I love watching demolition derbies.
They rank right up there with monster truck car crushing events as some of my fonder youthful memories.
It is one of the reasons why I have consistently covered the derby portion of the Blue Heron Fair in the time I have been in Barrhead, whether I have been on the clock or not.
I don’t mind the dust, the heat, the errant spray of water or even the fear of injury as the giant tractor wheels used as barricades come almost too close for comfort to those of us standing on the outside perimeter.
Last year’s event drew an unparalleled number of people to the fair.
It always does, as I have been told but this year’s was by far, no exception.
However, this time around I was able to sit in on the driver’s meeting and listen to the safety protocols and am proud to say that the participants clearly understood the importance behind such talks.
Demolition derbies are not a simple race to see who can wreck the highest number of cars or last the longest.
There’s a lot of work that goes into the machines destined for the junk pile.
All of the glass is removed for example, so that no loose shards fly into a driver’s face or cause anyone else, spectator or participant alike, any other form of injury.
Likewise, unnecessary parts not required to keep the vehicles moving are removed, the fuel system is moved around to avoid disaster and roll-cages, designed to protect the driver from impact, are carefully considered and installed before a final inspection.
It’s only when the all-clear is given that the derby can begin.
So you see, it isn’t at all like smashing dinky-toys together like we used to do when we were kids.
Kudos to the participants, especially Terry Whitford who was flipped upside down.
You guys made this year’s fair just as memorable for this import as the last two previous.
Congratulations also go to Joe Johnson, and Jesse Ross for having the mechanical fortitude and driving prowess to see themselves through to the winner’s circle.
