In this special episode of Breaking Barriers, host Gary Bontrager sits down with Leonard Beasley, one of the pioneers of alcohol-powered tractor pulling. Filmed in Eagleville, Tennessee, this interview dives deep into Leonard’s wild journey from farm fields to national pulling arenas.🚜 Leonard shares how he transitioned from pulling with a stock John Deere 4430 to building hot rods with multiple engines and four turbochargers, hitting 8,000 RPM and 80 pounds of boost long before it was common. He recounts wild pulls, mechanical innovation, and even a few close calls with fire, broken crankshafts, and makeshift propane setups.From building his own sleds and running NTPA-sanctioned events at Chapel Hill, to becoming a respected promoter across Tennessee and East Knoxville, Leonard’s legacy is full of grit, grit, and southern ingenuity.🔧 Hear about:The origins of Chapel Hill’s legendary tractor pullThe first alcohol tractors and mechanical sledsHow one pull got so wild it snapped the rope on the sledThe time a prank flipped his fuel delivery systemThe moment three pistols ensured a fair pullWhether you're a lifelong fan of tractor pulling or just love stories of innovation and perseverance, this episode delivers.📍 Chapel Hill's 50th Anniversary is coming in 2025 — and Leonard was there from the start.
