Trucks will test their pulling power

The Perry County, Missouri, community of Altenburg, with a population of about 350, is accustomed to welcoming crowds each September for the annual East Perry Community Fair.

Next week, the fairgrounds arena will be filled with the roar of engines, the aroma of diesel exhaust and churning dirt as it hosts the Altenburg Truck Pull.

The first hook will be at 5 p.m. June 7, with the spectator gate opening at 4 and the pit gate opening at 3.

While this will be the third stand-alone truck pull at the fairgrounds, a truck pull has been part of the September fair lineup since 2008.

The decision was made to do the separate event "since the truck pull drew such a large crowd," said Fred Eggers, a member of the East Perry Community Fair committee.

A truck driver takes on a heavy load and a dirt track during the 2012 edition of the Altenburg Truck Pull in Altenburg, Missouri. About 3,000 people attended the event that year. (Charlie Schoen ~ Sweetsnake Productions)

About 3,000 people attended the pull in 2012, its first year. Eggers said rain in 2013 put a damper on attendance.

Trucks participate in five classes, with most trucks entered in two classes, to increase the chances of winning. Winners split the $7,500 guaranteed prize money plus the hook fees, which is the fee for a truck to compete in the event.

A dedicated fan may know the differences in the classes of trucks -- indicating which have a factory stock or modified engine, whether they're fueled by diesel or gasoline -- but for most spectators, it's more about the thunderous excitement of the competition.

Eggers said the Altenburg pulls are becoming popular among those who regularly participate in the events.

"There's a guy from Clinton, Illinois, who participates every year," Eggers said, adding the event attracts participants from western Kentucky, central Illinois and throughout Missouri. Trucks from more than 200 miles away have traveled to Altenburg to compete.

The trucks will be pulling an X-Factor Sled from Bungart Motorsports, a Jefferson-City, Missouri-based company that provides sleds for truck and tractor pulls throughout the United States, including the Missouri State Fair. The sled is hitched to the rear of a competing truck to support the weight the driver must pull, with the goal of pulling the weighted sled as far as possible and come out on top with the farthest average pull score, depending on how many hooks a truck takes.

Spectator admission is $5, and children 12 years old and younger are admitted free. Food, beer and soft drinks will be available throughout the event, and no coolers or alcohol are permitted.

More information about the truck pull, along with rules and regulations, available by calling Eggers at 573-824-5322. 

Pertinent address: 200 Church St., Altenburg MO 63732