family, resilience, and the power of doing what you love—together.

In this special episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Leonard Beasley, one of the pioneers of alcohol-powered tractor pulling. Filmed in Eagleville, Tennessee, this interview dives deep into Leonard’s wild journey from farm fields to national pulling arenas.🚜 Leonard shares how he transitioned from pulling with a stock John Deere 4430 to building hot rods with multiple engines and four turbochargers, hitting 8,000 RPM and 80 pounds of boost long before it was common. He recounts wild pulls, mechanical innovation, and even a few close calls with fire, broken crankshafts, and makeshift propane setups.From building his own sleds and running NTPA-sanctioned events at Chapel Hill, to becoming a respected promoter across Tennessee and East Knoxville, Leonard’s legacy is full of grit, grit, and southern ingenuity.🔧 Hear about:The origins of Chapel Hill’s legendary tractor pullThe first alcohol tractors and mechanical sledsHow one pull got so wild it snapped the rope on the sledThe time a prank flipped his fuel delivery systemThe moment three pistols ensured a fair pullWhether you're a lifelong fan of tractor pulling or just love stories of innovation and perseverance, this episode delivers.📍 Chapel Hill's 50th Anniversary is coming in 2025 — and Leonard was there from the start.