Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Agricultural Engineering and Technology Club is well known for the revving engines and celebrations that occur at the annual Truck and Tractor Pull, and the weekend of March 12-14, 2026, was no exception. The roar of those engines could have been heard for miles!
The AET Truck and Tractor Pull is well-supported by other clubs and institutions on ABAC’s campus, including ABAC’s Agronomy Club and ABAC’s Turf Club. Both clubs assisted in logistical matters, like directing parking and selling concessions. Because the Truck and Tractor Pull is such a large event, having the support and ability to collaborate is welcome on campus!
This event is well received within the community of Tifton alongside campus life, with the largest turn out being the amateur night on Thursday, where students can hook up for an easy $5, and hope they don’t get embarrassed in front of everyone! The next two nights are the first and second rounds of the Southern Pullers Competitive Pull, but that doesn’t mean the AET Club can slack off.
The Truck and Tractor Pull is entirely student led and driven, with faculty support. This year, for example, President Travis Lommerse explained that “We didn’t have power on Friday night, and without our faculty’s connections and experience, we wouldn’t have been able to get power.” That type of support is irreplaceable, and so often found among the advisors of ABAC’s clubs.
The AET Club themselves competed on two of three nights of the pull, driving the Late to Class Truck. This truck is one of three vehicles maintained and cared for by the AET club and was driven by advisor Matthew McGlashan for both nights. The other two vehicles maintained and cared for by the club are tractors, by the names of Ultra Dallas and Cracker Jack. The tractors didn’t see the competition track, but Late to Class did, and secured Fourth place both nights.
There are prizes given to students for the furthest pull, with two classifications. The first is the 1500 pound or ½ ton gas burner truck, and the second is the diesel ¾ to 1-ton trucks that are four-wheel drive. These trophies are only up for grabs to students, and whoever pulls the furthest is declared the winner. There is then a community award, with an off-the-farm class. This essentially means only farm tractors will be in this classification, and it is awarded to whoever pulls the furthest.
The attendance to the Truck and Tractor pull this year was a great turnout, allowing for AET President Travis Lommerse to feel proud of a well-orchestrated event that brought the community together. By putting on a successful event like this, it allows for the AET club to “give students the opportunity to dive hands in the engines, transmissions, and get hands on in the mechanics of each of these vehicles.” All of the vehicles being maintained for students, by students is a huge deal – and pulling of a successful Tractor Pull is essential to that.