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The City of Wilmington, Ohio is known as the home of the Banana Split, which was created in the city in 1907, and is honored every year with the annual Banana Split Festival. The city known for their city slogan “we honor our champions” is the hometown for our 2009 Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour Unlimited Super Stock Champion, John Evans. Evans the pilot of the Big Toy II claimed the coveted Champions Tour Crown and led a strong one, two, three sweep of the Champions Tour point’s race. The season found Evans working all summer with his tractor as the Big Toy II lost two turbo chargers over the course of the season.
The struggles with the turbo chargers only made Evans dig harder and plug away to ensure his shot at the crown. Evans weathered the storm of subpar performances and by mid season the crafty veteran had found his stride. After the Indy Super Pull the red tractor seemed invincible, while terrorizing the Unlimited Super Stock Class throughout the Midwest. “Somewhere around the midseason, after Indianapolis things started going incredibly for me” stated Evans. John Evans concluded the season with a class high five Champions Tour event wins behind the wheel of the Brent Long powered Case International out of the Roberts Pulling Stables.
A summer filled with sleepless nights had Evans ready for sleep, but a week later he had the ball rolling on preparing for the 2010 season with the fleet of tractors he maintains. Evans commented: “My goal is to stay on top of all of our equipment, and maintenance throughout the season, to ensure we do the best we can possibly do.” Staying on top of everything can often become a daunting task for Evans who is the chief mechanic on all seven of the Robert’s Pulling Team Machines, but John is up to the challenge and proved that this past summer. “I love what I do and enjoy the challenge that all of the tractors present. The Super Stocks are pretty easy for me to maintain, but the Mod’s offer a different challenge that takes a lot of my focus” added Evans.
John Evans, a retired mechanic from R&L Carriers continues to delve into the technology of the sport and through the help of engine builder Brent Long he has become incredibly respected for his knowledge of the power plants of his tractors. John would like to thank Brent Long for all of his support and efforts throughout the 2009 season. Also a great amount of thanks goes to Larry Roberts, the owner of the tractors for his desire and want to be successful. “Larry continues to inspire me to work harder and harder to ensure a solid outcome” said Evans. Evans also wants to thank his loving wife and family for their unwavering support throughout the season. Finally, John would like to thank his teammates Tim Howell and Big Jim for their help and knowledge in helping secure the championship.
The 2010 season will bring a fresh start to the points but it is the friendships John Evans is anxious to get to back too. Evans added: “I am anxious to get back out there on the Champions Tour with my friends, since miss seeing them out on the road. I love pulling with the Pro Pulling League because the staff makes it known how much they appreciate us being there and that means a lot.” The season is just around the corner and there is no question that John Evans is hard at work in the shop in Wilmington.
For more information concerning the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League visit; www.propulling.com or for your freight LTL needs contact the only carrier you will need; R&L Carriers 800-543-5589