2009 Battle of the Bluegrass Pulling Series
Press Releases

May 5, 2009 (Louisville, KY)
Legendary Puller Paul Yates Passes Away

With great sadness, the Battle of the Bluegrass Pulling Series (BOB Series) is sad to announce the passing of Paul Yates. Paul passed away on May 4, 2009. He was 47. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Visitation will be on May 6 from 5pm EST-8PM EST at Wilson Funeral Home in Manchester, Ohio. Funeral will be at 2pm EST on May 7th at the same location.

Paul began his pulling career at age 13. He started pulling Farm Stock and worked his way up to Super Stock. He was an original Bluegrass Pulling Member, attending its first event in 1991. He was the first Jasper Engines and Transmission Pulling Series Super Stock Tractor Champion, winning both the Light Weight and Heavy Weight Super Stock title in 1994. He scored over 20 wins with Bluegrass Pulling. Paul also pulled at the National Farm Machinery Show in 1995.

Paul was, by far, the most successful brush puller in Ohio history. Paul was known to pull every night, and no matter what damage was done to the tractor, he was back on the track the next day. Paul was very active in assisting fairs in getting pullers to their events, and was known as a friend to all. Paul never met a stranger.

Paul was also a visionary. Back in the early 1990’s, the Light Weight Super Stock Class was divided between those who wanted the weight at 5500 and those who wanted it at 6000. Paul was very outspoken and rallied support to make the weight 6000. History has shown Paul to be right, as most national and regional series run the Light Weight Super at 6000.

Paul was honest. No one ever had to guess what Paul was thinking, as he would gladly tell you his thoughts. He did not care if you were rich or poor or drove a John Deere, he was always there to help. It is quite possible that no one has ever loved pulling as much as Paul Yates

Paul Yates in action in the
6000 Super Stock in Central City, KY 1995
.




Taken in Danville, KY in 1994 after his turbo blew...notice flagman Bud Clemmons on the side line