HUMBOLDT — Got an old combine out there that runs but isn’t worthy of the farm anymore?
With a little modification, it can be entered in the Mirza Shrine’s combine demolition derby Sept. 18 at Humboldt Speedway.
The Pittsburg-based Shrine is hosting a derby for both combines and compact cars that night.
“We got the idea from
other places and thought
it would be a good fund raiser for our local Shrine
center,” said Jim Kepley, Mirza member.
“We have several of the combines that will be in the Demolition derby sitting around Chanute right now,” Kepley said.
The derby starts at 7 p.m. Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and the spectator
gate opens at 5 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-13. Children 6 and under get in free.
Kepley said, so far, they have 15 combines entered. Two are from Columbus, one is from Webb City, Mo., and one, from Moran, is owned by Tom and Bill McAdam.
“You have to take the reel off and all the cutting edges. There has to be a barrier in front of the driver and a seat belt for safety,” Kepley said about outfitting the machines for the derby. “Also the fuel tank is taken off and a smaller one installed in the grain area,” he noted.
He said members of the Mirza Shrine went to see combine demo derbies in Hays and Abilene before planning the one for Humboldt.
“Jim and Terry Quarles have been working on this project for about two years,” said Don Mohler, Mirza Shrine potentate, who lives in Humboldt.
“We’re always looking for fund raisers. We talked to Ron Whitworth (owner of Humboldt Speedway) and he thought it was a good idea also. So the guys went to work.”
Kepley said the deadline to enter either a combine or a compact car is the day of the event. For more information, contact Kepley at 620-433-2178.
Combine demo derby coming to area
