Monkey Mayhem Makes History

The summer of 2011 was filled with many firsts for the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League; it saw several new venues making their debut on the Champions Tour, six competitors claiming their first ever Champions Tour crown, but the most news worthy introduction was that of the Light Super Stock Class. In previous years the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League had entertained the idea of hosting a few events with the Light Super Stocks but in 2011 the staff put together an eight event schedule that saw these high flying machines fighting to be the first to claim the coveted Champions Tour Championship.

As the summer season began to take shape it became evidently clear that the Light Super Stock competitors had embraced their opportunity to run for a Champions Tour title. Two competitors staged a dual from the first hook in Salem, Indiana until the season ending event in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. The Kentucky based Blue Blazes New Holland of Mike Wilhite jumped to an early season lead by claiming top honors in Salem, as well as making a strong push in Henry, Illinois towards the title. Todd Maedge, piloted his Monkey Mayhem to consistent top three finishes in the early season before he made his drive to the title. After having made some changes to the tractor leading into the season, Todd made the choice to go back to his original setup. That decision paid off for him as he gathered the top point’s totals in four of the final six hooks of the season, one of which was a title at the prestigious Indy Super Pull.

“At the Indiana State Fair I felt as we drove off the track that we had a shot at winning the title in Hillsboro. The Indy Super Pull is such a great event and to win it couldn’t have given us more confidence. Winning at Indy was the highlight of our season and truly an emotional victory” stated Maedge.

Maedge and his family live in the small village of Marine, Illinois, where Todd owns and operates KTM Truck Services. When not working to build the family business, one can find Todd in the shop where he does the vast majority of the wrenching and development of his tractor. Already hard at work for the 2012 season in the shop, Todd is doing some upgrading to Monkey Mayhem with the intent to come back in the summer to defend his title. As most pullers will tell you in the off season; he too is in pursuit of more power for his already potent Case MX Series International.

“We are hoping to make a few changes to our engine program with the goal of developing some more power. We would like to repeat our championship in 2012 but I know my fellow competitors are not sitting still, so we are hard at work and focused to enjoy another great season with the Pro Pulling League.”
The sense of accomplishment and pride that Todd feels for his Championship pours out of him when he is discussing his debut season with the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour.

“We could not have asked for a better of group to pull with, we met some amazing people and enjoyed ourselves beyond our expectations. I have a firm belief that our class will continue to grow and speak for all of our fellow classmates when I say how much we appreciate P.P.L. adding our class to compete on the Champions Tour”

Chasing points throughout the summer requires a lot of sacrifice from people at home and within the family business; their efforts do not go unappreciated by Todd and his family. The Maedge’s proved in 2011, that they not only were a very formidable competitor but also a very close knit family that valued their time together pulling.

“I can’t thank my wife and family enough for being with me all the time. Their support means so much to me and I can’t express to them the joy having them with me brings. Additionally, I have to thank KTM Truck Services for the sponsorship and support in maintaining the tractor” added Maedge.

In Marine, Illinois there is now a Cody Lewis custom painted pulling helmet, a bucket of Lucas Oil products, a statue of the Monkey Mayhem pulling tractor and a summer full of memories for a job well done, since Todd Maedge collected the first ever Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour points title. Mark your calendars fans as the excitement will rev up again for the Light Super Stocks when they will be back for the sophomore season in 2012. Will Maedge remain the only Light Super Stock Champion with the Pro Pulling League? Only time will tell but it is certain Maedge will put his best foot forward with Monkey Mayhem!