Valtras victorious opening of the pulling season 2002
Europe’s biggest indoor tractor pulling event took place in Ahoy sports hall, Rotterdam March 9. The 60 meter track was in good condition being prepared with great experience of the organiser. The hall was sold out in both shows and the event was followed altogether by over 30 000 eager pulling fans, some of which had come all the way from the United States.
The pro stock class featured some of the best tractor pulling teams in Europe, including the only representatives from Finland, Johanna and Matti Herlevi. This time father Pekka had to be contented with keeping the thumbs up for his children with his wife Anne.
12 competitors had signed up for the pro stock class. Herlevi team was using the same tune-ups they used last year. During the winter in Finland it is not possible to start testing tractors having 1500 horses under hood. Technical reliability was an asset this time. On the first round Johanna made the fastest full pull, 60 metres in 7,8 seconds. In addition to Johanna and her brother Matti, four other competitors managed to make a full pull.
In the pull off Matti, driving his father’s Sigma Power, was the only one to across the full pull line again. Johanna and Doris came second before Danish Blue Bambino. Dutch Wickie Power came fourth far behind the first three.
Tractor pulling season 2002 continues in Herning Denmark May 18. - 19., where the first eurocup race will take place.
