Not many people can honestly say that they have driven a NASCAR-rated stock car with a 1000 HP engine that can reach a top speed of over 200 MPH. Even fewer have flown the World’s third-fastest helicopter. At a cruising speed of 181 MPH and over 5000 HP the thrill of flying in a Chinook Helicopter, even just piloting one would be quite the experience. Now, imagine taking an engine off a Chinook and attaching it to a tractor pulling rig and strapping yourself in behind that 5000 HP engine opening up the throttle at 15,000 RPM rumbling down a dirt track in front of tens of thousands of spectators. That has to be amazing!

This is exactly what Kasen Petsch does with his summer. You can see his excitement the moment you ask him about tractor pulling. Kasen loves his summer season behind the wheel of Thermal Thunder, his modified pulling tractor. As a third-generation tractor puller, you could say tractor pulling is in his blood. Kasen’s grandfather started pulling in 1977, his father started in 1992, and when Kasen turned 16 it was his time to step up, strap in, and pull. Kasen is a member of the “Young Guns” that compete at events under the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association. Kasen traveled to Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, and around Nebraska competing in competitions last summer. After all the miles and hard work Kasen has proven that he also has the skill to compete. Just look at his success: 10th place - Wisner, NE, 7th place - Rock Valley, IA, 6th place - Iowa State Fair, 5th place - Spencer, IA, 5th place - Sac City, IA, 5th place - Rock Valley, 4th place - Unionville, MO, 3rd place - Wayne, NE, 3rd place Winsor, CO Kasen has had a great summer. Kasen finished the season ranked 6th overall. 

With his tractor, Thermal Thunder, as the backdrop Kasen spends time signing posters and pictures and posing with kids at events. I asked what it is like being asked for his autograph. His response: “It’s really cool because you have a lot of little kids who look up to you.” Kasen said his best run was in Rock Valley. “It was awesome. The front end skated the entire way, and I didn’t have to touch the brakes once.” Contrasted with the start of the season in Ravenna, NE on a practice run his dad blew the transmission and he couldn’t compete. Kasen’s summer is definitely one to be shared. Well done Kasen and keep on pulling!