Sure, you’ve watched it in the movies and the TV shows. You’ve also probably watched a few derbies in some country fair. But do you really know everything that’s everything about a demolition derby?
We have listed a few things about demo derbies that surprised folks, even us! Check out the list below.
10 Things Folks Don’t Know About a Demolition Derby
1. The drivers have a plan and a strategy.
Contrary to what most folks think, demo derby drivers always have a game-winning strategy. And it is not just to hit-em-fast-and-hit-em-hard. Each driver has drawn up certain plans according to the vehicle they’re driving, the competition, and the track.
2. “Anything goes.” Not really.
Another misconception most people have about the sport is that anything goes. While it varies from location to location, general rules and guidelines are set in place to protect all parties involved. These cover modifications to behavior. While it may be deemed barbaric in a way, it is still a civilized sport.
3. Participants are expected to be classy in behavior.
Since a demo derby is a sport for civilized people, everyone is expected to behave accordingly. No brutish and barbaric behavior is allowed from the participants and fans. Drivers should be sober when they get behind the wheel. No form of profanity should be found on any of the cars. No intentional hits to driver’s side doors. Any classless behavior may result in disqualification or worst, a criminal investigation.
4. The vehicles used aren’t exactly beaters.
Some of the vehicles registered may even be more powerful than the car you drive. Some drivers buy lifted trucks for sale in Phoenix and soup them up for competition. Car modifications can even cost up to $20,000 especially if they mod it with high-end parts.
5. Un-modded cars can compete.
Understandably, not everyone can cough up $20,000 for a derby-dominating monster. In recent years, cars with no modification are allowed to compete. The Hobo Class is made to accommodate weekend warriors and rookies in which only un-modded cars are allowed to compete.
6. It is not just a man’s sport.
The introduction of the Powderpuff Class to the sport, women now have an exclusive division to compete against each other. Before that, any female participant had to go toe-to-toe against competitors in male-dominated events.
7. It is not a poor man’s sport.
Participating in demo derbies will cost you a lot of money. From the purchase of the base car to the mods to the registration fees, don’t be surprised if you hear folks spending thousands of dollars on the sport.
8. Mad Dogs get prizes, too.
While the typical rule of the game is the last man standing gets the prize, the most maniacal driver on the track also gets some prize money for the sheer entertainment he or she has provided for the night.
9. Why do they have blankets?
Have you ever noticed that some folks on the stands have blankets with them? Those are not to protect them from the cold. They use that as a shield to keep as much mud off whenever cars whiz by them.
10. A lot of folks are still very much into the sport.
Even if demo derbies aren’t as huge as they were before, fans are still lining up to see all the metal carnage that shows as these provide. They still come in thousands so don’t expect to line-up at the last minute and get a front-row seat to all the action.
While demo derbies aren’t as big today as it was in the past, especially in the ‘60s and ‘70s, it’s only a matter of time when it takes on a whole new interest from a new generation. After all, who wouldn’t want to see the UFC’s steel-and-metal equivalent, right?