Tractor pulling is the most powerful motor sport in the world. ‘On the Limit’ are a Northamptonshire -based family tractor pulling team. Started by Mark Pacey in 2014, On the Limit is now driven by Mark’s daughter Ellie at pulling events throughout the UK and Europe. Bailey has supported On the Limit by producing a custom plate which sits on the front of the tractor and special merchandise, all cut on our CNC laser. Before the tractor pulling season kicks off next month, we posed a few questions to Ellie.
How did you get into tractor pulling?
People say tractor pulling is a sport, it’s more a way of life. My Dad’s been in tractor pulling for coming up to 40 years, I went to my first tractor pull at two weeks old! So, I’ve pretty much grown up around the sport my whole life.
I begged Dad for a pink tractor and was given one for my 8th birthday. After that there was no stopping me. I began competing in local junior events and have been competing in one class or another ever since. I pretty much dominated my races as a kid. I had a logo on the back of the tractor which read: ‘Come on boys, keep up.’
My first event behind the wheel of On the Limit was at Great Eccleston near Blackpool, I was 16 years old. After driving it for the first time, that was it, I had never experienced anything quite like it. The pass only took seven or eight seconds, but it was one hell of an adrenaline rush.
Are there any other women competing in the sport?
There are a few that compete regularly in the UK series. A lot of female drivers compete in Holland and there are many women drivers dominating in the European series, especially within the slightly lighter chassis classes.
Tractor pulling is a very inclusive sport. You don’t have to worry about being a certain strength, it’s about knowledge of a track, to be able to drive – having a feel for a throttle and grip.
You’re the driver, but what is the On the Limit team dynamic?
Although I’m the driver, I’m also responsible for marketing and promotions. I help out in the workshop, to try and learn as much as possible from Dad. Dad is team principle and chief engineer, as you can imagine, with 39 years of competing, he’s a fountain of knowledge, he also drives our artic to events.
Then there is George, in a small team like ours you need someone who can get involved in pretty much everything. George is another pair of hands in the workshop, he also liaises with sponsors and supporters. On event days George helps out pit-side to ensure things run smoothly.
We are also joined by Ed, who is a former competitor which is great, especially when we’re trying to fine tune things before a run, or when certain jobs need more people. Dad normally backs me up. Either George or Ed runs the end of the track and will be there generally as a safety person.
Last but not least is Mum, my biggest supporter. She’s really good at helping me with our marketing. At events Mum sets up all of the merchandise on our stand and generally keeps us all going.
How did you get involved with Bailey Trailers?
It all started with a chat in the pub! I met Jazz Bailey through mutual friends. We ended up chatting about her family’s business at Bailey Trailers. Then the conversation moved onto tractor pulling we spoke about doing something together.
Jazz mentioned that Bailey have a CNC laser cutting machine in their factory; she made us a custom plate that we’ve fitted on the front of the tractor. Our name is on the front, which is backlit when we race at night it’s like having an under-glow. It looks really cool and adds a bit of a wow factor.
Bailey have also made us a few special keyrings that we hand out in our VIP area. They are smart stainless steel pieces, which are good to give to sponsors when they visit us, it’s nice to give them something back as well.
How do you see the future of tractor pulling?
I’d love to see tractor pulling gain a massive following, it’s definitely growing in popularity. For example, this year we had a stand at the LAMMA show, the number of people we spoke to was unreal. There was a lot of interest and I hope we see more spectators as a result.
There’s definitely more events coming onto the UK calendar. There’s a lot more promotion of these events. I love to promote the sport; I have a bit of a following on social media and stuff like that. So, I always try to do my bit.
It’s an inclusive sport. I’ve never turned up to a tractor pull and felt out of place for being a female competitor. I’d love to see more women give it a go. Basically, we strap five dragster engines together and put it down the track, it’s awesome to watch. If it could go to bigger and better places it’d be amazing.
What are your ambitions for On the Limit?
Well, we’ve won a British Championship. Generally, we’re always in the top three. There’s some very strong competition in the UK at the moment, you’re trying to keep up with new technology. You can’t afford to stand still; every team is looking for those marginal gains.
I’d love to win the British Championship this year, we’ll certainly be having a good go. Next year will see us celebrate 40 years since Dad first competed in tractor pulling, he has won some very big races and has quite a collection of trophies. It would be amazing if we could add to those trophies, that would be really something…
On the Limit – the spec
Class: Light Modified
Engines: x2 supercharged Chevrolet 572ci V8
Power: 4,000hp
Fuel: Methanol
For more information about On the Limit visit their Facebook page ››
