Bob & Roger McKim: The Allis 180, Father-Son Pulling & Building a Championship Tractor the Hard Way

Bob & Roger McKim: The Allis 180, Father-Son Pulling & Building a Championship Tractor the Hard Way

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with Bob and Roger McKim to talk about their championship-winning journey in tractor pulling, their deep Allis-Chalmers roots, and the story behind the Allis 180 that took them from antique pulling to competitive Super Stock pulling. Bob and Roger share how their pulling story started with farm stock and antique tractors, how they eventually bought the old Ghostbusters Allis 180, and what it took to turn an outdated pulling tractor into a competitive machine. From rebuilding the engine, changing turbo setups, fighting clutch and rear-end issues, experimenting with intercoolers and tires, and learning how to make the tractor live, this episode is packed with the kind of hands-on innovation that defines old-school tractor pulling. But at the heart of the conversation is the father-son bond. Bob and Roger talk about working side by side in the dealership, building and repairing the tractor together, winning championships, pulling at the Iowa State Fair, and the friendships built through years of competition. It’s a story about horsepower, problem-solving, family, and the kind of determination it takes to keep showing up, even when the tractor keeps coming home broken. If you love Allis-Chalmers pulling history, father-son tractor pulling stories, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building a competitive machine, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. #BreakingBarriersPodcast #TractorPulling #BobMcKim #RogerMcKim #AllisChalmers #Allis180 #SuperStockPulling #PullingHistory #TractorPullingHistory #IowaTractorPulling

Jody Ross: The Long Road to Triple Bypass, Grand National Wins & Super Stock Success

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with Jody Ross, a lifelong tractor puller whose story stretches from climbing onto a garden tractor as a kid to building one of the most respected Super Stock programs in the country. Jody shares how his pulling journey began at a local fair, how his family’s implement business shaped his mechanical instincts, and how years of persistence eventually led to major wins with Triple Bypass. From early International Harvester tractors and used parts to Grand National competition, Louisville wins, Bowling Green memories, and the evolution of the Super Stock class, Jody walks through the highs, setbacks, lessons, and people who helped shape his career. He also opens up about the importance of family, the crew behind the tractor, the value of good tires, and why success in pulling often comes down to patience, work ethic, and refusing to give up. This conversation is a look inside the mindset of a competitor who didn’t find overnight success—but stayed with it long enough to build a legacy in tractor pulling. Follow along for more stories from the legends, builders, drivers, and families who continue to shape the sport of tractor pulling.

Vern Huser | From Slater Shaker Dominance to Tractor Pulling Comebacks

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary sits down with longtime puller Vern Huser—a name synonymous with Iowa tractor pulling and the legendary Slater Shaker. With decades of experience, multiple championships, and appearances on the sport’s biggest stages, Vern shares the story behind one of the most respected careers in pulling history. From building his first machine out of scrap to dominating in the 1970s, Vern walks through the evolution of his setups, the innovations that gave him an edge, and the rivalries that pushed the sport forward. He reflects on the transition from carburetors to blowers, the importance of tires and track feel, and what it really took to win during one of pulling’s most competitive eras. But this conversation goes far beyond the track. Vern opens up about the hardships that nearly ended it all—from financial collapse during the 1980s farm crisis to personal setbacks—and how he rebuilt his life, business, and passion for pulling from the ground up. Now back behind the wheel, Vern offers a raw and honest perspective on how the sport has changed, what it takes to stay competitive today, and why the relationships built along the way matter more than anything else. This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and a lifelong love for tractor pulling. Subscribe for more stories from the legends who built the sport—and those still pushing it forward.

George Everett | From 1954 Circle Track Pulls to 85 Years Old Still Competing

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with George Everett—one of the last remaining original-era competitors who helped shape tractor pulling into what it is today. From his first pull at just 14 years old in 1954 to still competing at 85, George’s story is a living timeline of the sport’s evolution. What starts as a conversation about early days on circle tracks quickly turns into a deep dive into innovation, grit, and decades of trial-and-error engineering. George shares how pulling tractors straight off the farm turned into building alcohol-burning machines, experimenting with fuel systems, and competing during the formation of the National Tractor Pullers Association. This episode is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else—from breaking tractors in half and surviving wild rides, to building his own turbos and running a machine that’s evolved for nearly 50 years. It’s a raw look at what it meant to compete when there were no shortcuts—just hard work, instinct, and a willingness to push the limits. If you want to understand where tractor pulling came from—and what it takes to still be doing it at the highest level decades later—this is one you don’t want to miss. 🎧 New episodes of Breaking Barriers drop weekly—subscribe and follow along for more stories from the legends who built the sport.

Ken Veney: Farm Kid to Funny Car Innovator. The Mindset, Hustle, and Evolution of a Motorsports Legend

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Gary Bontrager sits down with Ken Veney, a true pioneer in drag racing and Funny Car innovation, for a conversation that captures the raw grit, ingenuity, and relentless work ethic that defined an era of motorsports. From growing up as a farm kid in Ohio to building his first hot rod in a converted manure shed, Veney’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness is often built long before anyone is watching. Ken walks through his early fascination with cars, buying his first vehicle as a teenager, teaching himself how to weld, and working multiple jobs just to fuel his passion for racing. What began as street racing in small-town America quickly evolved into a deeper pursuit—one that took him to California, into competitive drag racing, and eventually into the high-stakes world of Funny Cars. Along the way, he shares stories of early engine builds, racing on limited budgets, and the mindset required to outwork and outthink the competition at every turn. This episode dives into more than just racing history—it explores the mentality behind success. Veney opens up about the importance of putting in extra hours, taking risks, and constantly experimenting to gain an edge. His journey highlights the evolution of drag racing, from grassroots beginnings to highly competitive circuits, while also showcasing the role of creativity and hands-on problem-solving in pushing the sport forward. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsports fan, a tractor pulling enthusiast, or someone chasing your own version of success, this episode delivers timeless lessons on discipline, innovation, and persistence. Ken Veney’s story proves that you don’t need perfect circumstances—you just need the drive to keep building, improving, and chasing what’s next. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of Breaking Barriers, featuring the legends, innovators, and stories that shaped the world of motorsports. #BreakingBarriersPodcast #KenVeney #DragRacing #FunnyCar #Motorsports #RacingHistory #NHRA #HotRods #CarCulture #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkEthic #Innovation #Storytelling #GaryBontrager