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“Protect your front.”
It’s the one phrase nearly every demolition derby driver will tell you here at the Prince William County Fair.
It was “4-cylinder” night at the fair — a chance for bold and the brave drivers to get into their stripped down small sedans, get out into the mud in front of the fair’s grandstand, and start slamming their cars into others.
The goal for these demolition derby drivers: stay in the heat as long as possible. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.
“I try to last the whole time. But sometimes you can get hit in 30 seconds, and you can be out,” said J.R. Martin, of Manassas Park.
Martin drove a 2001 Toyota Corolla in derby. The car’s interior was stripped of nearly everything except for a steering wheel.
Erik Skiff mounted several “GoPro” video cameras inside the car to capture Martin behind the during the heat. Skiff wanted to broadcast the video live to the web during the event, but the technology isn’t quite there yet. He’ll edit the video and put it online to share with others.
The 211 car in the derby was 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by David Carr, of Spotsylvania. It was his first time.
“I’m doing this because it’s a new experience, and for the adrenaline rush,” he said.
Once the derby got underway in front of hundreds cheering fans, it was hard to keep track of who was hitting who. Dust flies up and partially blocked the view of some cars, while others were pushed together in a mound of twisted metal.
When it was all over, most cars were picked up and carried out of the arena by forklift. Other cars– some missing a single wheel — were backed out of the ring under their own power.
J.R. Martin took home the win in the derby.
Drivers said they have some bumps and bruises the next morning. But its the fun of the experience that keeps them coming back for more.
“The first hit is scary, but after that you’re good to go from there,” said Eric Jenkins, of Woodbridge.
