Pace: Lind’s Combine Demolition Derby worth the drive

Since 1988 the small farming community of Lind has been hosting its own unique brand of motorsports, Combine Demolition Derbies, which after nearly three decades has become a staple for many race fans across the region. For those interested in seeing a one-of-a-kind event, the short drive to the farm community located just off Highway 395 is worth the drive.

With thousands of dollars in prize money offered for derby action in the combine division along with grain truck racing, demo car action and pick-up racing, the community arena is always active with some type of mechanized excitement. The derby is put on by the Lind Lion’s Club and attracts more than 5,000 fans during its two-day event. Each year the club works to refine its rules, provide a safe environment for competitors and participants while offering a family-friendly atmosphere for the spectators.

Using farm implements over 25 years old, the derby entry must be built to the exacting safety rules required by the Lion’s Club organizers. The intent is to provide entertainment while also keeping the driver and fans safe. To be sure the farm machines make contact, a driver is eliminated if no hit-to-hit action is taken during a three-minute period over the course of the scheduled heat races. Failure to make contact in the time frame may result in a disqualification, thus the organizers have designed the event to bring action to the fans.

The name of the game is to keep as many combines running for the main event, which is run Saturday night at dusk. Often competitors in the arena can be found in the pit area welding or fabricating parts to keep damaged machines going for the next round all in an effort to live up to the event’s exciting reputation that has built a national following.

Lind’s Combine Derby has become a weekend affair with plenty of events in addition to the destruction of the aged farm implements including parades, show and shines, community breakfast and much more. For more information log onto www.lindwa.com.

Stateline back in action

Stateline Speedway’s late model division swings back into action this weekend with two familiar faces battling a cagey veteran for the points lead after a month-long break.

Last season’s divisional champion, Justin Popple, currently holds down third-place in the title chase as he sits just one marker off of last season’s Rookie of the Year, Corey McGuire. The pair battled down to the wire in 2014 for the track title with Popple nabbing the crown by just two points over McGuire.

This year a new face has emerged to give both drivers a run for their money. Familiar to many in the region, but a newcomer to the division, David Garber is behind the wheel of Pontiac owned by Russ Osborne and has been atop the points standings from race one based on the strength of two consecutive victories.

All three have been busy in recent weeks behind the wheel.

Popple ran in last weekend’s Idaho Tune-Up 150 for the Tri-Track Super Late Model Series with Garber also competing, albeit in his own racecar and not the Osborne machine he’s running for Stateline points.

McGuire meanwhile has spent the last two weeks repairing damage to the right rear suspension and chassis of his Chevrolet from an incident at Spokane County Raceway’s late model race on May 30. There is no fear of a sophomore slump, he noted.

“It’s been interesting running with the veterans (like Garber, Andy Brown and Popple) but now after our first year the whole team is really excited to be able to compete in the top-3 every week. We’re going to give the championship our best shot again this year.”