October 26, 2011
First of all, I want to apologize that I’ve been absent lately. I’m sure you don’t care too much but I’ve missed YOU…and I’ve missed blogging. I enjoy writing and I do this for me so I hate not having had this outlet lately. Suffice to say I’ve had some things going on but hopefully I’ll be writing more in the coming weeks…especially as November starts next week, which means NaNoWriMo! I didn’t finish last November and even though I have so much going on, I think I need this even more right now.
On to the Demolition Derby…
I almost didn’t go to the NC State Fair this year. Although I’ve talked about my love for my fair at great length in past posts and was even a finalist for the Deep Fried Ambassador this year, it just seemed like it wasn’t in the cards for me this year. Fortunately, some friends started talking about going to the Demolition Derby, which is apparently held every year but that I have, somehow, managed to never attend.
What is it about humans that love destruction? And don’t even try to say it’s just me. I’ve been at hockey games where the crowd was worked into an animalistic frenzy during a bloody fist fight on the ice and I’m here to tell you that the cheers that went up from those Derby grandstands on Saturday were next to ecstasy. And I was yelling right along with them.
Since I’m a big fat girl and didn’t know anything about Demolition Derby, I rapid-fire asked questions of my compatriots about the rules. For those of you that have also missed out on the wonder that is Demolition Derby, this is what I got:
- The goal is to be the last “man” standing…or the last car moving in this case.
- You aren’t supposed to hit in the driver’s side. The only safety equipment the
drivers wear is a helmet, a very small safety neck brace, and a seat belt. That’s it. - You want to avoid hitting cars with your front end because this does damage to
your car too! (Seems obvious, I know, but I literally asked why they didn’t ram each other more) - CAUSE DESTRUCTION!
- Um…that’s about it
It was a lot of fun. In the first “heat,” there were 10 cars that clunked into the ring and lined up in two rows, back to back. I quickly realized that the key to being good at Demolition Derby is being able to drive backwards. (Not to mention probably a general lack of concern for safety). It was a muddy field and it was a delight to see the bald tires slip and skid, especially after a few key hits had bent the axels. Mud was flying everywhere and a couple of cars even caught on fire.
I was delighted to see that of these 10 cars, 2 were female drivers. Awesome!
There were three “heats” and the whole thing only lasted about 1.5 hours. And given the event and where it was, I’ve definitely had my fill of seeing Confederate flags for the next five years. But I’m glad I went!
So have YOU ever been to a Demolition Derby? Would you get in and be a derby driver?
Love going to the local fair here (Petaluma, Ca.) and watching the Demolition Derby. I would NOT hop in and be a derby driver…but if it was on a track like Nascar or something where I could drive really really fast…I’d do it!!
Yeah, I totally want to do one of those NASCAR experiences, I just need to learn how to drive a stick shift!
I would love to go to a demolition derby! I heard it’s crazy-loud in there!
It actually wasn’t that loud since it was outside. I can imagine if it was inside somewhere it would be crazy loud’
I haven’t been to a demolition derby before. I’ve seen them advertised on TV many times, but I never actually got around to going. But I think you inspired me to go to one the next time it comes around. All that destruction and demolition looks like a lot of fun. I wonder how loud it gets though. Might be a good idea to bring earplugs.
It really wasn’t that loud although I could imagine it would be if it was inside.
Oh I have been to my share of demo derby. The county fair where I grew up has two nights every year dedicated to it. It was funny cause I’m from such a small area that we knew at least half of the people that were racing. Glad you had fun at your first visit (and hope you managed to not get mud on you). That’s the worst!
No, we were sitting far enough back that we didn’t get any mud, although the people in the very front row may have gotten some!
This is so cool, being from England I’ve only ever even heard about this through things like the simpsons! It’s so cool to actually see photos of the real thing rather than a cartoon version! Crazy… looks fun!
I had fun attending one of these when I was a kid. Not saying it’s productive to society but it’s a blast.