QUINCY, Ill. – A leading maker of tires used in farming and other off-road machines is sponsoring new tractor pulling competitions exclusively for young drivers.

Titan International has entered into a three-year title sponsorship of the recently created Outlaw YOUNG GUNS program. The program for drivers 16 to 25 years old is part of the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association (OTTPA).

The young drivers will take part in a series of competitions within the OTTPA’s regular pulling schedule across the western Midwest and Central corn belt states this summer.

Scott Sloan, ag product manager at Titan International, said the company headquartered outside Chicago is excited to partner with the premiere pulling association west of the Mississippi River and support a major part of culture in farming communities.

“Truck and tractor pulls have a long tradition with farming communities across the country and are a thrilling way to celebrate agriculture and this program also complements Titan’s mission to help develop future ag industry leaders,” he said.

Outlaw YOUNG GUNS must hold a General Outlaw membership and sign the Outlaw YOUNG GUNS code of conduct.

Kelsie Davidson, of Osceola, Neb., and Tyler Paddock, of Mound City, Kan., will serve two-year terms leading and organizing the Young Guns program. They will also serve as delegates on the Outlaw board of directors.

Dave Nelson, executive vice president of the OTTPA, said the intent is to build leadership skills and other forms of growth in people representing the future of pulling and agriculture through use of the motorsport.

“By creating a platform like this, we can help influence their pulling success, their careers and their lives,” he said.

According to Titan International officials, the sponsorship continues a long tradition of the company supporting organizations working with young people interested in agriculture.

Since 1996, Titan International’s antique tractor restoration program has provided thousands of free tires to the National FFA Organization and 4-H student members for tractor restoration projects of their own.

“The Outlaw YOUNG GUNS is a unique program that will help build confidence, create friendships and provide mentorship for the participants,” said Kim Boccardi, vice president of marketing at Titan International. “We can’t wait to see what these young people do with the opportunities it will provide.”

The OTTPA schedule for 2022 is June 10-Oct. 15 with about 50 performances in states like Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota and Texas. The Young Guns will be part of the competition in places like the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Aug. 16-17.

Titan International is a leading global maker of off-highway wheels, tires, assemblies and undercarriage products. The products are made to meet the specifications of original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers in the agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer markets.

In the United States, the company makes Goodyear brand farm tires and Titan brand tires. According to the company, Titan has tire making facilities in Des Moines, Freeport, Ill., Bryan, Ohio and Union City, Tenn. Its wheel making plants are in Quincy, Ill., and Saltville, Va.

According to Titan’s website, the company started in 1890 when John A. Stillwell and other partners formed the Electric Wheel Co. in Quincy. The company started making steel wheels for farm implements, wagons and other equipment.

Several acquisitions of other firms gave birth to Titan International, which is now a publicly traded billion-dollar company.

The products made by the company today fit various kinds of equipment such as tractors, combines, grain carts, sprayers and skid steer loaders.