Larry Koester started Koester Racing in 1989 in the mini modified class of tractor pulling. Prior to the start of Koester Racing, Larry was injured in a farm tractor accident in 1986 and had both legs amputated above the knee. After a long, painful treatment and recovery, his friends and family encouraged him to get involved in an activity in which he could use his “handicap” as a tool to teach others that anything is possible, and that people can still live a full life despite tragic circumstances and adversity. Larry Koester realized that tractor pulling would be the perfect way to do just that. Larry then devoted all his time and effort into the NTPA and began competing in their Grand National circuit. (There is no coincidence that his tractor is named “Footloose”.)
Larry quickly distinguished himself. In 1992, he was awarded the Mini Modified Puller of the Year and also received recognition for his runner-up finish. From this point on, his successes would only multiply. In 1998, Larry was offered sponsorship by Pennzoil, and “Footloose” was renamed as “Pennzoil Footloose” and painted the Pennzoil trademark color, bright yellow. Today Larry still maintains this strong relationship with this sponsoring company, but for the 2010 season Larry carries a new brand to the tractor. Shell Rotella is now Koester racing’s headline sponsor.
Larry is the most visible and popular driver on the NTPA Mini Modified Circuit and as such, was nominated Mini Modified Puller of the Year in 2001, 2003, 2006, and 2008. Larry reaches out beyond the track when possible. He is also very involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has leveraged his success on the track and has helped raise thousands of dollars for the foundation throughout the pulling season and volunteers his time as a spokesperson.
In 2004, Larry’s son, Adam Koester, started his career in the same division. Koester Racing expanded from one Mini Modified to building a second tractor for the division in 2005. Adam literally “hit the ground running” and was awarded the NTPA’s Rookie of the Year. In his second year, Adam was offered sponsorship from Pennzoil Platinum, and his previously named, “Double Play” became the “Pennzoil Platinum Double Play”. Adam inherited the success of his father because he soon achieved the runner-up position in 2006 and 2008 and the Grand National Championship and Mini Modified Puller of the year in 2007.
Adam earned first place finishes in 2007 and 2008 in the Pennzoil Cup, a
shootout style competition spanning over three events.
Larry and Adam are the very first father-son team to have one-two
finishes for three years running.
