The club's roots date back to the early 1950's when a group of enthusiasts raced 4 engines round a field in Pickering. The engines were Black Bess, Old Glory, Surprise (which still attends) and Mary. From this emerged the Pickering Traction Engine Club.

In 1964 the name was changed to the Great Yorkshire Traction Engine Club which carries on till this day with the annual rally attracting over 40 steamers as well as hundreds of other vintage exhibits.

The club is run by a committee of unpaid members, with any profits made being put back into the club and future Rallies.

The Annual Rally which is held at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, in the 1st weekend of July is organised and run by the Committee, with the help of fellow members, without who's aid the rally wouldn't happen.