The mud was flying, engines were revving, and cars were crashing into each other on Aug. 10 as the Stoughton Demo Club held their fourth annual demolition derby.
The event's action was slightly delayed due to the rain, but organizers were quick to act and attempt to empty the mud pit of the sloppiest mud on top.
Despite the rain falling well into the afternoon diehard fans and demolition drivers would not be kept away from the Stoughton Fair Grounds where the event attracted approximately 70 spectators and eight drivers.
The adverse conditions meant that cars were unable to always get the traction needed to slam into others, while a number of cars even became stuck in the mud only to be freed by a rival car smashing into them.
Overall there were three heats held to determine who would be entered into the feature; but, the organizers deliberated and in the end decided to allow any vehicle still running to enter regardless of winning or losing. The decision came because of the mud and the fact that it worked against all drivers, not giving anyone a truly fair chance at the title.
The final heat, therefore, ended up with a total of seven cars to be run. Before taking to the much drier mud pit, as the rain had stopped and organizers cleared the arena, cars and drivers were auctioned off in a Calcutta.
Drivers then took to the arena for the finale. With smoke spiralling from the hoods of cars and tires spinning the event winner came to be Nathan Decker, while second went to Dustin Kennedy, and third place was awarded to Nick Hopkinson.
The day also saw a 50/50 draw and a chance to win a homemade cake, which was baked by Nicole Denbow. Much work had been put into the cake which was a perfect likeness to a demolition derby complete with smashed toy cars on top.
Any money raised from the day was donated to the Stoughton Ambulance, who was on hand in case of injury at the derby.
Four years ago Corey Bacon put together the first demolition derby, which he explained made for a stressful day though others quite enjoyed themselves, the Stoughton Demo Club was formed the year after. Now approximately eight people are involved in putting together the activities for the Demo Club.
Since being founded the non-profit group now puts on two major events including the demolition derby, but also the Redneck Race held during Stoughton Days.
The Redneck Race is an obstacle course where drivers take SGI write-offs, such as vehicles with hail damage, and race against others.
"It has real jumps in it, like when you hit it you actually leave the ground," Bacon, president of the Demo Club, laughed.
