A Harvest of Demolition

By Mari Schuh
Published on January 1, 2008
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In David Hyndman’s newly remodeled optometry office in Boonville, Indiana, just one plaque hangs by the check-out window – an image of a 1974 Massey Ferguson 300 combine.

It’s a reminder of a big day. At the 2005 Warrick County 4-H Fair, Hyndman climbed into his Lions Club’s brightly painted combine and competed in his first combine demolition derby.

He wasn’t sure what to expect. He had never even driven a combine, and he knew about the violence of car demolition derbies. Would large combines mean more powerful collisions? Hyndman soon discovered the bulky size cushions direct hits and prevents fast speeds.

“After I knew it wasn’t going to hurt, I had a blast,” he says.

Hyndman has plenty of company. Combine demolition derbies have been cropping up around the country, from Washington State to Ohio. Legions of fans flock to county fairs and arena events to watch the demolitions, which often serve as fund-raisers for local fire departments, service clubs and other organizations.

Combine demo derbies helped boost attendance at the Hancock County Fair in Britt, Iowa, and attracted a younger generation, according to derby participant Brent Renner.

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