All systems are GO!…For the 32^nd annual WCPCA World Championships in Bridgeville Delaware.  The event is scheduled for November 3-5, and promises to be the biggest and baddest ever!

Special thanks to the WCPCA leadership & Wheatly Farm for once again coordinating and hosting the event! WCPCA President Frank Payton and crew have done a fantastic job once again this year – we are looking forward to competing again (and hopefully defending our title for the 4^th time in a row).

Click on the link below for more information on this awesome event

https://www.punkinchunkin.com/

Team AC is pleased to announce that our 2017 schedule of public events is now posted and available.  It looks to be another awesome year, and we’re totally geared up to defend our third straight World Championship!  Please check it out at the link below or at the top of this webpage.  We hope to see you soon…

http://www.americanchunker.com/schedule-events/

Team AC is proud to announce a new partnership with TRIMECH Solutions.  TRIMECH is the industry’s leading provider of SolidWorks Software, Stratasys 3D Printers,CADCAM, PDM, & PLM Solutions for mechanical engineering & product design. Serving the Engineering and Manufacturing industries, TRIMECH Solutions is a Value-Added Reseller who provides a line of engineering business solutions, extensive training support, staffing, and service solutions for CAD, enterprise data management, product lifecycle management, and rapid prototyping.  For these reasons they are a perfect fit for a partnership with Team AC and the cutting edge designs in punkin chunkin development.

https://trimech.com/

Dear Friends,

It is with our deepest sorrow, that Team American Chunker must announce the passing of our brother & great friend Tom Range. Tom was an incredible guy who helped many people with many different tasks. Tom assisted Team AC over the years with the tools for measuring our distances, he assisted us many times, often, with limited notice.  He was truly awesome! 

Tom leaves behind his wife Jamee, and their two daughters. We ask that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced when they are made available.

Rest easy Tom…we’ll take it from here!

-Brian Labrie

Our very own Team AC Captain, Brian Labrie, was humbly a celebrity guest judge on the new Science Channel hit show, MYTHBUSTERS: THE SEARCH.  The episode, entitled The A-Team Challenge, was all about our favorite topic…launching fruit using heavy duty nifty machines.  Brian lended his expert advice (and quick wit) to two skillful teams as they went head-to-head in an all-out competition.  It was a really fun and exciting show, congratulations to Brian!

If you are not familiar…MYTHBUSTERS: THE SEARCH is an all-new competition series featuring the next generation of Mythbusters.  It features science prodigies getting judged each week as they use fabrication skills and science smarts to vie at becoming the next myth-busting superstars.  Hosted by Kyle Hill, the show marks the start of a new era in myth-busting on the Science Channel.

For anyone who missed the episode, it can be viewed on-demand at the link below.

https://www.sciencechannelgo.com/mythbusters-the-search/the-a-team-challenge/

To scroll, place your cursor arrow on the image and move in any direction while pressing the left mouse button.

You can also click on the links below each panoramic image to load the full size image at the 360Cities website.

Special thanks to John Wood for putting these together!  Kool stuff!

American Chunker Band of Brothers

American Chunker Under the Stars

Punkin Chunkin Air Cannons Day Two 2016

To All Team AC and Chunkin Fans,

Team American Chunker is happy to report that once again after a year of grueling practice and upgrades, we were able secure the World Championship now for the 3rd time. Our longest shot of the event was 4305.82 feet, and it was sent sailing on Saturday afternoon, the next closest shot was 3866 ft which was launched the Big 10 Itch cannon. It was an emotional weekend of ups and downs, and the wind was a huge factor keeping distances shorter for the most part.  

We are sad to report not all was well on Sunday, as a woman was unfortunately injured while watching a different machine launch a pumpkin further down the line. We are keeping her in our thoughts and prayers, we wish her a speedy recovery.

Thanks again to all of our Chunkin fans. We are grateful for all of your support over the years.

God bless and have a great Thanksgiving!

Warmest regards,

Capt. Brian Labrie – Team American Chunker Inc.

Extreme Chunkin 2.0 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is completed and in the books, and we’re grateful to announce that Team AC had the longest shot for the second year in a row.  With teams from all over the country being represented, it was a real slugfest in the pits among all machine categories, with numerous lead changes as the event progressed.  When the smoke cleared, we fortunately emerged as the overall champs with an impressive 2^nd round shot of 4191.28 feet. 

Kicked off by the touching and heart-felt Don Gross Memorial 5K benefit, it was a fantastic and unforgettable event.  Aside from the competition itself, there were many other activities happening such as an old time car show and an impressive exhibition of destruction in-between competitors shots by a giant trebuchet and crane…hurling and dropping everything from boats, cars, motorcycles, piano’s, and water drums to a mammoth 1300 lb pumpkin.  It was quite a sight to see.

Very sincere and special thanks to the many thousands of fans who turned out to show their support (we could not have done it without you), as well as New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and of course all the teams who competed.  Next year promises to be even bigger and badder, and we can’t wait…

In case you missed the event, pictures are posted to the gallery at the link below.

Extreme Chunkin 2016

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Team AC is pleased to report that the Family Fun Harvest Weekend at Marini Farms was a Wicked Good Time!  JR from 106.3 Frank FM, and Captain Dave Marciano from National Geo’s hit show Wicked Tuna both got in the action as we annihilated a Tuna boat (as well as NFL commissioner Roger Goodells likeness in honor of Tom Brady’s return from suspension).   National Geographic Channel was also there filming for Wicked Tuna, which will air later this season (we will let you know when as soon as we find out).  All of this was to the back-drop of the magnificent Marini Farms, and their exciting Harvest Festival Event.  It was truly a tremendous and fun time for all, and we’d like to thank Marini Farms, all of our sponsors, and of course the thousands of fans who came out to the event.  For more information regarding Marini Farms (who has ongoing events all fall), the Wicked Tuna TV show, or 106.3 Frank FM, please check out the links located below.  Also posted are photos from the event in case you missed it…

http://wfnq.nh1media.com/

http://www.marinifarm.com/

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wicked-tuna/

Marini Farm October 8, 2016

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Team AC is very proud and honored to announce support for the very worthy Nine Line Foundation charity. 

In combat, a “Nine Line” is an emergency evacuation request, and is often the difference between life and death for the most severely wounded soldiers.  Nine Line Foundation aims to serve in a similar manner, offering a lifeline once severely wounded veterans return stateside.  To do this they have established the Nine Line Foundation.  Their goal – To rebuild, strengthen, and enrich the quality of life of severely wounded veterans – one soldier at a time.

By primarily focusing efforts on one individual at a time, Nine Line directs 100% of all dollars collected for the Foundation to the candidates’ personalized needs.  As veterans themselves, the Nine Line team feels a lifelong commitment to support their brothers and sisters injured in combat.

To compliment the Foundation, the company also offers a fantastic line of high quality clothing called “Wear Your Cause”.  Founded with a vision to create high quality clothing to be enjoyed by Patriotic American’s around the Globe, a portion of all Nine Line Apparel sales goes directly to the wounded veterans they support.

To learn more about the Nine Line Foundation and their premiere apparel line, please visit the websites below…

http://ninelinefoundation.org/

http://www.ninelineapparel.com/

Our very own Team AC Captain, Mr. Brian Labrie, is flattered to be the featured member in October’s monthly minutes insert for the Dollar Shave Club.  For those who aren’t familiar…Dollar Shave Club delivers high end razors and many other high quality personal grooming products directly to consumers by mail.  The company offers many cost-effective products delivered on a monthly basis, and is a terrific alternative to retail chains.

Brian’s been a member for over a year and frequently rants about how “their razors are superior than anything else (he has) ever tried, and cost less too”.  That’s what we call win-win no matter how you look at it.

Thanks and kudos to the Dollar Shave Club, from one top team to another! 

We encourage everyone to check them out at the link below and consider trying their service!

https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/

Valley Welding & Fabrication Inc. is a leading supplier specializing in custom and precision sheet metal fabrication, welding, finishing, and all related value-added-services.  Family owned and managed since 1975, they offer state of the art capabilities geared towards taking metal products from prototype to production volumes, including full turn-key solutions.  Take it from Team AC, these guys are top notch…very detail oriented, and especially easy to work with! 

No job is too small or too large…VW&F can effectively support on-demand customer needs regionally, nationally, & internationally with superior cost efficiency.  Some of their current industries include; industrial computers, image setting equipment, telecommunications, acoustics, research, powerful work stations, aquaculture, and material handling.   

For more information please contact them per the info below…

 http://www.valleyweld.com/

We are delighted to announce that Black Cat Rum Cake is the official rum cake of Team American Chunker!  It’s rare that a comfort food can transport you to a place of unforgettable satisfaction, but Black cat Rum Cake is genuinely like no other. High quality ingredients, old school technique, unparalleled consistency, and a 130 year old recipe make it truly better than other rum cakes.  In fact, the origin of the recipe dates back to the 1880′s in southern Mississippi, and is still prepared just like it was back then.  It’s moist, complex and satisfying taste frequently catches people by surprise.  Team AC is based on excellence, and for these reasons Black Cat Rum Cake is the perfect partner – we wouldn’t endorse it otherwise!  Enjoy the rich taste and high quality for yourself, or give it as the perfect gift year round.  For more information we encourage you to check them out at the link below…

http://www.blackcatrumcake.com/

Our first public event of 2016 at the Annual Farm Fresh Festival at Wachusetts Mountain was an absolutely tremendous time.  In addition to the Farmers’ Market, there was no shortage of activities such as live music, a craft fair, cooking demos, wine tasting, agricultural demonstrations, petting zoo, sky rides, moon bounce, and too many more to list.  

We met a lot of fans of Team AC, as well as many new friends such as Wyatt, Bob, and Westminster Police Officer Tamulen who indicated their department could use a punkin chunkin air cannon (LOL).  It truly was a terrific time for all and we’d like to sincerely thank Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort for hosting and having us back for the third year in a row, all of our sponsors, and of course the thousands of folks who came out for the event.  We’re already looking forward to doing this event again next year.  If you weren’t able to make it, check out the photo gallery which was just posted at the link below.

Wachusett Farm Fresh Festival 8/27 & 8/28 2016

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Team American Chunker is proud to announce another terrific partnership…with New England Die Cutting (NEDC).  NEDC offers numerous robust and technical sealing solutions, which is a perfect match for Team AC considering the custom nature of what we do.  For over three decades they have been a top manufacturer of custom gaskets, thermal pads, insulators, and shielding answers with highly precise capabilities leveraging die cutting, laser cutting, molding, and water jet cutting.  They make their own elastomers in-house and can rapid prototype a very large range of products used in military, medical, aerospace & consumer markets and often times without tooling costs. 

For more information please contact them or visit their website…

https://nedc.com/

96 Milk St – Methuen, Ma 01844 – 978-686-6332

Sales sales@nedc.com

Team American Chunker’s 2016 development and testing schedule is set and we will be on the move very soon.  We are all very much looking forward to traveling to Delaware once again this November to defend our back to back World Championship titles.  

We are very glad the World Championship will be back there once again, and Team AC would like to thank the volunteer staff of the WCPCA for hosting such a great event that benefits so many in need.  The WCPCA has an outstanding leadership team that not only has great vision but is also highly motivated – Thank you for all you do!  

In other news…Team American Chunker has been working on a TOP SECRET project for the last two years and will continue to work on the details of the project over the balance of 2016.  Team AC has found a reliable method to continue to break world records, stay tuned!

See you soon,  

Captain Brian Labrie

With a heavy heart I am very sad to report to you that yesterday, Team American Chunker suffered a tremendous personal loss.  Don Gross, longtime team member, father and husband was involved in a tragic brush fire accident at his home in NH.  Don was an incredible teammate and friend that will be missed beyond words.  He was the most caring and helpful person one could ever hope to encounter.  The world will truly be a far lesser place without Don.  We are all praying for his family during this difficult time, we’d ask that all who knew him please say a prayer for him and his family. 

Godspeed Don!

Sadly, 

Brian H. Labrie 

http://www.chadwickfuneralservice.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3550642&fh_id=12966

Team American Chunker has officially earned a second World Championship title by defeating Team Big 10 Inch in another wild run for the Punkin’ Chunkin’ long distance title. Team AC beat Big 10 inches’ longest shot by 97.07 feet in mid-October. The best shot for 2015 turned out to be 4,536.57ft and was recorded during the Extreme Chunkin’ event at The New Hampshire Motor Speedway. With divisional competition continuing to gain strength, look for Team AC to implement many new innovations in 2016 to stay ahead of the curve. 

“I am very proud of my teammates for all of their hard work and dedication. I am also very grateful to our generous sponsors for all of their continued support. Our team is just totally phenomenal and refuses to lose. It’s a great bunch of brilliantly talented guys! We are already looking forward to the 2016 event and we are confident the newly elected WCPCA board will be able to secure a field by April so that all teams can once again compete in a long distance competition this November”

Look for Team American Chunker this Fall at many different Regional competitions and exhibitions in the Northeast!…

-Captain Brian H. Labrie

Team American Chunker is proud to announce that once again, through the support of our incredible fans, we were able to donate to THREE great causes this year!Team AC has supported the New England Basset Hound Rescue Org now for over 4 years. This fantastic group of people are truly incredible in everything they do, they help care for, place and protect the coolest dogs on the planet! To see this great group of folks and Hounds together is an awesome sight. We are happy to support them again this year. 

http://newenglandbassethoundrescue.org/

Team AC is also very proud to support our Wounded Warriors. This is our second season supporting this great organization. These brave soldiers are the very reason Team American Chunker exists’ today. Without their sacrifice and courage this country would be a very different place! We wish we could do more for these great folks – we will keep contributing how ever we can..Thanks again to all those who wear the uniform!

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Then finally – on a truly unique, historic and All American Note;  Anyone who grew up in the 70′s will certainly recognize this iconic Bright Red, Ward LaFrance Fire Truck, better known as “ENGINE 51″. It has come to our attention that ENGINE 51 will be undergoing a massive restoration soon to preserve it’s Hollywood beauty. Team American Chunker absolutely loves fabrication and restoration projects like this one. Having grown up watching the hit 70′s show “EMERGENCY” and having several Fire Rescue and Paramedic members on our team, this was definitely a fitting opportunity to support that call to action. We thought this year would be the year to give back a little and help preserve another awesome piece of classic American History! The folks at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum were very thankful for the donation and Team AC was happy to do it!

www.lacountyfiremuseum.com 

 So to all our great fans, thank you very much for your continued support and please know that Team AC is just as active off the field as we are on it! 

 KMG-365 over and out..

 Captain Brian Labrie 

Check out these kool pictures from the awesome Extreme Chunkin Event at NHMS….

Extreme Chunkin NHMS 10/24 & 10/25 2015

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The long wait for the Extreme Chunkin event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is finally over, and Team American Chunker is proud to announce we had the longest shot of the competition at 4536.57 feet.  It was an incredible and memorable event with  Trebuchets, Catapults, and Torsion categories being represented, along with an impressive exhibition from Yankee Siege I throwing cars, piano’s, 55 gallons drums, and more. 

Special thanks to the thousands of fans who turned out to show their support and love for punkin chunkin, as well as the organization representatives, and all the teams who competed (some of which traveled significant distances to be there).  We’re already looking forward to next year!…

New Hampshire’s very own Union Leader newspaper featured American Chunker and the upcoming EXTREME CHUNKIN event in a great article this week.  Check it out at the link below…

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20151022/NEWHAMPSHIRE02/151029721&source=RSS

Our very own American Chunker Captain Brian LaBrie was interviewed on the very popular Loren and Wally morning radio show earlier this week on 105.7 FM WROR.  Lots of interesting info here regarding the pending EXTREME CHUNKIN event.  Check out this terrific interview at the link below…

http://wror.com/2015/10/21/world-champion-punkin-chunker-joins-loren-wally/

Team AC is super proud of the TWO DAY SUPER EVENT last weekend at Wachusett Mountain for Apple Fest 2015.  There was some seriously high power lawn bowling up the mountainside against 55 gallon drums playing the role of bowling pins.  It was quite a sight to behold as they went flying in all directions with spins that seemed to defy the laws of physics.  AC Jr was also a huge hit with the kids (and adults who think they’re kids) as more than three bushels of apples were launched up the mountainside and at targets.  All of this excitement against the backdrop of the 32nd Annual Apple Fest was almost too much to take in without an overload.  Check out the pictures just posted to the gallery….

Applefest 2015 Wachusett Mountain 10/17 & 10/18

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Team AC is very happy to report that the new 2015 merchandise was a huge hit at the Trombly Gardens Harvest Festival on Sunday  10/11 in Milford NH.  The new SWAG was a great compliment to the awesome exhibition of destruction as Team AC pulverized a helpless van into a piece of scrap metal.  Stay tuned for pictures and video to be posted soon…

This past weekend’s Sprint Cup Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was a total success for both Matt Kenseth and Team American Chunker! Team AC was on hand to promote the upcoming Extreme Chunkin Event in late October! Miss Sprint Cup, Madison Martin stopped by and was eager to get the event started! Tickets are available now at www.extremechunkin.com

See you there!

Team AC just completed our first official test session of 2015, alongside a non-stop salvo of some awesome model rockets.   It was a truly great day for weather, successful testing of the newest improvements to the air cannon, while witnessing a continuous demonstration of some really high end rocketry from the Maine Missile Math & Science Rocketry Club (MMMSCLUB.org).  It was a great pleasure to share the practice field with these folks, and hope to do it again soon.  Check out the newly posted pictures from the day’s events at the link below…

 http://www.americanchunker.com/photo-gallery/?wppa-album=41&wppa-cover=0&wppa-occur=1

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UE Systems is the recognized leader of ergonomically designed, portable, and very accurate ultrasonic inspection instruments. Used primarily for leak detection, mechanical analysis and electrical inspection, these instruments are the ultimate key to unlock industrial failure detection, downtime elimination, & increased productivity.

UE Systems has you covered from simple analog tools that help maintenance professionals conduct more accurate PM programs, to the world’s most technologically advanced digital ultrasonic inspection systems.  Additionally, their impressive premiere line of Ultraprobe® instruments are supported by Ultratrend DMS, a first of its kind patented data management software.   This allows full integration of all related inspections for effective reliability and energy analysis which report both cost and carbon footprint reduction while enabling users to analyze, repair and report their savings.   

For more information regarding UE Systems, please contact them or visit their website… 

UE SYSTEMS INC.
14 Hayes Street
Elmsford NY 10523 USA
Toll Free – 800.223.1325
Phone – 914.592.1220
Fax – 914.347.2181
info@uesystems.com
http://www.uesystems.com/

The annual Punkin Chunkin television special premiered in a simulcast event on Discovery and Science Channel on Saturday, November 29 at 8:00 PM ET/PT.  Entitled PUNKIN CHUNKIN: SUPERCHUNK!, former Mythbusters Kari Byron and Tory Belleci made their return to the Discovery and Science Channel as hosts for this special event.    

As one of the select teams which participated in the filming, we can tell you it was truly awesome! The countdown of the TOP Punkin Chunkin moments in history was tremendous, and we’re very humbly appreciative of being the #1 PUNKIN CHUNKIN MOMENT IN HISTORY!!! The new footage and new competition format was some really crazy stuff we’ve never seen before. 

Special thanks to Science and Discovery Channel, all the teams that competed, and especially all YOU fans for all your support!

  http://press.discovery.com/us/sci/programs/punkin-chunkin-superchunk/

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Our premier sponsor SolidWorks has added Team AC to their Blog, as well as produced a top notch video featuring your humble World Champions.  The video gives a glimpse of some behind the scenes action during a test session this year, and how we integrate the terrific SolidWorks software products into our quest for pumpkin launching distance.  The trailer for this video is now showing at the bottom of this web page, and the full video can be found at a link on the Blog URL below.   

Special thanks to Cliff Medling and Dassault Systemes for the tremendous assistance you provide Team AC as we continue our quest towards winning another World Championship next year.  The SolidWorks tools are second to none and unparalleled for producing products faster and more cost effectively.  Their focus on ease of use and functionality allow over 2 million engineers and designers at more than 165,000 companies worldwide bring their designs to life, and we are privileged to be among them….

 http://blogs.solidworks.com/solidworksblog/2014/10/meet-the-pumpkin-chunkin-champions-american-chunker.html

 http://www.solidworks.com/

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Team AC is flattered to announce we will be featured on an episode of the very popular Honda Extreme Backyarding online video series.  Hosted by world famous country musician and outdoor enthusiast Mark Wills, the show will highlight the team in our own backyard at Bingham Lumber.  The episode is due out the week of November 10th, but you can get a sneak preview from the pictures uploaded to the photo gallery at the link below. 

Special thanks to our new friend Mark Wills and of course Honda PowerSports!  It was a really fun and exciting day of filming with all of you! 

Team AC exclusively uses Honda ATV’s, and would highly recommend them to anyone who demands the absolute best!  Whether you want to rip around a motocross track, have some fun on the trails, or spot splatting pumpkins landing at 4694.68 feet while punkin chunkin, Honda has an ATV to meet your demands.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/extreme-backyarding

http://markwills.musiccitynetworks.com/

Filming with Honda Powersports 11-3-14

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SolidWorks offers complete 3D and 2D software tools that enable creation, simulation, publishing, and management of data.  For these reasons, SW is a perfect fit for a partnership with Team AC, and will greatly help with 2014
upgrades as we defend our World Championship title. 

SolidWorks products are widely known for their ease of learning, functional use, and how well they work together to design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life. SolidWorks is currently used by over 2 million engineers and designers at more than 165,000 companies worldwide.

 For more information on their products please contact them or visit their website…

 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation
175 Wyman Street
Waltham, MA 02451

 Toll Free: 800-693-9000
http://www.solidworks.com

Team American Chunker set a new world record with a monster 4,694.68-foot shot at the 28th annual WCPCA world championship last weekend in Bridgeville Delaware.

It was a spectacular event with near record crowds, great weather, and 115 dedicated teams competing for the coveted prize.  When the dust settled, American Chunker was crowned World Champion in our fourth season competing.  The entire team and cannon performed flawlessly.  Hats off to all the teams competing…you drove us to work harder than ever and pushed us to the limits.  Special congrats also to New Hampshire based Team Yankee Siege II for their world record trebuchet shot of 2835.81 feet.

Special thanks to John Huber, the entire WCPCA staff, and the countless volunteers for all you guys and gals do, as well as terrfic farm owner and host Jeff Wheatly.  There wouldn’t be an event without you all!  Thanks also to our tremendous sponsors (FLIR, D.R. Guilbeault, Ring Power Cat, Bingham Lumber, and Cape Ann Brewery), as well as our awesome Punkin growers.  Most importantly we would like to thank all of our fans.  Your loyalty and support have been overwhelming all year long!

Count on Team AC to continue with our signature determination and hard work in 2014 to attempt to retain the title next year.  We are firmly committed to humbly do our best possible job to represent the outstanding sport of Punkin Chunkin!

New pictures have been posted to the gallery of the 2013 World Championship, please check them out at the link below.

WCPCA World Championship Nov 1-3 2013

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