The crowd loved it. The drivers loved it. The community loved it.
The revival of the Armstrong Demolition Derby was a huge success.
An estimated crowd of 5,000 turned out Thanksgiving Sunday at the IPE grounds to watch more than 20 cars and trucks tangle and crash for trophies and cash prizes.
“I know there were a few little issues we have to deal with for next year, but it went pretty smooth for the first year back,” said event spokesperson Lyle Williamson.
The derby had been a fixture for nearly a quarter-century on Thanksgiving weekend before the event took a hiatus that lasted more than a decade.
“Next year we are going to offer pre-sell tickets so people can get through the gates faster, and we will have more food vendors there as well,” said Williamson. “I know by the results of this year that we will have more cars and trucks next year as there was a lot of people that seemed to be watching how our event went before they decide to bring a vehicle.
“We have already had people wanting to get the rules and regs for next year as some guys like to plan their whole year out ahead of time as they go to more than one derby a year.”
Organizers gave back to the community through proceeds from the derby.
Williamson and his brother, Leroy, stopped at the Armstrong Food Bank and presented $2,000 in cash.
The brothers then went to Tuckers Restaurant and presented them with $2,000 to help with the fundraising the Tuckers are doing for their daughter, Emma, who has a rare disease.
“My wife, Dara, won second place in the powder puff event and donated her $50 winnings to the Tucker family as well,” said Williamson.
Derby results include:
Car Main Event Final:
1st: Randy Makowsky (#36), $1,000 and trophy;
2nd: Timothy Schubert (#711), $500 and trophy;
3rd: Josh Bing (#07), $300 and trophy;
Truck Final:
1st: Ron Campbell (#03), $500 and trophy;
2nd: Bob Holland (#88), trophy;
3rd: Rich Mallinson (#555), trophy;
Powder Puff Final:
1st: Amber Whatman (#199), $100 and trophy;
2nd: Dara Williamson (#47), $50 and trophy;
Car Heat #1:
1st: Josh Bing (#07), $250 and trophy;
2nd: Randy Makowsky (#36), $150 and trophy;
3rd: Timothy Schubert (#711), $50;
Car Heat #2:
1st: Ken Atwood (#24D), $250 and trophy;
2nd: Rick Crozman (#35), $150 and trophy;
3rd: Griffin Fried (#12), $50;
Car Heat #3:
1st: Leroy Williamson (#69), $250 and trophy;
2nd: Edmund Lehn (#24), $150 and trophy;
3rd: Josh Bing (#07), $50;
Car Heat #4:
1st: Rick Crozman (#35), $250 and trophy;
2nd: Cody Zack (#88), $150 and trophy;
3rd: Ken Atwood (#24D), $50;
Truck Heat #1:
1st: Ron Campbell (#03), $200 and trophy;
2nd: Bob Holland (#88), $100 and trophy;
3rd: Chris Zack (#009), $50;
Truck Heat #2:
1st: Bob Holland (#88), $200 and trophy;
2nd: Ron Campbell (#03), $100 and trophy;
3rd: Chris Zack (#009), $50;
Grudge Match:
Winner: Charmaine Williamson (#47), $200;
Best Paint Job:
Tyler Bing (#57), $100 and trophy;
Funniest Paint Job:
Fried Family (#12), $100 and trophy.
