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Demo derby mud-slinging fun
By Geoff Cox • Staff Writer
 | | Highland's Josh Gwin won the four-cylinder division of the Demolition Derby Thursday night. |
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MONTEREY — Rain courtesy remnants of Hurricane Fay turned a popular fair attraction, the R&R Demolition Derby, into a mudfest and the reckless smashing of cars into a chess match last Thursday evening.
A total of 49 cars entered the fray, down 20 from last year, and proceeded to get covered in mud. Tires spun quickly but cars moved slowly in the six- to eight inch deep slosh. The usual dirtspinning game of smash-up derby was replaced by a mudslinging game of tag.
Smoke from blown motors drifted towards the fairly full grandstands as R&R director Delbert Rudolph added color commentary to compliment the spinning, sliding, and tapping.
"It's pretty tough, pretty tough to get around," Rudolph said offmike. "We made it work but it's to darn bad when you (only) can move a little bit."
"Sloppy," said local driver Tray Williams. "(We) might as well ride around with hammers in our hands and hit each other."
Since they didn't, the local volunteer fire departments at the scene had a relatively light work load.
 | | Rocky Waybright spins backward into the action during the R&R Productions Demolition Derby Thursday night at the Highland County Fair. |
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"(It's) messy sliding around," said McDowell VFD Captain Doug Siron as he walked toward the just as muddy pit area. "I think they all had fun anyway."
The last heat spun on and on until Rudolph offered the final two competitors the opportunity to quit and split the pot. There was no need however, as six-cylinder winner Victor McManawy had runner-up Gary Breeder pinned in a corner until Breeder threw in the towel.
The winner of the four-cylinder division was Josh Gwin with Christopher Ailstock taking home the second-place cash.
His car still running, Gwin helped push disabled cars through the muddy post-derby parking lot while heavy equipment loaded cars on trailers like toys. The derby ended, and planning for next year begins.
 | | Fair managers Mike Isles, right, and R.C. Pullin observe the muddy action from the best seat the house. (Recorder photo by Geoff Cox) |
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