The Demolition Derby - United States

Demolition derbies are fucking awesome. Let's just start with that.
Old cars are stripped down to their bare minimum; all glass is removed, reinforcements added. The cars and drivers then congregate on a dirt field, which has been hosed down and turned to mud to slow the cars down slightly. Total war ensues. Drivers can generally signal defeat by placing a special flag on the exterior of the cars. The last functioning car(s) win.



Cars are typically grouped in separate consecutive competitions according to class (power and size). Some demolition derbies feature a "powder puff" competition, reserved for female drivers.

Generally multiple rounds of competition culminate in a "Battle Royal," in which one vehicle is declared overall tournament champion. There is almost always an announcer who offers commentary and analysis, often in a self-consciously humorous style.






As a general point of strategy, it is considered good technique to try to attack in reverse, battering your opponent's vulnerable front engine compartment with your own vehicle's rear. This is by no means universal, however, and particularly bold, aggressive, or confident drivers may pursue the head-on collision.

Firefighters are kept stationed and ready, as engine fires are a frequent occurrence. Action is paused then quickly resumed once all fires are extinguished.



Demo drivers often go to great lengths to decorate their cars, often very imaginatively. Local businesses may choose to sponsor a car, but often cars are the work of a family or individual.

Another interesting consideration is how the cars change over time. As the supply of the robust, tank-like muscle cars of the 1970s and 80s dries up, new types of vehicles are emerging on the field of battle. A relatively recent phenomenon has been the use of minivans as a vehicle class in the demolition derby. Since no one in their right mind demolishes valuable newer models, the cars in the derby constitute a lagging indicator of American automotive tastes.

Like many aspects of white, working-class redneck Americana, demo derbies get little respect despite widespread popularity. These are not televised events, generally speaking, and are seldom represented fictionally in television or movies. Most often they are held in the summer months at annual county fairs.

Some Americans elect to hold private, unofficial back-yard derbies. The ability to do this varies widely by region, based on the ability and desire of local officials to prevent such events.

Demolition derbies can be found all over the US, especially in rural communities. California, the southern states, and the Midwest are all known for their robust demo derby cultures.