(Posted July 12, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
As usual, the demolition derby is the last event of fair week. This time, Derbydog Inc. will put on the event.
Based in Madison in northeast Ohio, Derbydog Inc. was established 14 years ago. Co-owner Jeremy Hejduk has been involved in motorsports his entire life. His wife, Frances, joined the business when the two got married five years ago.
The company has a busy schedule this year with 40 shows slated for the season. They did 15 shows in 2018 and 30 shows last year. They are excited to have the Madison County Fair on their schedule this year.
“The demolition derby is open to anyone to enter. We get a lot of locals, along with folks who compete all over Ohio,” Frances said.
The cost to enter is $50. The schedule, rules, and specifications can be found at www.derbydogdemo.com/derbydog or call (440) 479-0376. The event pays down three places and awards trophies. The total purse payout is $6,500.
Classes include: street stock full-size; stock mini-van, truck, and SUV; street stock compact; windshield; and powder puff (females only).
Prior to the start of the derby, Derbydog Inc. will host a Powerwheels Extravaganza for kids. The event is free to enter; participants must bring their own powerwheels. Entrants must wear helmets (bike helmets are allowed). Vehicles cannot be reinforced; only the appearance of the vehicle can be changed. Stock tires are required (duct tape is allowed). Twelve volts is the maximum for batteries. Seatbelts are recommended, and passengers are permitted.
There are three events within the Powerwheels Extravaganza. The figure-8 race is for ages 5-8; the winner is the first driver to finish 10 laps. The demolition derby is for ages 3-8; everyone gets a prize. The drag race is for ages 3-8; trophies go to first-place finishers.
The Extravaganza serves as crowd warmup, lasting about 15 minutes total before the official demolition derby begins.
Derby night is July 15. The pit opens at 4 p.m. for registration and inspection. The Powerwheels Extravaganza will start around 7 p.m., followed by the derby.
The event is free to watch with paid admission to the fair. Those who want a close-up view can purchase a pit pass for $25. Pit passes are free for ages 7 and younger.
The 2023 Madison County Fair runs through July 15. For a schedule of events, visit Madison County Fair.
