NATPA
of NE was invited by the Lincoln Chamber of COmmerce to participate in
the “Americruise” event held in Lincoln on July 20-23. “Hot
Rod magazine” selects 8 cities in the US to host this Hot Rod
Car Show. Over 2800 restored and hot rod cars came from all across
the US. The Chamber treated NATPA of NE well by providing VIP passes.
These passes allowed members to attend the meals and other events associated
with Americruise.
We
were able to participate in 2 parades each day, winding though the crowds
of people. A lot of heads were turned as this was the 1st time tractors
were allowed into the Americruise event. And YES we did fit right
in, our tractors were just as shiny and we had pipes just as loud as those
cars. We received many positive comments from the crowd and had fun
visiting with the people who had never seen or even heard of Antique Tractor
Pulling.
It
was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun! The biggest
compliment to NATPA of NE came when the Americruise representatives asked
that we be included in their event next year. It is very rare for
the Americruise event be held in the same city two years in a row.
Because of the warm hospitality of Lincoln they decide to book it for
July 27-29, 2001. One thing the public kept asking was to see
a pull demonstration. We may try to coordinate exhibition pulls
which will allow more tractors to attend.
Hats off to the NATPA
of NE members that represented us so well! Larry Behrends, Lyle Bouc, Bob
Bryan, Leonard Davidson, 
Ken
Foland, Dale Greunke, Allen Horejsi, Rainold Horejsi, Norm Jaspring, Larry
Klahn, Mike Sr and Mike Langan, Dale Nelson, Duane Nelson, Mark Nelson,
Steve Nelson, Ron Schwaninger, Terry Vulcan, Tad Warm, Shawn Weins
and Jennifer Werner.
Thanks
to Vicki Nelson for "Leading the Pack" on the 4-wheeler and the NATPA sign.
Mark the sign looked great!