Startin bashes his way to first combine derby win

The 25th anniversary of the Lind Combine Demolition Derby proved to be successful as the rain stopped and allowed spectators and competitors alike to enjoy the afternoon event.

There were 23 combines entered into the competition and every contestant received monetary funds to help pay the expense of the combines and travel to the event.

In Heat No. 1, eight combines filled the arena to kick off the head to head competition. First time competitor and Ritzville resident, Palmer Phillips, earned first place during the heat.

Travis McBride received second place in the first heat and Julie Schrum, the only female competitor, captured third place.

The remaining combine drivers in the first heat were Frank Bren, Nathan Reinbold, Rex Lyle, Dennis Starring and Cody Kulm.

For Heat No. 2, six combines came to the arena to compete for first place. Drivers in this heat were Gavin Johnson, Josh Garza, Keith Pouley, Josh Wills, Travis Willson and Brandon Hamilton.

The second heat winners were Garza in first place, Wills received second and Johnson earned third place.

In Heat No. 3 and the last heat of the afternoon, six competitors drove their combines into the arena to earn a place in the finals heat. A tie for first and second place ensued between drivers Tyler Startin and Jim Oswald.

The third place winner in this heat was Brian Jeske. Drivers competing in the third heat were Chris Olson, Ed Favilla, Grady Gfeller and Matt Miller.

All of the drivers had a final chance to capture the first place honor during the consolation and the final heats of the day. Schrum earned the fourth place title and she received $600 for the top finish.

Third place went to Oswald and he received $800 for his placement in the event. The second place title went to first time competitor, Favilla, and he received $1,000.

The overall winner and champion for the 25th anniversary event was Startin who received $1,200 for his top finish.

The Best Decorated combine awards went to Startin, Pouley and Willson. Startin received $300 for the best-decorated combine, Pouley earned $200 for his second place in the decoration competition and Willson received $100 for the third best decorated combine.