The American Tractor Pullers Association was founded by Tom McConnell in 1991. Originally, a regional division of pulling known as Bluegrass Pulling, which became the largest regional series in the South. The first national event took place in Madisonville, KY. in the fall of 1993. The event, along with the NTPA co-sanctioning for the first time ever, four states together in Paducah, KY in June of 1992. The four state groups (actually five in operation) include Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and Illinois.
In 1996, the first ATPA Grand American event took place in Isom, KY. The two day event was very successful and later that year other Grand American events took place in Wabash, Indiana, Madisonville, KY, Manass, VA. and downtown St. Louis, Mo. at the Trans World Dome, where the RAMS played football! And to top off a successful year, the Wabash, Indiana event became the first television show of the ATPA in it’s decade long relationship with ESPN.
After years of working behind the scenes with numerous pulling associations, the ATPA secured and welcomed the former NTPA Members states into the ATPA. These groups included the New York Tractor Pullers Association, Empire State Tractor Pullers Association, the formation with the indolent of Tom McConnell of the East Coast Series, which included the former NTPA States of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The Badger State Pullers also became members of the ATPA. Other states that joined included Nebraska, Pro West Pullers and the Rocky Mountain Pullers, as well as groups in California and every place in between.
In 2001, the ATPA Winter nationals was established in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. This event allowed for the first time ever, a chance for the regional pullers to compete against the top ATPA Grand American pullers. That event and its structure, allowing each group and region to compete at a major indoor event turned Ft. Wayne into one of the most unique and successful events in pulling history.
Today, the ATPA is a forward-thinking group dedicated to revolutionizing the world of truck and tractor pulling by blending local traditions with nationwide recognition. Our main objective is to develop sponsorship programs and guarantee widespread television coverage for regional and state truck and tractor pulling associations. Our programs also allow for regional drivers to compete in national championship events representing their local organization. These programs enable these thrilling events to reach a broader viewership while honoring the sport’s longstanding heritage.
