Demolition Derby brings gladiatorial fun to Parkside

Herald photo by Kevin Hampson.

Shellbrooks Derek Willoughby (number 6) smashes his foe at the Parkside and District Community Association Demolition Derby on Saturday.

That succinct explanation is basically all you need to know about demolition derbies. Announcer Kerry Peterson broadcast it over the loudspeakers on Saturday at the Parkland and District Community Association Demolition Derby, which drew more than a thousand people to an outdoor arena about 57 km east of Prince Albert.

Spectators came from Shellbrook, Debden, Big River, Canwood, and elsewhere to see 18 drivers duke it out for the $1,500 first prize.

Its a lot of fun, 25-year-old Chance Rothwell said, after rolling his bashed up 74 Newport out of the arena.

(Its an) adrenalin rush.

Rothwell, who was participating for the third time, said the fight hadnt been going in his favour at that point.

My battery box broke loose, then the fuel pump died on me, he said peering into the battery box.

A small boy, who was barely tall enough to see into the window, piped up: Excuse me. Can I help fix the engine?

Better not, Rothwell said. Better just stand back. Sorry.

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Demolition Derby brings gladiatorial fun to Parkside