Is Div2 dead? -new NATPA puller

[Mopower]

After the last NATPA pull in Corunna, MI I was left with the impression that Div2 wasn't all that popular. I was one of four in 4500# class and the only puller in 5000#. There happened to be a set of good uncut tires laying at home so I used them and pulled Div2. I guess if I want to compete against more people Div2T is the way to go. As it was, my stock block was deemed illegal, forcing me to jump through some hoops to find proper documentation before Wauseon and wonder if Div2 was even worth it. It ought to be an interesting tech inspection since I was not properly inspected this time around. At least they let me hook exhibition.
 

[supermpuller]

Div 2T is the way to go , to bad it took the NATPA years to figure it out.
 

[Rules]

Div 2T is way more poplular east of the Missippi and Div 2 is more popular west, thus where all the arguments over the years came from on tires(allowing topcut vs uncut etc). If someone goes to Lincoln, NE they might wonder if 2T is dead? Obviously, it is not--geographics plays a lot. Ever since the conception of NATPA-pullers MUST all go thru tech before they pull. No tech sticker at end of track, your card is pulled, no questions. There was 2 tractos that did not go thru tech at Corunna...why? Avoid it and your fellow "buddies" will tattle on you. Div 2 rules on what is legal or is not is very tightly ruled, per the membership. Your later model blocks are not allowed there in Div 2, in 2T yes. If you have a point to prove on getting it verified, call the people on the phone that had to "go find you" when other Div 2 pullers asked why you did not go thu tech? Explain why your parts should be legal. If they deem to be, then NATPA can update their MM policy on that model. If they are not legal in 2, then pull 2T--that's one reason 2T was created. Arguing here and not going thru tech to start is a lost cause in my opinion.
 

[Mopower]

I was directed to go to the scales for a tech inspection, which I did as I was told. I asked if I was ok, and the guy nodded (I wondered why I did not recieve a sticker until I noticed a couple other tractors did not have stickers either). I also went and checked my RPM with the device provided over by the pop machines. There were about twenty hooks to go before I was up, so I went to get my owner's manual and parts book before pulling just in case there were any questions on rpm etc. Unfortunately, when I did this, the order of classes was switched, putting me up sooner than anticipated. I was eager to pull and thankful to hook and I will take responsibility for not being teched properly. I know Brad and he was very accomodating considering my mix up. I will be calling him and Bob prior to pulling Division 2 in Wauseon. My blocks however are not larger OR "late" and my tractor is 100% compliant with NATPA rules despite the threatening yellow blotches of paint on the side. Coments like "it runs too good to be stock" and "you can't run U302 blocks (3.75" bore) in Div2" are ridiculous because that engine is 100% stock with the 3.625" bore blocks. Reciting my block number, then claiming it is bigger, does not make it so, but hey, it still falls on me for not asking someone in charge what I had to do to get a sticker. I still expect a tech guy not to first, angrily approach me shouting, and second, have some idea of what's correct when he's throwing part numbers around. It was still a ton of fun and I'll be back after making a couple phone calls so no one thinks I'm trying to pull a fast one next time.

P.S. By the way, if my distance counted it would have been last place. Barely enough "chug" to lug that sled, even in 1st gear.
 

[puller111]

politics suck....we don't pull much anymore because of it....and frankly i don't give a damn...if people dont want you there, why go...i'm not driving 60 miles and throwing 12000 lbs for my health...for a nearly free pull...just to get whined at and bellyaching.....i think you know what i mean....and we haven't been back since. take care and don't let babies take over our good sport....if i had more time and money..i'd run a pull....and it would be FAIR and FUN for EVERYONE....
 

[MMZAck]

Get any good pictures? I'm anxious to see your tractor.

Zack
 

[Mopower]

I've had similar thoughts. I believe USAP & John Lampkin does too. I wish my area had a USAP.
 

[Mopower]

Here's before n after...