Demolition derby a family sport

CHARLESTON The 2013 Coles County Fair demolition derby was all about family and a love for good ol fashion competition.

For Joe Scribner, passing the torch of demolition derby racing to his son, Andy Scribner, and daughter-in-law, Analyssa Scribner, was something he was happy to do, even if it meant he couldnt compete in the derby himself Friday evening.

Im disappointed because I wanted us all to be out there, but I will be back in the derby next year, Joe Scribner said. I decided to work on their cars instead and didnt have enough time to put mine together.

Joe Scribner, 55, a resident of Sullivan, has been around cars his whole life, has been competing in demolition derbies since he was 21-years-old and has won multiple first-place trophies throughout the years.

I love tearing up the cars, fixing them up and then seeing who can last the longest in the derby, Joe Scribner said.

Being at the fair on Friday night for moral support and as a source of demolition derby wisdom for his son and daughter-in law is what Joe Scribner strived to do.

I told them to not use the front end of their car a lot, he said. Thats where your radiator is and once thats gone, the car wont run anymore once it gets hot.

Andy Scribner, 25, has been racing sine he was 16 years old, thanks in part to his dad, Joe Scribner.

Although Andy Scribner has not won any trophies, he said he plans on using the advice of his father.

I dont have a strategy tonight other than using the back end of my car a lot, Andy Scribner.

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Demolition derby a family sport