麻豆视频

The August 9 Stoughton Demo Derby, was "a great day to derby," according to organizer Corey Bacon. "For the past two years, we've battled the weather, but this year, things were great."

With about 150 in attendance at the Stoughton Fair Grounds and a total of over 20 cars and trucks entered, the fifth annual version of the event was twice as big as last years' competition, which was marred by rain. Competitors from Stoughton to Edmonton vied for a $2500.00 first prize and a $700.00 second prize. James Frayn of Radville won first place in the main event and first-timer, Morgyn Whitrow, 16 of Weyburn placed second.

"My dad inspired me," she says. "His name is Shawn Whitrow and he's been derbying over 20 years, since he was 16 as well. I want to do that, too. I want my dad to be proud of me."

Her pink, Barbie-inspired car was built by her father and "bedazzled by a couple of younger girls," says Whitrow. "They wanted to do it so I let them choose the theme," adding that she ensured they included her 'I look pretty, but I play dirty' motto on the trunk of the car.

"I feel like I want to beat all the boys," she adds. "People say girls can't demo, but I say they can."

The second of five siblings and the first of her family to derby, Whitrow is entering Grade 12 this year, and says "For sure, I'll be derbying next summer."

This year's event benefits not only the winners, but equally importantly, the Stoughton Ambulance service. Bacon says,"Stoughton Ambulance needs our support. We appreciate what they do for the town and the Stoughton Demo Club tries to help out community businesses and causes by holding events like this."

"After payouts, we give as much as we can," says Bacon. "Whatever we end up handing over to a local cause makes everything well worth it. It's great to know that we made that extra money to help them out."

The first Stoughton Demo Derby has grown from a largely solo effort by Bacon, to an event that is now put together by the Stoughton Demo Club, made up of Bacon and a core group of eight volunteers.

When asked how long it takes to put together the demolition derby, Bacon laughs and says, "Years, I guess. But this year was a two-week minimum," adding he's grateful to event sponsors and volunteers alike.

"The clay for the derby ring was donated to us, we had a [donated] grader level off the ring and a vegetation control company knocked the weeds off of the ring."

"Derby people are pretty much like a family," says Bacon. "We go to the same races, we all go to each other's weddings. And then we go into the ring and compete against each other."

"We're all good friends, but we have very different driving styles, so that makes it interesting."

Bacon says that car modification rules also may differ from place to place, which makes a pre-meet tech inspection of all drivers and vehicles necessary.

"There are different rules for different places," says Bacon. "Some guys like to push the limits, but when it comes to cars, we look to the rules."

Bacon has competed in "Ceylon, Weyburn, Regina, Yorkton and Carlyle, when they had theirs. I'm just one of those die-hards. I have three vehicles in my backyard."

Although most of the drivers at the Stoughton Demo Derby are male, Bacon says that he's pleased this year's event featured female drivers, another of whom is his cousin from Edmonton, Heather Blanchette. "She had her first derby in Stoughton and she fell for it, hook, line and sinker," he says. "We're also trying to draw in younger guys."

Bacon says in the future, the Stoughton Demo Derby may feature more trucks (depending on entries) and smaller cars. "We might see a mini-car event, because it's getting harder to find full-size cars."

As for the event itself, the future looks bright. "We get nothing but raves after we do it," says Bacon. "Lots of people like coming out to it."

"It's a lot of work, but it's a fun afternoon."