DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Pull

The Texas T-Rex Team hauled down to the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull in August, and had a great time pulling at an awesome facility.  Lane managed to pilot the 'Texas T-Rex' to a string of great pulls, including two Full Pulls !

Lane Duncan surveys the De Leon Pulling Track

Sharing the shade in De Leon.

Headed to the starting line in De Leon.

De Leon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pulling facility

'Texas T-Rex' rolling onto the De Leon Pulling Arena

Talking strategy at the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull.

'Texas T-Rex' headed downtrack at the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Pull

Turning in a good pull in De Leon.

Trying to cool off after back to back pulls in De Leon.

Between rounds at the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull

DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull

'Texas T-Rex' with a 'Full Pull' in De Leon !

Lane and his 'Texas T-Rex' take a Third Place medal at DeLeon !

Duncan Motorsports Mid-Season Report

Looking back at the 2013 season at the half way point, is a lot more enjoyable following a win.  The Texas T-Rex Team has certainly had a great 2013, at least up until this mid season point.  I believe much of the success the team has had thus far, can be attributed to the efforts of preparation during the off season.

Lane Duncan goes to work, after unloading from Rockdale, preparing for 2013.

 Immediately following the 2012 season, we began researching, acquiring, and testing various drive belt and pulley combinations for the belt driven 'Texas T-Rex'.  We have narrowed down the best combination of belt and pulley ratio, to a few select pairings, at this point.  From a single setup with no backup in previous years, to multiple combinations with capable spares today, we have definitely improved our situation.  We have also learned a lot about belt materials, design, and construction.  Learning while at play certainly seems like a good thing, especially for young puller !

Measuring Douglas Wheels for wheel screws, prior to mounting Firestone tires.

The team also acquired and tested a couple of different pulling tires, which has resulted in a couple of different setups, as options available to us depending on track conditions.  We have a decent tire package for both hard and tacky tracks, as well as a tire package that seems decent for the looser tracks.  And at the very least, we have spares available to keep us in the competition should the need arise.  We certainly have not figured out the track reading, and would not claim to have figured out the best tire package, but I believe we have improved, and at least can continue to gain data and comparisons, to hopefully continue to improve.

Lane Duncan installs new wheel studs on his 'Texas T-Rex' pulling tractor.

A rule change in 2013, allowed for an increase in the tractor weight from 950 to 1000 pounds.  We were pleased with our progress at the old weight, and were reluctant to add the additional weight, but have gradually increased the weight and moved the balance around in subtle changes.  To date, we are still a little light, but have a pretty good feel for the weight location for what the 'Texas T-Rex' seems to like.  We are sneaking up on the combination, and hope to be able to adjust quickly at the track as needed.  In the past, we usually fell off on the second pulls, and did not seem to be able to make the correct adjustments.  This year, we have been able to make small adjustments, and improve on the second pull.  This ability is an accomplishment I am quite proud of....although, it may have just been luck !

Images by Sharon, captured Lane and his 'Texas T-Rex' in action at the Hunt County Fair.

Images by Sharon, captured Lane launching his 'Texas T-Rex', on the way to a win in Thornton.

I would like to thank all of those involved with our team, as well as everyone involved in the LSGTPA club. I think the season overall, is off to a great run for 2013.   We were excited to have Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dellow as part of the show at the first three events, performing our National Anthem during opening ceremonies, and look forward to working with these two young rising stars at future LSGTPA shows.  The LSGTPA club now enjoys great photography, with the work of Ashley Jesko and Sharon Bramlett.  We would like to acknowledge the Clara Foster Slough Museum in Enloe, for continued partnering to support the LSGTPA Youth Class.  Lane and I certainly can not field an entry alone, so we would like to express our greatest appreciation to Richard and Nancy Duncan, aka 'Nannie' and 'PawPaw'.  Our 'Uncle Larry' King, started this endeavor off, with presenting Lane with the 'Texas T-Rex' project, back in 2008, and we certainly appreciate the opportunity his donation has provided.  Too many people need to be thanked, to try and include everyone here.  We will save that for a year end wrap up feature !

We will continue on with this 2013 run, and hope to improve with each pull !  Most importantly, we will have fun as we learn, and will enjoy the experiences this effort presents.  Thank you again, to all of those that support us !

Texas T-Rex Team Takes a Win in Thornton

Lane Duncan piloted his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor to two great hooks in Thornton, to take the win in the LSGTPA Youth Class on Saturday.  Lane was the recipient of the 'high card' which put his machine in the first slot to pull in his class.  With the Youth Class pullers the first class, Lane was the very first tractor out of the gate at the Thornton Rodeo Arena event.  After a malfunction with the sled on the first attempt, Lane had to remain calm and managed a great pull on the first official pass down the track.

Lane Duncan is first out of the gate at the Thornton Tractor Pull

Texas T-Rex Team discusses strategy at the LSGTPA Thornton Tractor Pull.

Lane returned for his second pass, and improved on the first performance to secure the victory.  Near record temperatures during the event, had the tractors and pullers alike feeling the heat, as the thermometer was well over the century mark and track temperatures soared over 120 degrees.  The Duncan Motorsports crew and 'Texas T-Rex' team were thrilled with the win, and hope to further improve on the performance.

Lane Duncan aboard his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor, prepares to pull in the Thornton Rodeo Arena.

Lane Duncan rides his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor to victory at the Thornton Rodeo Arena tractor pull.

 

Thanks to all of the sponsors of the event, including the Thornton Chamber of Commerce and Junior Chamber members, Thornton Rodeo Arena, and LSGTPA for organizing the event.

Lane Duncan scores the Thornton Tractor Pull Gold Medal.

'Texas T-Rex' Prepared for Enloe Independence Day Festivities

Lane Duncan and the 'Texas T-Rex' crew will be performing a little routine maintenance on the 'T-Rex' this weekend, in preparation for a display at the Enloe Independence Day Celebration in Enloe, Texas.  The 'Texas T-Rex' tractor will be on display at the Clara Foster Slough Museum during the afternoon, as the Enloe Museum hosts a book signing event for Kay Wheeler Moore, and her book entitled 'Way Back in the Gardenia Rows'.  Lane will participate in the Enloe Independence Day Parade, scheduled for a 5pm start at the Enloe Community Center.

Be sure to stop by the Clara Foster Slough Museum in Enloe, pickup an autographed book, enjoy the parade and stay around for the Enloe Community Cookout for an afternoon and evening of fun !

Lane Duncan performs routine maintenance on his 'Texas T-Rex', in preparation for the Enloe Independence Day parade.

Lane Duncan displays his 'Texas T-Rex' LSGTPA Pulling Tractor.

Lane Duncan cruises Enloe during the 2012 Independence Day Parade.

Duncan Wheels Texas T-Rex to Runner-Up Finish

Lane Duncan wheeled his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor, with new wheels, to a second place finish at the Hunt County Fair LSGTPA tractor pull.  The Duncan Motorsports team chose the Greenville track to debut a new wheel and tire package on the Youth Class pulling tractor.  Searching for a better 'soft' track combination, the team ran a set of Firestone Flotation 23 series tires and Douglas aluminum wheels.  Replacing the steel wheels front and back, combined with a different sidewall on the rear tires, changed the balance of the tractor somewhat, so the team was a little off on the setup for Friday nights pull, and placed fifth in the field.  After relocating some weight Saturday, the team rebounded nicely with a better setup, to finish in the Runner-Up spot, in the Enloe Museum Youth Class.

Lane Duncan at work aboard his 'Texas T-Rex' pulling tractor.

Lane Duncan wheels his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor at the Hunt County Fair.

Jeff Duncan offers some advice to driver Lane Duncan,  during the LSGTPA tractor pull.

Lane Duncan and the 'Texas T-Rex' pull to a Runner-Up finish at the Hunt County Fair.

Lane Duncan unloads with hardware from the Hunt County Fair  tractor pull.

Bailey Melvin and Morgan Dellow, stop by the 'T-Rex' pit after singing the National Anthem.

Texas T-Rex Team Prepping for Hunt County Fair Pull

The Duncan Motorsports crew has been preparing the 'Texas T-Rex' tractor for the upcoming Hunt County Fair Tractor Pull in Greenville, Texas.  The LSGTPA event will be held on June 7 and 8, in conjunction with the opening weekend of the Hunt County Fair.  The previous events have provided tricky conditions, with rain during the days prior to the event causing the track to be somewhat on the damp side.  The tire package on the 'T-Rex' has favored the hard and sticky track surface, but not so much the soft and loose tracks.  The team hopes to have a 'soft track' combination with the installation of a set of Firestone tires, which have a different tread angle.  In an attempt to upgrade, the crew also decided to go with an aluminum wheel and tubeless tire package, as opposed to the steel wheel with tubes on the current setup.  A set of studs were installed on the rear hubs and new hubs were fitted to the front.  Chassis modifications were necessary to fit the new wheel and tire package, including raising the seat and cage, and lengthening the upper wheelie bar tubes.  Nothing ever just bolts on !!!

See some sneak peeks of the work below...

'Texas T-Rex' Sighted at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children Farm and Ranch Day

The 'Texas T-Rex' and driver Lane Duncan were on hand during the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children's Farm and Ranch Day event.  The festivities were held at Reverchon Park in Dallas, and included a variety of farm animals, activities and displays.  The 'Texas T-Rex' crew were on hand to apply 'T-Rex' tattoos and provide information on LSGTPA tractor pulling, while Lane Duncan signed autographs and explained the mechanics of his pulling tractor.  The team had a great time, and met many great children and families.  The organizers of the event put on an awesome show, and there were many smiling faces as reward for the hard work.

Lane Duncan prepares for Farm and Ranch Day at Reverchon Park in Dallas.

Lane Duncan and his 'Texas T-Rex' at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day  in Dallas.

Early morning display setup at Reverchon Park.

LSGTPA display at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

Lane Duncan signs autographs during the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

Lane Duncan signs autographs at the LSGTPA display in Reverchon Park Dallas.

Lane Duncan visits with new friends at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

New 'T-Rex' fans visit at Reverchon Park in Dallas.

Lane Duncan signs autographs and provides LSGTPA pulling schedules.

The LSGTPA display was a popular hangout at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

Children check out the 'Texas T-Rex' at Reverchon Park.

Another 'Texas T-Rex' tattoo customer at the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

Trying on the 'Texas T-Rex' for size at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

Posing with new friends at TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

Lane Duncan signing autographs at the LSGTPA booth during TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day.

Representing the LSGTPA at the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

Another new pulling fan checks out the 'Texas T-Rex' at Reverchon Park in Dallas.

Fun at Reverchon Park, during the TSRHC Farm and Ranch Day event.

The Texas Tech Masked Rider stops by to check out the 'Texas T-Rex' tractor.

New pulling fans checking out the 'Texas T-Rex' cockpit.