Blindfold Tractor Driving Contest

Blindfold Tractor Driving Contest AG WORLD Ag World 19-2-20 If you're looking for a fun new activity for a local fair or celebration, try setting up a "blindfold" tractor driving contest. Brian Ferguson organized and competed in such a contest last fall at an antique tractor show near Rockville, Ind. Ferguson drove a 1953 Deere 70, receiving instructions from his brother Jason as he steered the tractor between obstacles. Both men are members of the Hoosier 2-Cylinder Club. "It's fun to watch and is becoming more popular at antique tractor shows," says Ferguson. "We had 12 tractors compete last year which was our third year for the con-test. The blindfolded driver has to zig zag back and forth between big orange traffic cones. The first one to cross the line is the winner. My brother walked beside my tractor as I drove, shouting when I should turn left or right. The faster you go, the harder it is to keep the instructions clear between driver and helper. Last year a helper on one team stood on the tractor and tapped the driver's left or right shoulder to tell him which way to turn. It worked pretty well so we plan to try that next year." The show also featured a "fast start" con-test for hand-cranked tractors. There were two starting lines - one for the driver and one 15 ft. away for the tractor. "The tractor has to be out of gear, but the starter ignition key can be on, the pitcock can be open, and the hand crank can be in place and ready to go. When the whistle blows, the drivers run to their tractors, crank them up, then hop on and put them in first gear. The first tractor to cross the finish line wins." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Brian Ferguson, Rt. 1, Box 221, Waveland, Ind. 47989 (ph 317 435-2193).

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