(KIWA / SCR) — The roar of powerful engines and the smell of diesel fuel will once again fill the air in Rock Valley this week as Thunder in the Valley returns for three nights of truck and tractor pulling.
The annual event runs Thursday through Saturday, July 9-11, at the Rock Valley pull grounds. Competition begins at 7 pm on Thursday, 6:30 pm on Friday, and 6 pm on Saturday. Organizers say this year’s event will feature 32 classes spread across three sessions, with two tracks and two sleds keeping the action moving throughout the weekend.
Rich Rozeboom says fans can expect a little bit of everything, from modified trucks and tractors to powerful diesel machines.
“This year we have a total of 32 classes, so each class—there are 16 classes that get to pull twice. If you come any of the nights, you’ll get the spark plugs—they call it the loud-noise machines—and the pickups and trucks. And you’ll get a lot of diesel, the big smoke as well. So yeah, any show would be a great one to come and see.”
This year’s featured attraction is the 5.0 Pro Stock diesel class, which is scheduled to compete all three nights. Organizers say roughly 10 vehicles are expected in that division alone, making it one of the weekend’s premier competitions.
Up Close with the Competitors
Admission includes more than just a seat in the grandstands. Rozeboom says one of the things that sets Thunder in the Valley apart is what fans can do once they get through the gate.
“That’s the good part about Thunder in the Valley here in Rock Valley. You get in the gate for the same price, you get to go out in the pits, and you get to walk around and see all the vehicles, maybe even talk to the drivers. Who knows, buy their T-shirt, they might let you sit in the seat too.”
Spectators have access to the pit area during each session, allowing them to see the trucks and tractors up close and visit with drivers and crews.
More than Just the Pull
Thunder in the Valley isn’t just known for what happens on the track. If you’re looking for some good eats, Rozeboom says the event has also built a reputation for its concessions over the years.
“That’s kind of what we’re known for—the food. The pork sandwiches are famous, but we’ve brought on the ribeye steak sandwiches here the last couple of years from the cattle producers…the concession stand is very efficient. You never stand in line long.”
The Lyon County Pork Producers serve the famous pork sandwiches, while ribeye steak sandwiches are provided by the Sioux County Cattlemen. Reserved camping is also available adjacent to the pull grounds, and organizers say parking and seating are plentiful.
Thunder in the Valley Schedule
Thursday – July 9 (7:00 p.m.)
•Modified 4WD Truck
•Light Super Stock
•Light Limited Mods
•Limited Pro Stock
•Modified 2WD Truck
•540’s
•Diesel Super Stock
•Pro Stock
Friday – July 10 (6:30 p.m.)
•Modified 4WD Truck
•Light Super Stock
•Light Limited Mods
•Super Farm
•Modified Tractor
•Pro Stock Semi Truck
•Light Limited Pro Stock
•Light Super AG
•Pro Stock 4×4 Pickup
•3200 Super Field
•DSL 3.0 Trucks
•Pro Stock
Saturday – July 11 (6:00 p.m.)
•Modified 2WD Truck
•540’s
•Diesel Super Stock
•Limited Pro Stock
•Super Farm
•Modified Tractor
•Pro Stock Semi Truck
•Light Limited Pro Stock
•Light Super AG
•Pro Stock 4×4 Pickup
•DSL 3.0 Trucks
•Pro Stock
Actual class order each night will be determined the day of the pull and posted on the Outlaw Pulling App.
Admission & Travel Information
Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12, while children 5 and under are admitted free. Gates open three hours before each session, and both cash and credit cards are accepted at the gate.
Organizers are also encouraging pullers and fans traveling from the south to allow extra travel time because of ongoing road construction, including the Highway 75 reconstruction through Sioux Center, lane restrictions between Le Mars and Maurice, and one-lane traffic on Highway 60 south of Ashton.
More information, including camping reservations, is available at rockvalleypull.com.
