The Levee Leaper with the Carrol Family Pulling Team

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Breaking Barriers Podcast

Gary Bontrager

28 episodes

1 week ago

Breaking Barriers Podcast is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the sport of tractor pulling. Hosted by Gary Bontrager, this podcast dives into the stories, legends, and evolution of the sport, capturing its impact on competitors and fans alike. Each episode features in-depth conversations with key figures who have shaped tractor pulling's past, present, and future. Tune in to celebrate the legacy and innovation that keep this thrilling sport alive!

Automotive

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Automotive

Leisure

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The Levee Leaper with the Carrol Family Pulling Team

Breaking Barriers Podcast

1 hour 34 minutes 2 seconds

2 months ago

The Levee Leaper with the Carrol Family Pulling Team

Join host Gary Bontrager for a special episode of Breaking Barriers as he sits down with Ivan and Dean Carroll, the Missouri legends behind the iconic “Levee Leaper” tractor. This episode dives deep into over 50 years of tractor pulling history, family tradition, and innovation in the world of competitive pulling.From humble beginnings with a turbocharged Cockshutt 40 to winning state fair sweeps and pulling in the Houston Astrodome, the Carroll family's journey is packed with unforgettable stories—like building custom hitches, on-the-fly turbo swaps between classes, near-miss crashes, sabotage in Kansas, and chasing horsepower with Hercules engines.Hear how this multi-generational team kept the spirit of competition alive with grit, mechanical ingenuity, and an undying love for the sport. Whether you’re a longtime fan of tractor pulling or just discovering the world of horsepower and dirt, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and legacy.👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more real stories from America’s heartland.🔧 Got a favorite tractor pull memory or question? Drop it in the comments!#TractorPulling #BreakingBarriersPodcast #LeveeLeaper #FarmHeritage #Cockshutt #TractorTalk #MidwestLegends #TractorLife #HorsepowerHistory00:00 - Welcome to Breaking Barriers with Ivan & Dean Carroll01:08 - Early Days of Tractor Pulling03:05 - Installing the First Turbo06:46 - The Oldsmobile V8 Farm Tractor08:58 - Buying the Legendary 570 Cockshutt12:46 - What Tractors They Farmed With14:45 - Cockshutt & Oliver Merger History20:11 - Early Weight Classes & Tractor Upgrades27:02 - Running Multiple Classes in One Night32:09 - Winning the State Fair Sweep39:00 - The Big Accident in Missouri45:16 - Breaking a Hitch & Safety Concerns51:23 - Pulling Across 16 States53:08 - Sabotage at the Kansas State Fair59:42 - Part 2 Begins – In the Shop01:03:45 - Building the Salt River Savage01:10:02 - Switching to a New Engine01:13:36 - Competing in 6000 Extreme Class01:18:06 - Reflections on the Sport of Tractor Pulling01:25:04 - Hauling Stories & Homemade Trailers01:32:31 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up