Engines revved, dust plumes rose, and cars crashed into each other during the Stoughton Demolition Derby, which was held on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 1 p.m.
With the sun out the day was a perfect one to be spent at the fair grounds where the demolition derby is held annually.
This year a total of 16 cars took part in the demolition derby and three trucks participated in the truck demolition derby.
The winner of the truck demolition, which was used as an intermission to the main event, was Rex Whitrow.
Stoughton's top demo driver in the main event, however, was Morgyn Whitrow from Weyburn who won $2,500 for her first place finish. Last year Morgyn took second place as a first-time driver at the event in Stoughton, so coming back to win was an exciting experience.
Scott Free earned second place in the demo derby and Andrew Carruthers earned third place.
Last year Morgyn told The Observer, “People say girls can't demo, but I say they can.” And she has proven this in Stoughton both last year and this.
The day was a great success according to president of the Stoughton Demolition Derby, Corey Bacon.
“We contemplated pulling over the other stands, but decided not to,” Bacon said. “Next thing you know I turn around and the stands we did have out were full, the beer gardens were full, and people were sitting in lawn chairs.”
“Mother Nature definitely helped us out this year and the breeze meant it wasn't too hot either.”
“We had a decent turn-out of cars and the track stayed together for us to get good hits and put on a good show for the crowd.”
Total prize money paid out included $4,600, while they are still tallying how much they made from the day as this will go to the Stoughton Ambulance Service and the Stoughton Fire Department.
“We also had the Heward Recreation Board handle security, the beer gardens, and the food because they host the annual haunted house at the rink in Heward and need $3,000 for wiring,” Bacon explained. “The beer garden usually pulls in a bit and so that was our way of getting them involved which also helped us out.”
“Big thanks to the Heward Recreation Board for the security and the beer gardens/ concession stand,” Derek Mizell, one of the Stoughton Demolition Derby members said.
Not only was the day a good one for the crowd watching and for fundraising, but in addition to the cash paid out to the drivers, the drivers also had a great day.
“Our pits are shaded here so people can have some shade,” Bacon explained. “We're usually out in the hot sun, so it's really good. The regular guys I see and compete with all said they enjoyed the shade because it's a relief from the sun.”
“We have to wear coveralls, helmets, and safety gear inside the car which makes it warm, the sun can be hot, and then if your rad blows, well it can get really hot. So that bit of shade is welcomed.”
Overall Bacon was very happy with the event: “It was an excellent day. I think we put on a wicked show.”
