Bob Hunt Photographer

I made my way up north to Henry, IL to photograph the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour event. This was the 14th annual Truck & Tractor Pulls competition held at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds. The grandstands were jam packed with over 5,800+ loud and energetic fans and they were not disappointed by all of the drivers who showed off their beautiful toys. Click here for results from the event.

-Bob

I made up mind earlier today to take camera equipment and head down to Bath, IL population 350. Well when I arrived around 1:00pm the town had tripled in size. Today was the start of the 7th annual Redneck Fishing Tournament on the backwaters of the Illinois River. The event was started by Betty DeFord, manager of the Boat Tavern. There fifty boats entered in the afternoon flight. Each boat pays a $ 50.00 entry fee and is required to have a 2011 fishing license. The men and women dress-up in various outfits and have fun while trying to eradicated the Asian Silver Carp. Hope that you like my snaps of the tournament and if you get the chance to check out the cast of characters.

-Bob

For most of the local racers, competing at Wednesday’s Knox County Fairgrounds was the highlight of their season — racing in front of family and friends just miles from their hometowns. Ben Wagoner started outside the front row for the 20 lap Ideal Ready Mix Sprint Invaders stop at the Knox County Fair, in Knoxville, IL., and led every lap on the way to the victory. Wagoner of Emden won the sprint race main event, beating out Matt Sutton of Macomb and Ryan Jamison of Burlington, Iowa. Jimmy Davies of Oquawka was the area’s top finisher, taking seventh, while Galesburg driver A.J. Fike won his heat in the open-wheeled modified.

360 WINGED SPRINTS MAIN EVENT 20 LAPS – 1. Ben Wagoner, 2. Matt Sutton, 3. Ryan Jamison, 4. Kaley Gharst, 5. Bobby Mincer, 6. Blake Nimee, 7. Jimmie Davies, 8. Dustin Whiting, 9. John Greenwood, 10. Justin Parrish, 11. Kenny Bragg, 12. Andy Houston, 13. John Draper, 14. Joe Beaver, 15. Kevin Hetrick, 15. Tim Moore, DNS Korey Weyant, Tony Daniels.

Heat 1: 1. Joe Beaver, 2. Ryan Jamison, 3. Dustin Whiting, 4. Tim Moore, 5. Kevin Hetrick, DNS Justin Parrish. Heat 2: 1. Kaley Gharst, 2. Matt Sutton, 3. John Greenewood, 4. Kenny Bragg, DNS Korey Weyant, Tony Daniels. Heat 3: 1. Bobby Mincer, 2. Ben Wagoner, 3. Jimmie Davies, 4. Blake Nimee, 5. Andy Houston, 6. John Draper.

-Bob

Spent a hot and humid Saturday in Henry, IL with my best friend and professional photographer Rodney McClanahan shooting the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Champions Tour event. This is the 13th annual truck & tractor pulls competition at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds. The grandstands were jam packed with over 5,600 loud and energetic fans and they were not disappointed in the evenings competitors.

-Bob

This was a clash of two of the top prep school teams in the country. The top rated Findlay Prep Pilots from Las Vegas, NV held on to defeat La Lumiere School Lakers from LaPorte, IN 54-50 at the 5th Annual State Farm Tournament of Champions in Washington, IL. Findlay was led in scoring by senior guard Myck Kabongo with 14 points while the Lakers junior forward Hanner Perea scored 15 points and pulled down 17 rebounds.

-Bob