(Posted July 3, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Autocross is making its debut at this year’s Madison County Fair.
The new event is slated for July 14. Gates open at 5 p.m. for registration. A Powerwheels course for kids starts at 6:45. Autocross racing follows at 7.
In autocross, drivers race through five to 10 laps on an off-road course filled with bumps and hills. The fastest drivers win.
All entrants in a class race together unless turnout requires heats. In such a case, winners of each heat go to a feature race to determine the overall winner for that class.
“Autocross is a good option because entrants don’t need to spend months preparing their vehicles like they would for demolition derby. Just regular, get-around trucks and cars can enter,” said Frances Hejduk, co-owner of Derbydog Inc., the company putting on both autocross and the demolition derby at this year’s fair.
Categories include: front-wheel drive compact, rear-wheel drive (compact, mini-truck, and mini-van), large truck 4×4, powder puff (front-wheel drive compact, for women only), youth ages 13-16 (front-wheel drive compact/mini-van), and side-by-side.
The cost to race is $40. The schedule, rules, and vehicle specifications can be found at www.derbydogdemo.com/derbydog or call (440) 479-0376. Winners receive cash prizes and trophies.
Prior to the start of official racing, youngsters ages 5 to 8 years old are invited to take two or three laps around their own small course with small bumps. The children’s event is free to enter; participants must bring their own Powerwheels. Trophies and prizes will be awarded.
Hejduk believes the autocross event will be a hit.
“Most everybody who attends a fair likes motorsports. I think people will like it. We’ve been working really hard at it,” she said, noting this is the first year for autocross for Derbydog Inc. “In Ohio, the types of events at fairs ebb and flow. We’re bringing autocross back.”
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 $20. Pit passes are free for ages 7 and younger.
The 2023 Madison County Fair runs July 8-15. For a schedule of events, visit Madison County Fair.
