UNITY — Most father-son duos tend to connect by going fishing, playing video games or working on a project together. But preparing to crash into each other at the 40th Annual Demolition Derby on Aug. 23, hosted by the Battlefords Agricultural Society, was the bonding experience Russell and Rylan Fauth were most excited for.
Russell used to help his uncles during their demolition derby days and began competing three years ago in North Battleford. He saw success early on, placing second in his first two years, and this year he was gunning for first place. But this run would be extra special for Russell; he would be competing against his youngest son.
Rylan, who will be entering Grade 12, had watched his dad take part in the event over the past two years and was inspired to join him. The pair began working on their cars together and preparing for the big day.
With sponsorships from local businesses — Garan Farms, Blaine Greenwald Construction, Winterhalt Tires, Berki Electric and Mikey G’s Pop Up Games — the Fauths put in about 150 hours per vehicle. Rylan also learned valuable advice from his uncle Harvey and his dad about what to expect once in the ring.
Heading into race day, Rylan said he had been preparing for at least three months, expecting he might be ganged up on by the other drivers.
“My dad and I were lined up before our heat and that’s when I got the most nervous, just waiting for it. Once I was in my car, buckled in and in the ring, I felt ready to go.”
For Russell, it was an exciting moment to compete alongside his son, saying it has become a family tradition.
Once the race began, however, Rylan’s car stalled out.
“I was really surprised that the other competitors weren’t hitting me while stalled. I was a sitting duck and I began to get frustrated. I thought that was going to be it, and I had not even been able to make a hit.”
Rylan managed to get going again and made up for lost time, hitting his dad and the other two competitors, Brett Mack of Unity and Willie Kress of North Battleford.
Soon, the heat of four cars was down to two: father versus son.
“When I realized it was just me and my dad left, I was really surprised and happy. But I really wanted to take him down and get first place,” said Rylan.
For Russell, the feeling was somewhat mutual: “I couldn’t let him beat me.”
With a few hits to the rear passenger side, Russell watched as his son pulled the flag from his car, signalling defeat.
“All I thought was ‘Oh my God, I won!’”
“It felt terrible losing to my dad because I didn’t put up much of a fight against him, but I was so happy for both of us.”
Both Fauths earned prizes at the end of the day, with Russell named Most Aggressive in the Minis heat and Rylan recognized as the youngest driver.
“After this, I will definitely be going back next year. That was probably the most fun I’ve ever had in my life,” Rylan said.
