Breaking Barriers Podcast

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with longtime puller and Illinois farmer Rudy Huber to trace the rise of Pro Stock tractor pulling from its small-town roots. Rudy shares how growing up in his dad’s John Deere dealership led to sneaking toy tractors out the back door, learning from old-school mechanics, and eventually campaigning his iconic 6030 Pro Stock, the Midnight Flyer. He walks us through the early days of factory stock and Pro Stock in Illinois, the “farm shop engineering” behind power blocks, water injection, tires, and custom transmissions, and the way innovators like Hypermax and ot...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with Mark Gettinger, a 60-year veteran of tractor pulling and the man many consider the godfather of Allis Chalmers performance. Joining the conversation is Tylan Reynolds, Mark’s right-hand man, fellow puller, and long-time collaborator both in the shop and on the track.

Together, they walk through the evolution of pulling—from dead-weight concrete drags to national circuits—how Mark once made $80,000 in a single season, and why his innovation in drivetrain and engine development reshaped competitive tractor pulling. They open up about risk before safety regulations, building transm...

In this heartwarming episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with Doc Wiggins and his son David Wiggins — two generations deeply rooted in the world of farming, tractor pulling, and community preservation. What begins as a nostalgic conversation about brush pulls in the 1980s unfolds into a powerful story about legacy, family, and small-town pride.Doc shares how his love for tractors started on a Missouri farm and evolved into decades of pulling, restoring, and collecting — a passion that now fills 11 museum buildings in Memphis, Missouri, housing more than 350 restored tractors and countless pieces of rural history. Together, Doc and...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Gary Bontrager, Gary sits down with Bryan Conners, a lifelong innovator and engineer whose fingerprints are all over the history of tractor pulling. From his early days wrenching alongside his father in the 1960s to developing the groundbreaking fuel and turbo systems that redefined performance standards, Bryan’s story is one of grit, ingenuity, and an obsession with horsepower.In their conversation, Bryan shares memories of building Bad Medicine, running Massey and John Deere machines, pioneering alcohol setups, and shaping a legacy that inspired a generation of pullers. He dives into the ev...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with James O. Harmon, a lifelong Massey Ferguson enthusiast and antique tractor puller whose passion for the sport runs generations deep. From his childhood in Clarence, Missouri, to decades spent preserving the legacy of pulling, James shares how family, community, and horsepower shaped his life’s story.He takes us through the evolution of tractor pulling—from wooden sleds and concrete blocks to the modern machines dominating today’s circuits—and the lessons learned along the way. Through stories of working for the Carroll family, building his first pulling tractor...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Dennis Kay, a lifelong innovator whose passion for motorsports and entrepreneurship has left a lasting mark on the world of tractor pulling and beyond.Dennis shares how his fascination with horsepower began at county fairs, building models in his basement and sneaking into stock car races with his dad. What started as a local hobby with his brother Lanny grew into a pioneering career in tractor pulling, complete with stretched frames, twin engines, and national recognition. Along the way, Dennis served in the Marine Corps, endured personal...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Loren and Larry Ford, lifelong tractor pulling enthusiasts whose journey spans from mowing yards with a Cub Cadet in the 1960s to competing in some of the Midwest’s toughest pulls.The Ford brothers share their evolution through the sport—starting with homemade modifications, graduating into antique pulls, and eventually stepping into the high-intensity world of alcohol-fueled super stock tractors. Along the way, they recount stories of trial and error, rivalries with some of pulling’s fiercest competitors, and the friendships forged in the pits.From the early...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with pulling legend Dan Hutchings for a ride through decades of tractor pulling history, innovation, and family legacy.Dan shares how he got started building toy tractors with airplane engines, how his passion evolved into a lifetime of pulling modifieds, stock cars, sprint cars, and drag racers. You'll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories—from weight placement tricks at the Iowa State Fair to restoring vintage hot rod pullers and tracking down long-lost hood ornaments.🎯 What You'll Learn:How Dan applied stock car techniques to dominate a tractor pullThe evolution of Tw...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Chris Fountain—renowned transmission builder, hot rod innovator, and Iowa pulling legend—for an unforgettable ride through the golden era of tractor pulling.From building transmissions for the Midwest’s fiercest competitors to crafting his own two-engine modified pullers, Chris reflects on a lifetime of trial, torque, and triumph. The episode opens with a surprise: Chris’s old pulling tractor, restored after decades, is revealed at the Johnson County Fair—leaving him speechless.They explore:Chris’s early days pulling at age 14 and his transition from farm kid to perfo...

In this rich and nostalgic episode, host Gary Bontrager sits down with legendary tractor pulling brothers Tom and Pat Peiffer, recorded on location in Harper, Iowa. Known for pioneering the use of alcohol-fueled tractors in the sport, the Peiffers recount their 40+ years of mechanical innovation, trial-and-error learning, and fierce competition on the pulling circuit.They dive into stories from their early days borrowing a neighbor’s tractor for their first pull, all the way to their custom-built Allis Chalmers machines that ran national events like Louisville. From sourcing alcohol fuel from late model dirt track suppliers to collaborating with dr...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with William "Bibs" Giberson—a legendary mechanic, innovator, and storyteller whose fingerprints are all over the history of tractor pulling.From his early days wrenching on John Klug’s iconic machines to shaping the rise of four-turbo tractors in the Midwest, Bibs takes us deep into the golden era of pulling. With unmatched authenticity, he recounts roadside welds, secret engine modifications, and the camaraderie that made the sport more than just horsepower.You’ll hear:How a busted rocker shaft in Florida jumpstarted Bibs’ mechanical legacyThe inner workings of John...

In this nostalgic and deeply insightful episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with Ed Sass—lifelong Schellsburg, Iowa resident and tractor pulling legend—to relive a remarkable journey through one of America's most grassroots motorsports.From rebuilding his grandfather’s 1936 F-20 to dominating the light limited classes with his iconic 560, Ed shares a treasure trove of stories spanning decades of passion, perseverance, and mechanical creativity.🚜 What’s Inside:Ed’s humble start with antique tractors and a never-say-die attitudeThe evolution of his 560 alcohol-powered puller and homemade upgradesTales from the road: pit stops, 100mph Freightliner races, and the puller brothe...

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Gary Bontrager sits down with Jerry Sipes and his entire family to reflect on a multigenerational journey in tractor pulling. From humble beginnings at a county fair to dominating pulls across the country, Jerry and his crew share stories of mechanical ingenuity, sibling rivalries, all-night shop sessions, and the deep bond forged through decades of shared passion.💬 Highlights include:- Jerry’s first tractor pull experience and how it all started- The family’s iconic 560 tractor and its evolution over the years- Outrageous road trip stories, prank wars, and unexpected hotel chaos- How the Sip...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Chris Dix—an Iowa native whose lifelong passion for tractor pulling has made him a fixture in the sport both behind the wheel and behind the mic.Chris shares his journey from watching his first tractor pull as a boy in Janesville to becoming a driver, promoter, and announcer at some of the Midwest’s most iconic pulling events. With vivid stories from decades of competition, Chris unpacks the evolution of safety, the rise of brush pulls, and the tight-knit community that keeps the sport thriving.He also...

In this special episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Leonard Beasley, one of the pioneers of alcohol-powered tractor pulling. Filmed in Eagleville, Tennessee, this interview dives deep into Leonard’s wild journey from farm fields to national pulling arenas.🚜 Leonard shares how he transitioned from pulling with a stock John Deere 4430 to building hot rods with multiple engines and four turbochargers, hitting 8,000 RPM and 80 pounds of boost long before it was common. He recounts wild pulls, mechanical innovation, and even a few close calls with fire, broken crankshafts, and makeshift propane setups.From building his own s...

In this special episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager is joined by Scott Buss, son of legendary tractor puller Dick Buss. Scott takes us on a journey through the rich legacy of the Buss family—from growing up around the roar of engines to honoring the relentless work ethic his father instilled. Together, they dive into the evolution of tractor pulling, how the sport has changed over the years, and what it meant to grow up in a family that lived and breathed horsepower.Scott shares powerful insights into Dick’s innovative spirit, community impact, and the deep fami...

Join host Gary Bontrager for a special episode of Breaking Barriers as he sits down with Ivan and Dean Carroll, the Missouri legends behind the iconic “Levee Leaper” tractor. This episode dives deep into over 50 years of tractor pulling history, family tradition, and innovation in the world of competitive pulling.From humble beginnings with a turbocharged Cockshutt 40 to winning state fair sweeps and pulling in the Houston Astrodome, the Carroll family's journey is packed with unforgettable stories—like building custom hitches, on-the-fly turbo swaps between classes, near-miss crashes, sabotage in Kansas, and chasing horsepower with Hercules engines.Hear how this m...

In this episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Mark Hamm to dive deep into the rich history of tractor pulling in Eastern Iowa. From Mark’s father, Doug Hamm’s early days in the sport to groundbreaking innovations, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments, this conversation is a must-watch for pulling enthusiasts.Discover the evolution of tractor technology, the camaraderie among competitors, and the impact of legendary figures who shaped the sport. Plus, hear never-before-told stories about the thrills, challenges, and behind-the-scenes moments that make tractor pulling such a unique motorsport.🚜 Topics Covered:✅ The history o...

In this episode of the Breaking Barriers podcast, host Gary Bontrager interviews Fred Nichols, a pioneer in the sport of tractor pulling. They discuss Fred's early experiences with tractor pulling, the evolution of his tractors, and the innovations he introduced to the sport. Fred shares memorable stories from his time on the track, the changes in the sport over the years, and his reflections on the community of tractor pullers. In this segment of the conversation, Fred Nichols shares his experiences and insights from the world of tractor pulling, particularly focusing on the evolution of alcohol engines, the challenges...

In this powerful episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Mike Schultz, a remarkable individual who has overcome challenges and redefined success on his terms. From navigating personal and professional hurdles to making an impact in his industry, Mike shares his journey of resilience, innovation, and determination.Tune in as Gary and Mike dive into the mindset, strategies, and lessons learned from breaking through limitations and building a life of purpose. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone seeking motivation to push past obstacles, this conversation is packed with insights that will inspire you to take...

In this exciting episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, host Gary Bontrager welcomes special guest Bear Sieverding, a well-known figure in the world of tractor pulling. Bear takes listeners on a journey through his lifelong passion for the sport, from growing up on a family farm in Bellevue, Iowa, to becoming a key player in the Eastern Iowa Tractor Force Association. He shares stories of his early days participating in local pulls, the evolution of the sport, and the dedicated community that keeps it thriving.Bear also dives into the history of tractor pulling in the region, the importance...

In this episode of the Breaking Barriers Podcast, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Mike Fornash to take a deep dive into the rich history of tractor pulling, the legacy of Mike’s father, Jerry Fornash, and how the sport has evolved over the years. Recorded in the nostalgic Ginko Garage, this conversation highlights the grassroots passion for tractor pulling and the strong community ties formed through decades of competition.Mike shares fascinating stories about his father's journey from farming in West Chester, Iowa, to becoming a well-respected name in the tractor pulling circuit. From tinkering with farm tractors to...

In this engaging episode of Breaking Barriers with Gary Bontrager, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Kenny Sanders, a legendary tractor puller from Dayton, Iowa. Kenny shares his journey from being a kid with a passion for motors to becoming a prominent figure in the tractor-pulling world, famously known as “The Enforcer.” They delve into the fascinating mechanics behind his iconic International tractor, equipped with four turbochargers. Kenny recounts his innovative approach to building and modifying machinery, often fabricating parts from scratch, and highlights the determination it took to compete at the highest levels of the sport.Listeners will be c...

In this continuation of the Breaking Barriers podcast, host Gary Bontrager engages with guest Warren Ropp to explore the rich history of tractor pulling, its evolution, and the personal stories that shaped the sport. They discuss the origins of tractor pulling in local communities, the technological advancements in tractors over the years, and the significant role of family in the sport. The conversation also delves into the innovations in pulling techniques and the impact of these changes on the sport's future. Gary also discusses the evolution of tractor pulling technology, focusing on turbo systems, maintenance practices, fuel innovations, and...

In this episode of the Breaking Barriers podcast, host Gary Bontrager engages with guest Warren Ropp to explore the rich history of tractor pulling, its evolution, and the personal stories that shaped the sport. They discuss the origins of tractor pulling in local communities, the technological advancements in tractors over the years, and the significant role of family in the sport. The conversation also delves into the innovations in pulling techniques and the impact of these changes on the sport's future. Gary also discusses the evolution of tractor pulling technology, focusing on turbo systems, maintenance practices, fuel innovations, and...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with Gary Bontrager, Gary sits down in the legendary Kelderman garage with three guests — Gary Kelderman, Jeff Kelderman, and Allan DeBruin — for an unforgettable conversation about innovation, motorsports, and the golden era of truck pulling.Together, they revisit the origins of Kelderman Manufacturing, the birth of iconic pulling machines like The Baby Elephant and The Outlaw, and the engineering genius that shaped the sport decades ahead of its time. From drag racing victories and custom transmissions to pioneering suspension and hitch designs, Gary Kelderman’s story captures the relentless curiosity and craftsmanship that turned...

In this powerful solo episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager opens up about the true meaning behind the name Breaking Barriers—a name that started with a tractor, but came to symbolize something much deeper.

Gary shares his personal journey of overcoming hardship, loss, and seasons of struggle, and how these experiences shaped both his outlook on life and the creation of the podcast. From childhood memories of tractor pulls to life-changing moments of pain, perseverance, and hope, Gary reflects on the lessons that built the foundation for Breaking Barriers.

This episode is not ab...