The Lind Combine Demolition Derby is an unmatched tradition in the area.

For more than two decades the farm implements that once worked the local fields and eventually fell victim to age or technology, have been converted into racing machines. The event attracts a dedicated fan base along with those interested in seeing what has been featured on national television as an alternative to the more traditional automobile carnage.

Spurred by a local farmer who hoped to get one last hurrah out of his equipment, the derby is organized by the Lind Lions Club and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Adams County with more than 5,000 in attendance. The combine demolition derby is Saturday. This year’s event also features an automobile demo derby tonight and wraps up on Sunday afternoon with a soap box derby at Smart’s Hill.

Pushing for glory and trophies is nice but for this unique style of motor sports, a payout of more than $10,000 is an added reason to convert a combine into a stunning piece of racing hardware. Style is also part of the game as combines are displayed for fan support in a best-decorated contest.

Additional festivities include grain truck and pickup truck racing inside the Lind Arena, which is located one mile off Highway 395. For tickets and other information go online to www.lindwa.com.

Sunset ready to go

In dirt-track racing the condition of the oval plays a key role in the setup of a car or in the case of Sunset Speedway, the go-kart.

For years the heat of the day has affected Sunset’s surface. Members of the track’s nonprofit organization worked to find a good mix between watering and grooming styles that produced a competitive environment.

Sunset volunteers have been working hard again to bring the track to a condition that produces two racing grooves and the potential for side-by-side action. The track recently adjusted its start times to take advantage of prime conditions with practice beginning late Saturday afternoon before moving into trophy dashes, heat races and main events.

“We’ve been working our butts off to get the track ready and have to thank Doug Bartlett for building a great (surface) drag and letting the track use it,” said Sunset president Shawn Glander. “The track is awesome and flat and we hope it stays that way after getting a bunch of water on it this week.”

The racing highlight should be a tight championship battle in the Junior 1 Clone Engine class.

Alex Bartlett holds a slim five-point lead over Daniel Watkins. James King is 24 points back.

Glander has the task of keeping an eye towards the track conditions while also taking part in the Adult Clone Engine division. Trailing points leader Rusty King by 22 markers, Glander will be keenly aware of his kart’s handling on the improved track with hopes of bringing home a main event victory and closing the gap in the championship chase.

Follow area racing news at www.spokesman.com/blogs/ keepingpace. Email Doug Pace at racingnewssource@gmail.com