Demo Derby – The Demise of a Wagon
Aug 26th, 2009 by Michael
The feature was supposed to start with 16 cars. Only 12 or 13 were able to make the call, including one that started without one of its rear wheels. The top three get paid, but only the winner gets the big trophy and the invitation to the state championships.
The feature was a good one. It quickly got down to about six cars. This included the Wagon, a Lincoln Town Car, a Crown Victoria, and a young lady competing in her first derby in a Lumina! Because it was holding up so well, Ray began using the front to inflict damage, a usual no-no because it might damage the radiator. He teamed up with the Crown Vic to go after the others. His hits were big, eliciting loud cheers from the crowd. One was a little too much though, and he ended up getting stuck with his rear wheels off the ground. Thankfully the Crown Vic came by and managed to free him. Soon it was down to the two of them and the Lumina. One big shot into the concrete was enough to wound the Crown Vic. A second finished him off. The Lumina offered little resistance against the Wagon, and finally caved after four shots, including the final required one to end the derby. The Scooby Wagon did it – it won the Derby!!!
They check the car on the frontstretch, to look for cheating (primarily extra welds):
Everything passed and we returned to the pits to party. Ironically, more damage was done to the car checking it than was done in the feature itself. The officials busted the (second) radiator, punctured the roof, and absolutely crumpled the hood trying to get it unchained and open. Who cares when you got the hardware!
Ray elected to pass on going to the state championships, because he would have only had two weeks to prep a car. The Wagon actually gets confiscated by the officials for investigation, to help with the rulebook for future years. The rumour was that wagons were going to now be outlawed (they are in NJ, ironically). With a little TLC, it could actually still go into another derby as it was going strong still at the end and had some crumpling left to go. But I myself am perfectly content with how it went out this time…
-Michael
Hi Mike, I am Ray’s sister-in-law, we meet at the fair. When I got home to South Carolina I showed everyone at work the pictures. I also told them of the story of the car and the fact is we were more happy for you that we won, you being there made all the hard work worth it. You have touched my heart and the scobby car is all for you.
MaryEllen,
Thanks for the response! I can’t tell you how much I do appreciate all of the hard work. I am most indebted to each of you. I am glad that you got home safely and wish you nothing but the best,
-Michael
I was actually in both those races (finishing 4th in the first heet) I knew that wagon would be trouble an for the life of me could not dent it. and as much as I don’t like scooby and the gang, it was an awsome paint job.
Shawnn,
Thanks for the comment. I appreciate you taking the time to write.
I hope that you have a great summer and wish you the best in the upcoming derby season!