No European Superpull anymore!

On Monday morning a sad message of the organization of the European Superpull in Rotterdam, the Netherlands was to read on their Facebook page and website. After 41 editions of the famous European indoor pull in the Ahoy hall, the organization has announced that the traditional European Superpull will no longer take place in the future. The reason for that decision was the gradually declined interest in the event in recent years. Every year people from all over the world came to watch the indoor event in Rotterdam. The European Superpull was also known for its guest pullers from the USA.

Every year since 1978, the organization invited guest pullers from the US pulling scene (except 2012 and 2015). The most interesting thing at that event was always the fight between the top European pulling tractors and the US guest pullers in the different classes. The last US guest was NTPA Grand National Champion Joe Eder from North Collins, New York with his unlimited mod and mini mod called ''Polar Air'' in 2019. But not only US modified tractors were invited to the pull, also Super Stock and Pro Stock tractors, two wheel drive trucks and a semi truck were there in the past.

 

Here is a list with some of the US guestpullers from the past:

1984: James Weaver with The Virginian (super stock)

1985: Ron Barga with The Judge (mod) and Mike and Kenny Smith with Deere Harvester (super stock)

1988: Gardner Stone with the General Stage 3 (unlimited mod)

1992: Ernie and Brian Conner with Bad Medicine (super stock)

1993: Rodalyn Knox with Country Girl (unlimited mod)

1994: Gardner Stone with The General Stage 4 (unlimited mod)

1995: Art Arfons with Green Monster (mod) and Dusty Arfons with Dragon Lady (mod)

1996: Richard Lustik with Silver Bullet (super stock) and Wayne Raush with Yellow Model T (twd)

1997: Dave Archer with Pioneer (mod) and Dave Deppe with Bad Badger (twd)

1998: Esdon Lehn with Redline Fever (super stock)

1999: Mike Piper with Just Add Dirt (unlimited mod)

2000: Terry Blackbourn with Slowride (super stock)

2001: Bill Voreis Orient Express unlimited mod

2002: Dennis Johnson with Shagnasty (super stock) and Brent Payne with Color of Money (super stock)

2003: Gardner Stone with The General Stage 4 (unlimited mod)

2004: Steve Klingenberg with Bad Habit (unlimited mod)

2005: Jordan Lustik with Silver Bullet (super stock)

2006: Wilemans with Die Hard Deere 2 (pro stock) and J.R Collins with Buckeye Bulldog (super semi truck)

2007: Wayne Purser with Uncle Sam (mod)

2008: John Evans with Double Stuff (mod) and Tim Howell with Ryan's Toy 2 (super stock)  

2009: Bruce Slagh with Show No Mercy (unlimited mod)

2010: Kathy Archer with Black Widow (unlimited mod)

2011: Philip Fairbanks with Original Rat Poison (mini mod)

2013: Brian Shramek with Young Blood Unleashed (unlimited mod)

2014: Adam Bauer with Cross Threaded (unlimited mod) and Iron Toy (mini mod)

2016: Steve Boyd with Lucas Oil Green Streak (super mod) and Greg Boyd with Green Streak Unlimited (super mod)

2017: John Strickland with Galot 2 (super stock) and Brent Payne with Galot 1 (super stock)

2018: Chuck Knapp with Screamin' D (unlimited mod)

2019: Joe Eder with Polar Air (unlimited mod and mini mod)

 

The official statement of the organization of the European Superpull: 

The traditional indoor tractor pulling event European Superpull will no longer take place. 

Although a very loyal group of fans came to the event every year, interest has gradually declined in recent years. The organization has explored the future possibilities for European Superpull, but there is insufficient basis to revive the event.

The organization of European Superpull regrets the decision, given the long history of the event. Since 1978, the event has been associated with Ahoy, which amounts to no fewer than 41 editions. The founders Gerrit Alting, Jan Post and Maurits Immink were ahead of their time by organizing an American-style indoor event in the Sportpaleis in Ahoy. Over the years, it became a fixture on the pulling team calendar and more indoor events were added, in addition to the well-known pulling competitions in the summer season.

Jolanda Jansen, General Manager Rotterdam Ahoy: “It is a difficult decision. The future possibilities have been explored in the past year and unfortunately we have had to conclude that there is currently insufficient basis to keep the concept viable. However, we look back with great pride on the 41st beautiful editions that took place in Ahoy.”

The European Superpull team, Jan Buitenhuis and all those involved from Rotterdam Ahoy, NTTO and volunteers, would like to thank all fans for the years of enthusiasm and support.

For further information, check here: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanSuperpull/

or check here: https://www.europeansuperpull.nl/en