Eldon had a pretty good turnout, and the weather was near perfect.  Like I mentioned earlier, allot of classes came down to the final pull!!  Stacy Wessing and Jeff Prenger went down to the wire in the 3250 Div II.  Jeff was unable to attend, but had Ben Rackers bring the Allis WC and do some fantastic driving in order to secure the points championship!

The 5500 Div III class was also down to the wire!!  Austin Timm needed to stay ahead of Mike Moore who was only one point behind.  Austin tried a different side than everyone else and had trouble keeping the front end down.  When all the dust cleared, he finished far enough ahead of Mike More to take the number one spot in the points champion ship.  Congratulations Austin and Mike.

Yet another class up for grabs at Eldon, was the 6500 Div III.  And again - Austin Timm was in the lead by one point going into the final round.  Behind him this time was JP Dunn on his 70 John Deere.  Austin made a good hook on his 570 Cockshutt - but in the end - JP Dunn was able to come out on top and declare himself champion.

I was told earlier in the week that the leading tractor was not going to be there for the 7500 Div II.  I didn't believe it until I got there.  But it was true - Mark Meisenheimer neglected to bring his tractor.  The reason?  I would have to get a 2nd or 1st in order to collect enough points to drive past him.  A 3rd Place finish, and we would tie for the points championship.  I went over and took some air out of the 570 Cockshutt diesel after seeing the track and how everyone was spinning out with not much trouble.  As I signed up for my class - I read the name "Mark Meisenheimer" - only this time, he decided to drive his UB Moline, instead of his UB Special which he was leading the points with.  I later found out the Mr Meisenheimer was wanting to beat me with this tractor in order to win the points! HA-HA.  So, everything was going great.  I was the 4th puller - and took the lead.  OK - we are in good shape - so I thought.  Then comes this little lady on her 560 Diesel - Renee Kerksiek.  She decides to show me up and pulls about 10ft ahead of me.  Then, Reed Nichols comes within a foot, and now I'm getting nervous.  I'm in 2nd place - and one more person ahead of me - and I tie with Pewee, two more and I end up in second.  I should be getting weighted in for the 8500, but I can't bring myself to pull away from the track.  Along comes Wayne Boeckman - never count Wayne out.  He gets right in there with Reed Nichols, but not enough to go past me.  A little sigh of relief.  Then comes Mr Meisenheimer.  Not only would it be great for me to win the points, but to actually beat PEWEE doing it - that would be a tremendous feat.  Keep in mind, he has already secured the top spot in two other classes this year.  So, down the track comes the UB - and it keeps going - and going, and going, and %*&# going!  He blows by me.  There I sit in third place now.  I have tied the great PEWEE.  But can my position hold??  A couple of other tractors make their way down the track, and sure enough - my third place holds!!  I have not overcome Mr Meisenheimer - but I have tied for the win in the points championship - bringing an end to the most enjoyable year I have had yet with MATPA.

Thanks to all again.  I'll be getting to work on the driver profiles we have been getting.  So look back often - you never know when you might be the topic of "Steve's Table"  See ya next year!!!!!!

We have had a very active and safe season.  I hope everyone can make it to the pull at Eldon.  We have several classes that are going to be decided on what happens Saturday night!  I hope we can have the points totaled up and on web by Thursday or Friday - that way we can see what's going to happen.  Even both classes that I'm in are going to be decided by the last pull!  Whatever happens - happens.  I know that this year has been one of the most enjoyable pulling seasons I have ever been through, and I have done the best I could, and made it to all the pulls possible!  I hope everyone else has enjoyed it as well.

We'll be looking forward to our fall/winter meetings coming up.  Please contact Andrew and let him know if you are interested in hosting one of the monthly meetings.

Thanks again to all who helped on the track all year long.  It seems like it's the same old people, but we couldn't get it done without you.  Those of you who help, know who you are, and again -Thank You!  Like Robin said a while back, you are the "spokes on the wheel of MATPA", and we couldn't do this without all the help!  See ya at Eldon!!!