August 9, 2023 |
Photo – Demolition Derby – Courtesy carboncountyfairgrounds.com
Carbon County Fair week was capped off Saturday evening by the crushing roar of the popular demolition derby.
The Raw Town Riot Demolition Derby closed out the weeklong fair event in front of another big, enthusiastic crowd. Derby organizer Lonnie Pacheco said he has received a lot of positive feedback from both drivers and the public. Pacheco said a rule change last year opened the event to more competitors. The derby organizer said 45 drivers from across the region participated in Saturday’s competition.
Despite Saturday evening’s rain and hail, Pacheco said the drivers enjoyed the track he prepared. The derby organizer said his handling of the event has convinced many drivers to return for next year’s competition.
The Raw Town Riot Demolition Derby was divided into two classes: Bone Stock and Limited Weld.
Bone Stock cars must remain as close to their original condition as possible but must include required safety gear such as roll cages. In the Limited Weld class, drivers may weld certain parts of the car, such as the doors, bumpers, or cages, to make them stronger.
Each division also had a Mad Dog prize, awarded to the most aggressive driver in the class. Pacheco said Kurt Carlson of New Mexico won the Limited Weld division with Larry Steinbeck taking second place and the Mad Dog award.
In the Bone Stock division, local driver Damon Taylor took home first place. Ricardo Pena was second in Bone Stock and the Mad Dog award winner.
Pacheco said the faster vehicles in the Limited Weld class caused him to be concerned for the safety of the drivers and fans. The event organizer said, thanks to the donated concrete Jersey barriers, no one was injured during the event.
Pacheco said Saturday’s rain and hail didn’t discourage the drivers from committing to return. The derby organizer said he’ll keep the event the same for next year.
Pacheco took over organizing the demolition derby two years ago. Under his stewardship, Pacheco said the closing event of the Carbon County Fair has grown. Pacheco said the Raw Town Riot Demolition Derby is a great time for everyone, fans and drivers alike. The public seemed to agree. Several hundred people attended Saturday’s demolition derby despite the rainy weather.
