Heavy thunderstorms and persistent rainfall forced the cancellation of Saturday night's IHRA Pro Pulling Series truck and tractor pull at the Logan County Fair, leaving competitors and fans without one of the fair's marquee motorsports events.

The event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Logan County Fairgrounds, was expected to feature several classes of competition, including Limited Pro Diesel Trucks, Super-Modified 4x4 Trucks, Pro Stock Tractors, Light Limited Pro Stock Tractors and Two-Wheel Drive Trucks.

Rain moved into the Bellefontaine area during the afternoon and continued through the evening, soaking the pulling surface and creating conditions officials determined were unsafe for competition.

After evaluating the track, event organizers announced the cancellation, citing the inability to prepare a safe and competitive racing surface.

Truck and tractor pulling events require a carefully prepared dirt track capable of handling machines that produce thousands of horsepower while pulling a weighted sled. Saturated conditions can compromise traction and create safety concerns for competitors, track crews and event personnel.

The cancellation was a disappointment for teams that had traveled to Logan County to compete in the IHRA-sanctioned event. Spectators had also gathered at the fairgrounds in anticipation of a full evening of pulling action.

No immediate announcement was made regarding a makeup date.

Instead of the roar of engines and cheers from the grandstands, Saturday's program ended before competition could begin as thunderstorms left the track waterlogged and unsuitable for racing.

The cancellation is a frustrating outcome for one of the featured attractions at the Logan County Fair, ending the week without the roar of engines.