Former NTPA GN Champion Kevin Bradtmueller has passed

From NTPA:

WPI/NTPA is shocked and saddened to report the death on Monday, January 25 of Kevin Bradtmueller, 60, of Hoagland, Indiana. Mr. Bradtmueller had competed for nearly 20 years over stints in the 1980s and 2010s---all in the Modified Mini division ("Whomp Ass Express")---and was the Association's 1980 Grand National champion in the 1,700-lb. class.

Mr. Bradtmueller got his start in pulling by joining his hometown Four Kings Team in the mid-1970s and began piloting "Express" as soon as he was old enough to be licensed. In an era in which championships were chased from coast to coast, Mr. Bradtmueller claimed his GN title---by two points---in his first full season by winning events in Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Bowling Green, Ohio; and Fresno, California. He and his high school friend, Ken Bultemeier Jr., and their supercharged 350 Chevrolet finished second that same year in the 1,500-lb. Mini division. 

Throughout the balance of the decade, the pair claimed a dozen top-10 GN-point finishes across both weights. In addition to his driving abilities, Mr. Bradtmueller was known for superlative welding and fabrication, skills which he learned and practiced while employed by Dave Linker and Toby Rohrbach's Pro-Trac Engineering. Based in Hoagland, located just southeast of Fort Wayne, Pro-Trac was among the premier Modified and Mini chassis builders of the 1980s, most famously of Bruce Hutcherson's aluminum wedge "Makin' Bacon Special," Dan Utz's "Thumper," and Jim Brockmann's "Taylor Rental Special" Mini and Inlaws & Outlaws vehicles.

After an extended hiatus from driving, Mr. Bradtmueller returned to the seat and to national competition in 2010. Teaming again with Mr. Bultemeier---with Mr. Linker returning the favor as their crewman---the partners won four straight hooks in mid-2015. Then, in 2016, he directed his creative energies toward building two new team tractors, namely "Whomp Ass Express" and "WAE Flip Side." Together, they have since won three times in Region II competition, and the latter claimed the 2016 Region IV championship.

Per Mr. Bradtmueller's request, there will be no public visitation or funeral service.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mr. Bradtmueller's family and many friends in pulling.