2014 NTPA Hall of Fame: David P. Schreier

This year’s second Hall of Fame member has meant a lot to the sport of tractor and truck pulling. This Wisconsinite is a promoter, a former NTPA Grand National Champion, and a fulfiller of sponsorship procurements. But most notably, David P. Schreier is a leader and the longest-tenured commander the motorsport has ever known.
David, father of four children, joined his brother Dick in the John Deere Implement business in 1965. Shortly after, Schreier began pulling with a 4020 series John Deere. Local pulling continued until 1973, when the “Cajun Queen” powerhouse John Deere 4320 was purchased from Sydenstricker Implement and prepared for the 1974 season. It was a stalwart of its day and featured an advanced, twinturbocharged engine that had direct John Deere factory involvement. Schreier renamed the tractor “Green Power Special.” He took off the intercooler and developed a water injection system that was built with parts from a John Deere high-powered washer. It was innovative for its day, as an on/off switch was attached to the throttle to control the flow of the water injection.
In 1975, Schreier and Mike Linnehan began building a new John Deere tractor that would ultimately propel “Green Power Special II” onto the national map. It featured over 500 cubic inches and twin turbochargers generating over 1,000 horsepower. Also, the larger series branded tractors of the day began getting lighter to make weight in the 7,000-lb. Super Stock class. Stock components were exchanged for lighter, aluminum-crafted parts, and a narrow front end was installed. By the time the tractor hit the track in 1976, Schreier had 300 lbs. of moveable weight in the 7,000-lb. class-quite a feat for that era.
Many wins and top-five finishes were the norm for Schreier and “Green Power Special II.” Son Christopher began driving for the team, as the Schreiers fielded a pair of tough-running Super Stockers. By 1980, David P. Schreier had achieved the pinnacle of his sport by winning an NTPA Grand National title in the 7,000-lb. Super Stock class.
As WPI President and CEO, David P. Schreier never wavered and always based his decisions on doing what was right for the company. Far more times than not, he was correct. David has paved a legacy that not only touches most all things relating to NTPA Championship Pulling, but most all things relating to the entire sport of pulling. Whether it involved a tough decision on a safety item or transitioning through the years to make the sport work for the common good, Schreier led in both the tough times as well as the good times. His legacy will reach far into the future, and WPI/NTPA is thriving from his labor, one wrought out of a love and passion for the sport.
Throughout the process, Schreier relied on several key individuals as well as the support of his loving wife, Christine of 31 years; together having seven children, 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. In 2014, David P. Schreier celebrates his 30th year of involvement with managing WPI/NTPA, and he takes his deserved place in the NTPA Hall of Fame.