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Editor’s note: Demolition Derby driving is a dangerous sport. This guide is intended to help readers who attend the demolition derby event have a better understanding of what they are watching or create a starting point for those interested in the sport. Major repairs and modifications to a car should not be done without a professional. Competition in the sport should not be done without following all safety precautions and knowing the risks.

It doesn’t seem like rocket science, taking a car out into a mud-packed arena and smashing it into other cars, but driving in a demolition derby takes a lot more skill, knowledge and money than some might think.

Demolition derbies mean not only finding a car but modifying it to meet safety and individual track rules, knowing how to bend those rules in your favor, where to make the appropriate hits and how to drive to avoid fatal hits or being stuck in the ditch.

And that’s only the beginning.

Through the years demolition derbies have been passed down through generations. It’s not often that someone gets into the sport without the help of a family member or friend. DJ Reeves of Plattsburg is the third known generation to run in derbies and travels to dozens of derbies throughout the season.

“It’s a rush being out there,” Reeves said. “Everyone likes winning, and we do win a lot, but we’ve been doing this a long time, and we put a lot of work into our cars. And we’ll keep doing it too.”

DID YOU KNOW?

- Demolition derbies have been around since the late 1940s.

- In the 1970s, Indy 500 racers like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones and Bobby and Al Unser all participated in demolition derbies.

- Evel Knievel’s Rolls Royce, which was donated, was used in a demolition derby televised event in 1972.

- Not just any car can be in a derby; there are specific makes, models and years that are prohibited from running.

advice from behind the wheel

“I would tell people to get a (Ford) Crown Vic(toria) or a (Mercury) Grand Marquis if they were going in the big car class, and a front-wheel-drive GM if they were going in the small ar class.” DJ Reeves, Plattsburg

“I’d tell them to get an ’80s-something car and all the obvious stuff like to hit with their rear end. They should bring extra supplies like water, a radiator, tires, etc.”Nathan Clopp, Kansas City

“Just get out there and do it. Try to find someone who does it and talk to them;  how I got into it.”Jeremy Jester, Parkville

“I’d tell them not to do it, because it’s so addicting. Find a good running car and build it to the rules and have fun. Don’t buy a plastic car; make sure it’s metal.”Joe Hawkins, Kansas City

how to get started

- Mechanical knowledge or knowing someone who likes to tinker under the hood. Check out www.dualdemoderby.com under rules to learn more about class sizes and rules for the Kearney derbies.

- A car can come from your neighbor’s backyard, the newspaper classifieds, a tow lot, a friend of a friend, a body shop

- Decide what you’re willing to pay and what you think a car is worth. Cars have been known to go upward of $500, and it’s not unheard of to have a pre-made derby car if you’ve got the cash.

- “I think you could build a derby car for under $100,” Joe Hawkins of Kansas City said. “Get some number nine wire, an old boat tank, some bolt and some scrap metal laying around. It can be done cheap, but it can definitely go the other way real quick, too.”

modifications

- The gas tank must be moved to the back seat.

- The battery must be moved to the front on the passenger side floor board and bolted down.

- Most drivers weld areas to strengthen their car; check the rules, as too much welding could lead to disqualification.

- Cut holes in the hood for the exhaust, and several other areas to wire the car so it is secure.

- Wiring (reinforcement) usually needs to be done to places like the trunk, hood or doors. Most prefer number nine baling wire, while other use chains.

- A steel plate or bar must also be attached to the driver’s door.

as a spectator

- Drivers are allowed to have two to three controlled fires.

- The driver is not typically allowed to hit an opponent’s driver’s side door.

- “Sandbagging,” or circling the track and not making any hits or only making “baby taps,” is not favorable.

Staff writer Carrie Alexander can be reached at 628-6010 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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written by AnnieJ, June 04, 2009

Nice article

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