What do you do when racing a Model T isn’t exciting enough…? Why not add some pigs to join in the fun. That’s exactly what the people in Tillamook, Oregon did. Since the mid-twenties they organize the annual Pig-N-Ford race at the Tillamook County Fair. Purpose is of course to drive around the track as fast as possible, but first you have a Le Mans type start running to a pen, grab a pig and, while holding the squirming porker, hand crank your Model T. After the engine starts you hop aboard and, still holding the exited pig, storm down the track. When crossing the finish line, you switch off the engine, dump the pig in its pen, grab another one and start the whole process all over.





The hardest part is of course to keep the pig from escaping while driving. When a pig does get loose, you have to catch it before you can drive on. The first team of driver and swine to complete two laps is declared winner.



Five Model T’s compete at each heat, they are completely stripped down and tuned for racing, but are otherwise completely stock. Only exception is the fitting of Model A wire wheels, because the wooden-spoked T-wheels regularly splintered under the strain. There will be two races on Thursday 11, two on Friday 12 and two on Saturday 13 August. Winners of these races will compete in the World Championship Finals on Saturday immediately following the two qualifying races. Secure your seat in the Grand Stand now!


















photo's courtesy Jeff Dixson from Pig-n-Ford)

July 16, 2005