Sixty-six drivers compete in fair's demolition derby

While Tuesday marked the 41st demolition derby for Dennis Nash, the veteran driver admits the thrill of crashing into fellow opponents' cars never seems to get old.

"Where else can you take out your aggression on other drivers and not worry about an insurance claim?" joked the Chaffee, Mo., resident as he was preparing to have his 1993 red, white and blue Cavalier inspected by officials at the SEMO District Fair.

Nash was one of about 20 drivers who had arrived to put finishing touches on their cars six hours before derby time. By the time the first of four heats began at 7:30 p.m., 66 drivers had entered the competition.

Throughout the four-hour derby, drivers from throughout Southeast Missouri endured assaults on their cars, ranging from broken axle tubes to a fiery engine. But for a select few the end result was a range of monetary prizes with a goal of winning the ultimate reward -- first place.

"We're all out here trying our best to be the one to take home the money and bragging rights in the end," said first-time derby car racer Shannon McIntosh of Chaffee, who raced his 1983 red Chrysler New Yorker. "Even though I've been working on my car for nearly six weeks, it's hitting me that race time is here. And that's so exciting."

The derby drew nearly the same number of derby drivers as last year, according to Bob Mauer, co-owner of Dual Demolition Derby, based in Montgomery City, Mo. His company handles all officiating, inspections, insurance and announcing for the SEMO District Fair and about 40 other venues each year.

"People wait for this all year," Mauer said. "But while things can get a little crazy on the track, it's done so safely."

Lee Miller, who lives near Marble Hill, Mo., said the risk is outweighed by the thrill of driving before thousands of fans in a high-energy atmosphere.

"We drivers have the best seat in the house," said Miller, standing beside his blue 1981 Mustang. "This is like bumper cars to the extreme."

Final results were not available at press time and will be posted online when they become available.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

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Demolition derby

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