Crash, Boom, Bang: Demolition Derby Heats Up
Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times
Smoke and dust — is in the air. Demolition derbies across the USA is just getting heated up. Demolition derby fans are now back in the stands and fans couldn’t be happier. If you’ve been to a derby race, you’ll know the scene is filled with large swirls of dust, loud banging noises, and bright fluorescent lights.
The stands are typically packed with excited fans there to watch the biggest car demolitions in the world. From fans to driving in demolition derbies — it’s more than just the crash, boom, and bang — it’s the adrenaline rush, family and friends watching on, and the fury of each opponent trying to take you out racing to a first-place finish.
“It’s the biggest adrenaline rush I personally have ever had,” stated Alira Smith, North Carolina native and Demolition Derby racer. “Nothing tops the adrenaline and excitement of a demolition derby race.”
What is Demolition Derby?
Thousands of demolition derbies are held around the US every year. The event starts with the driver's cars lined up in a circle on a dirt field, surrounded by a four-foot-high wall.
When the siren sounds, cars begin crashing into each other. Helmets and seat belts must be worn, but other than that there does not seem to be other rules. Jamming and crashing — and pushing an opponent out of the race is the Derby.
Different competitions have different sets of rules, including the class of the vehicle or the age of drivers. Some rules require drivers to have roll over bars and cages inside the vehicle.
Competition is Heating Up
Demolition derbies regularly draw hundreds of small-town crowds to the county fairgrounds for a frenzy of twisted metal action.
While demolition derbies are both sport and spectacle, the impulses and excitement of the crowd keep their wheels turning. Battling the course doesn’t come without next-day sore arms and shoulders so they say it’s wise to pick and choose your hits. Surrounded by concrete blocks piled on with layers of mud, drivers find themselves at the center of the dirt ring only to bash their opponents’ vehicles into submission.
The chaos is real. Racers climb into a car knowing it will be destroyed moments later. The lights come on and it’s time to make the crowd go crazy. The competition is heating up.
