Long traditions
The rise of tractor pulling dates back to the 40's when official rules of the sport were developed in the United States, based on the experiences gained from the farmers' pulling races. The sport came into Europe in the 70īs. Pulling tractors from the United States were brought in 1977 to a World Championship tractor ploughing competition in Holland. This showcase competition gained an audience of over 40,000 people, and the interest towards the sport increased. From Holland, pulling then spread via Denmark to Sweden, where the first pulling race was held in 1982. In Finland the sport was introduced at an Agricultural Fair in 1985.
The FTPA (Finnish Tractor Pulling Association) was established in 1988. The association belongs to the international tractor pulling association ETPC. Currently in Finland there are more than hundred people actively competing, out of which one third compete in the class for modified tractors. Valtra has had a strong influence on the interest towards the sport throughout its short history in Finland. After few years of test driving in Finland, in the beginning of the 90īs, Valtra headed off to the pulling tracks in Europe and started soon to harvest results. During the past decade, Valtra has achieved 12 European championship medals, out of which six are golden.
