Get your cars ready for the derby

The 2017 Thermooplis Demolition Derby will be Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, beginning at 6 p.m. Already a big draw for the community, this year’s derby is expected to bring an even bigger crowd since it’s happening just a couple days before the eclipse.

Gates will open to car entries at 12 p.m., and to the public at 4 p.m. Those who want to compete must pay a $75 fee, which includes the entry and up to two pit crew members. There is also a mandatory drivers meeting at 5 p.m.

The grand prize will be $3,000, second prize $1,000, third prize $700 and fourth prize $500. Trophies will also be awarded.

The Truck Derby, specifically for pickups, has a $1,000 first prize, and there are $500 prizes each for 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 at least five cars for each of the divisions, and second and third place prizes are contingent upon how many registrations there are.

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 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and several local businesses.

For more information, rules and regulations, or to register, call the Chamber at 864-3192 or go online to thermopolischamber.org/demolition-derby.