WALTON - At just 8 years old, Gannon McGraw of Walton is already making a name for himself in the world of garden tractor pulling. Competing in his first event at the 137th Delaware County Fair, McGraw placed second in a class of 13, impressively out-pulling most of the adult competitors on a machine that has become a family heirloom.
The tractor he drove, a Cub Cadet 71 with an 8-horsepower engine, is more than just a vehicle — it’s part of a family tradition. Built by his father Josh McGraw and uncle, Quintin McGraw, starting in 2016, the tractor has been upgraded over the years. It’s been used in competition by several family members, including Gannon’s aunt, Kandra, and his cousin, Steven Brown.
“Whoever pulls the furthest wins,” Gannon explained, describing the 900-pound tractor ag tire class event. Competitors pull a weighted sled, and Gannon managed a distance of approximately 161 feet, earning him a second-place finish — just half a foot shy of first place.
For Gannon, the excitement of the tractor pull is in the thrill of competition, especially against more seasoned participants.
“It’s fun running with the big guys,” he said with a grin. Some of those “big guys” had invested thousands into their tractors, yet Gannon’s Cub Cadet held its own.
The win was no small feat.
“We built it (the tractor) in 2016, through winter to spring,” Josh said. “It started as a frame on wheels in the weeds.”
Over time, Josh and Quintin transformed it into the machine that carried Gannon to a red-ribbon win. Preparing for the pull involved more than just gassing up — the clutch needed careful adjustment, a task that took time and effort, and failed to work perfectly the day of competition.
Gannon was one of three kids in the class - the rest were adults.
“If you’re not first, you’re last,” Gannon quipped, but his second-place finish was anything but a disappointment.
For his efforts, he walked away with a trophy, a ribbon, and $40 — a reward for the hard work and determination that runs deep in his family. The cash prize is being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to combat childhood cancers.
The McGraw tradition of tractor pulling is in good hands with Gannon. His success at a young age reflects hard work, a shared passion, and the thrill of competition.
