Breaking Barriers Podcast

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with Ken Veney, a true pioneer in drag racing and Funny Car innovation, for a conversation that captures the raw grit, ingenuity, and relentless work ethic that defined an era of motorsports. From growing up as a farm kid in Ohio to building his first hot rod in a converted manure shed, Veney’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness is often built long before anyone is watching.Ken walks through his early fascination with cars, buying his first vehicle as a teenager, teaching himself how to weld, and working multiple jobs just to fuel his passion for racing. What began as street racing in small-town America quickly evolved into a deeper pursuit—one that took him to California, into competitive drag racing, and eventually into the high-stakes world of Funny Cars. Along the way, he shares stories of early engine builds, racing on limited budgets, and the mindset required to outwork and outthink the competition at every turn.This episode dives into more than just racing history—it explores the mentality behind success. Veney opens up about the importance of putting in extra hours, taking risks, and constantly experimenting to gain an edge. His journey highlights the evolution of drag racing, from grassroots beginnings to highly competitive circuits, while also showcasing the role of creativity and hands-on problem-solving in pushing the sport forward.Whether you’re a die-hard motorsports fan, a tractor pulling enthusiast, or someone chasing your own version of success, this episode delivers timeless lessons on discipline, innovation, and persistence. Ken Veney’s story proves that you don’t need perfect circumstances—you just need the drive to keep building, improving, and chasing what’s next.🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of Breaking Barriers, featuring the legends, innovators, and stories that shaped the world of motorsports.#BreakingBarriersPodcast #KenVeney #DragRacing #FunnyCar #Motorsports #RacingHistory #NHRA #HotRods #CarCulture #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkEthic #Innovation #Storytelling #GaryBontrager

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with pulling pioneer Gary Ulmer — a man with over 55 years in the sport, dating back to high school farm stock days in South Dakota. From early Oliver tractors to snowmobile drag racing circuits and eventually dominating the Light Super Stock ranks, Ulmer’s story is one of evolution, relentless experimentation, and hard-earned mechanical wisdom.Gary takes us inside the mindset of a builder who learned the hard way — breaking blocks, blowing head gaskets, redesigning valvetrain stability, and machining his own solutions when parts didn’t exist. From helping build sleds in the 70s to campaigning one of the top Light Supers in the region, he shares what it meant to be at the top of the class… and why politics ultimately pushed him to transition into a component chassis.This is not just a horsepower story. It’s about the constant pursuit of reliability, the chess match of tire selection and fuel systems, and the reality that in today’s pulling world, you can make all the horsepower you want — but if you can’t put weight on the nose and hook it to the track, it doesn’t matter.Ulmer also reflects on what’s changed most over five decades: RPM increases, boost levels, chassis development, and the rise of specialization in everything from cutting tires to building heads. Yet for all the technological advances, he makes it clear the most valuable part of tractor pulling isn’t the trophies — it’s the relationships built over a lifetime in the pits.From farm stock beginnings to chasing points with the Outlaws, this conversation captures the full arc of a competitor who has seen the sport evolve from brush pulls to precision-built component machines.If you care about tractor pulling history, mechanical innovation, or the mindset required to stay competitive across generations of change, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.Subscribe to Breaking Barriers for more deep conversations with the builders, drivers, and innovators who shaped the sport.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with one of the true pioneers of organized tractor pulling — Ed Hart. Born on a farm in Republic, Ohio, Ed’s story begins long before national organizations, professional sleds, or major indoor championships. What started as a young farm kid catching the pulling bug at local fairs eventually turned into a lifetime of shaping the sport at its highest levels.Ed walks us through the early days of pulling when tractors were farm machines first and competition vehicles second. From campaigning an Allis-Chalmers D21 across county fairs and national events to innovating with turbochargers and tire modifications, he shares firsthand accounts of what it took to compete when there were few rules and even fewer guardrails. These were the years when competitors hauled tractors on grain trucks, cut tires by hand, and figured out performance gains through experimentation and grit.But Ed’s legacy extends far beyond driving. After witnessing inconsistencies in rules and safety across states, he became part of the small group that met in the bleachers and decided the sport needed structure. That decision helped form what would become the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), laying groundwork for standardized rules, safety measures, and organized national competition. He also played a major role in early mechanical sled development, navigating patent battles, engineering innovations, and the transition from step-on sleds to weight-transfer machines that transformed the sport entirely.The conversation also dives into the business side of pulling. Ed and his partners promoted major events across the country, including early national-level competitions and the growth of Bowling Green into one of the sport’s most iconic venues. He shares the financial risks, the politics, and the hard lessons learned from betting on weather, attendance, and promoter control long before the sport had the stability it enjoys today.This episode is more than a history lesson — it’s a firsthand account from a man who helped build the structure modern pulling stands on. If you care about the origins of organized tractor pulling, the evolution of sled technology, and the personalities who shaped the sport, this is essential listening.🎧 Subscribe to Breaking Barriers for more long-form conversations with the legends who built the sport.#BreakingBarriersPodcast #EdHart #TPAHistory #TractorPulling #BowlingGreenPull #PullingLegends #MotorsportsHistory

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