Gear up for a smashing good time at demo derby

It will be car-on-car action at the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, at the annual demolition derby Saturday, Aug. 20. Gates will open for cars from 12-4 p.m., with a driver’s meeting at 5 p.m. Those competing will have to pay a fee of $75, which includes entry and up to two pit crew members.

The main event gets underway at 6 p.m., starting with a contest for the prettiest vehicle, voted by the crowd. In the derby for full-size vehicles, grand prize is $3,000, followed by a $1,000 second prize, $700 third prize and $500 fourth prize. There are additional contests and prizes for heat winners and losers.

In addition to the main derby, there is a $1,500 first place prize for the Outlaw Class. Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meri Ann Rush explained in this class anything goes, as long as drivers stick to the safety regulations such as appropriate clothing, having a four-point cage for safety, mandatory halo bars and brakes and a secured battery and fuel tank with only six gallons of gas.

The Truck Derby, specifically for pickups, will have a $1,000 first place prize, and there are $500 prizes for winning the Men’s/Women’s Herby Derby for compact cars and the Chain Class for those with vehicle parts attached by chains rather than welds. There must be five cars for each of the divisions, and second and third place prizes are contingent upon registrations.

Ticket prices are: Adults — $12 advance and $15 at the gate; Kids 5-12 — $5 advance and $7 at the gate; and Seniors — $7 advance and $10 at the gate. Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce and several local businesses. For more information, rules and regulations or to register, visit the Chamber at 864-3192 or online at http://www.thermopolischamber.org.