(Posted July 13, 2022)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Every year, Smash-It Demolition Derby offers a crash course in how to bring fair week to an exciting end. The derby is always the last event on the fair schedule. This year, the date and time are July 16 at 7 p.m.
Tim Clark, Smash-It owner and a London resident, is running five classes again this year, including two that he introduced last year–powder puff (for women only) and minivan.
“The new classes went over really good,” he said, adding that all the classes enjoyed a good turnout in 2021.
In addition to powder puff and minivan, the derby includes pro stock, mini-car and street stock classes. Clark pays out three places per class: $1,000 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third. The trophies are four-foot, three-foot, and two-foot tall, respectively.
The derby typically attracts about 50 drivers, many of whom are from Madison County. Several drivers are repeat participants, showing up for the derby every year. Some even follow Smash-It from show to show over the course of a season. Smash-It is hosting derbies in 36 counties this year.
Anyone 16 or older is welcome to participate. The entry fee is $50. Those interested need only show up at the fairgrounds on derby day and visit the Smash-it trailer to sign up.
Each heat comes with its own set of rules, but some general rules apply to all cars entered in the derby: all glass must be removed, the doors must be wired or welded shut, and the driver must wear a helmet and seatbelt. For a full set of rules and other information, visit https://smashitderby.com.
Clark also offers a power wheels division for children ages 3 to 10 years old. Entrants bring their own battery-operated power wheel vehicles. Every child who participates receives a trophy.
This year marks the 23rd year Smash-It Demolition Derby has been in business. Even though the business has a busy schedule, Clark said he usually finds time to switch hats from organizer to participant, competing in one or two events a year put on by other derby promoters in the state.
General admission to Madison County’s demolition derby is free with paid gate admission to the fair. Pit passes are an additional $20 per person and can be purchased at the Smash-It trailer.
The sponsor for the demolition derby is Stanley Electric.
