Two locals claim demo derby title

When the dust settled in the Lind Lions Club Arena on Saturday evening, Eric Labes and Palmer Phillips stood atop their combines as the 2014 Lind Combine Demolition Derby champions. The two battled to the end, but judges called it a tie, allowing both drivers to split the winnings.

Labes, Lind resident and driver of the Beaver Commander, and Phillips, Ritzville driver of the Honey Badger, found success in the earlier heats to win the title in the final round. Tyler Startin finished third overall.

While the two battled as competitors, they found time to have a little fun during the finals going “no hands” into multiple hits against each other, with the encouragement of the crowd.

A total of 15 combines entered the arena during the annual Lind Combine Demolition Derby on Saturday, June 14, and one driver traveled from as far as Seattle to compete. The prize on the table, aside from bragging rights, was the $10,000 purse for competitors to win in order to reduce expenses for participating in the event.

In heat one, Jim Oswald placed first, Phillips took second place and Brian Jeske finished third.

The second heat went in favor of Ed Favilla, followed by Lind resident Frank Bren in second place. Cody Kulm rounded out the top three.

The third heat ended in a tie for first between Startin and Labes. Gavin Johnson finished third.

Each driver receives $300 for a first place heat finish, $200 for second place and $100 for third.

The Best Dressed award went to Favilla, driver of City Slicker. Keith Pouley earned second place and Eric Labes finished third for best decorated.