THE Quambatook community had every reason to celebrate at the weekend when the Australian Tractor Pull Championships celebrated its 45th anniversary.
With plenty of action, both on and off the track, organisers have dubbed the event a huge success, with a great turnout despite the threat of rain.
“Considering what could have happened weather wise, we were very lucky,” spokesperson Kelvin Jobling said.
“It was a cold day and, despite the inclement weather, we had a great crowd and are very happy with the event. It was cold but we had no rain at the track and the crowd stayed well into the night.”
Competitors came from South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria.
Mr Jobling competed for about 30 years before retiring about six years ago, but that hasn’t stopped him playing an integral role with the organising committee.
“When you live in Quambatook, it’s pretty hard not to get involved,” he said.
While the self-confessed petrol head loves every aspect of the competition and the friendships which have been formed along the way, he said the event provided a huge boost to the local economy and community and this was the driving force behind the effort.
Mr Jobling said proceeds from the event had gone towards improving amenities throughout the town.
The Quambatook Development Association, Lions Club, local churches and Amity Club will benefit from this year’s tractor pull.
This year’s event coincided with other milestones.
Club president Tim Betson marked his 40th birthday in the lead-up to the event, while the Flat Stick racing team also marked their 40th year of racing.
“It’s been a hectic week,” Mr Betson said.
“I think I aged another 20 years when I heard the weather forecast for the day, but we were very lucky it held off.
“We were very worried on Friday when it started raining but things improved overnight and by mid-morning the site had dried out.”
Mr Betson said the event was a huge success and thanked everyone who contributed.
“It’s all about the community spirit and being able to give back to the community,” he said.
“I’d really like to thank our small but dedicated group of volunteers and our very generous sponsors. Without them, there wouldn’t be an event.”
While Mr Betson hasn’t had a chance to celebrate his birthday yet, he’s looking forward to taking a well-deserved break in the coming days.
“Hopefully, I get to let my hair down a little bit and chill out.”
*Read more about the Flat Stick Racing Team and their 40th anniversary in next week’s edition.
