-
Competitive Combine
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
During the Combine Demolition Derby at the Hillsdale County Fair in Michigan, drivers of massive farm equipment clash in an intense, three-hour display of grinding steel, sparking engines, and shooting clouds of diesel exhaust. In 2008, the American Festivals Project was on hand to capture the event.
Used on farms for harvesting grain, combines are specifically outfitted for competition—heavy and useless parts are removed, and the front of the vehicle is reinforced with additional bars and chains. If the front of the combine is destroyed, the vehicle is eliminated.
Read more about the Combine Demolition Derby on the American Festivals Project blog.
-
Combine Drivers
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Although competition is not necessarily dangerous, some drivers wear helmets as a safety precaution.
-
Derby Driver
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Some drivers follow a derby circuit around Michigan, competing in local demolitions for prize money.
-
Derby Competitor
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Many combines are donated to derby competitors, though some may be purchased secondhand from farmers.
-
Personalized Combine
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Each combine is painted a solid color and has slogans or messages written on the sides.
-
Derby Prep
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A competitor makes last minute modifications to his combine before the competition begins.
-
Derby Firefighters
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
The local fire department stands by as the Combine Demolition Derby begins. In rare cases, an engine may catch fire during competition.
-
Final Round
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Two combines go head-to-head in the final round. Most drivers will aim for the wheels of the competing combine, hoping to disable the machine from moving around the course.
-
Derby Winner
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Celebrating his win, the derby champion jumps on top of his combine. The prize for first place is $1,500, but with the cost of buying the used combine and traveling to get to the event, he may only break even.
American Festivals Project Videos
Shop National Geographic
Top Picks for Travel
- Enter Now! Traveler Photo Contest
- NEW! Best of the World Weekly
- Call for Nominations: Travelers of the Year
- How to Become a Nat Geo Photographer
- Top 10 Islands
- Don George's #TripLit Pick for June
- Download City Guides App
- Photos: Galicia, Spain
- Photo Gallery: World's Best Ecolodges
- Tips for Traveling Couples
Advertisement
Our Trips
National Geographic Missions
-
Young Explorers Grants
National Geographic helps cover field project costs for hard-working, passionate, creative young individuals with great ideas.
