Demo Derby demolishes competitors

PLAINS – Dirt and gravel chunks flew as cars geared up and revved their engines in the ultimate battle of adrenaline and destruction.

The popular demolition derby kicked off with engines blazing as participants lined up for the annual event that helped wrap up the Sanders County Fair on Sunday.

Over 30 cars participated in the event, drawing the largest crowd of the week to the arena.

The pumped up attendees were fueled by the adrenaline, screaming excitedly as the cars smashed into each other, crunching some of them into a wrecked mess of metal.

The built/modified class held one heat, featuring cars that were modified to increase their strength.

According to Paul Twidt, demolition derby expert and organizer of Page Posse Motorsports, the rules in the modified class vary from the regular heats.

“You can weld more and strengthen your frame. You can make the car stronger,” said Twidt about the modified class. He explained that the 80s and newer class only allows reinforcements to the car, helping to keep the doors and bumpers attached – something that does not strengthen the outside of the car.

Jerry Johnson took first place in the built class, taking home $1,500, with Lonnie Keller bringing home $1,000 in second and Dan Stark taking in $500 in third place.

The main heat took place after a few rounds of car crunching and featured the three top cars from the previous heats.

Those who were not graced by luck were able to hash it out during a Hard Luck Heat right before the main heat.

Twidt explained the Hard Luck Heat allows those who were disqualified earlier because of technical difficulties, such as a car getting stuck on a log, a second chance to compete in the main heat.

“You had some hard luck and you get to come compete again,” said Twidt. “You come in to try to win the Hard Luck Heat to get into the main (heat) to win the money.”

After the once unlucky contestants duked it out in the Hard Luck Heat, the victor moved onto the main event – a chance to bring home prize money in the winner takes all event.

Lining up for the chaos that was about to ensue, the cars excited the crowd by revving up their engines, pumping up the crowd even more.

As screams of both the motors and the crowd filled the arena, the horn was sounded – a blaring noise barely heard in the commotion. The horn signaled the beginning of the Main Heat and cars maneuvered themselves into the best positions that would deliver the hardest hits.

As one by one the cars fell out of commission, the top cars fought it out till one vehicle was left running. Jim Welter took home $1,500 for winning the event, an event that was still far from over.

To wrap up the night, the ladies took to the wheel in a Powder-puff Heat that let both the modified and 80s and newer division compete in the ring.

In the metal crunching action, one lady took the win, beating out Amy Beye in second place.

Katie Dumonte of Idaho took the championship. After receiving a trophy, Dumonte jumped on the roof of her car as a friend proceeded to give her a victory lap around the arena.

Dumonte and Beye split a $420 pot, Dumonte taking 60 percent of the funds, with Beye taking the rest.