Australian competes in demo derby

Mud slinging, engines revving, screaming fans – it was a typical night at Hot Springs County Fairgrounds as the Demolition Derby hit the field.

After four main heats, the Herbie Derby and the Truck Derby, it came down to the final heat with Pat King, Stephen Flinn, Kyle Larson, Deven Scherf, Zack Larson, Wyatt Ramsey, Kyle McIntosh, Kurt Shaffer, Luke Mead and Chase Mead.

The survivors were first place, Wyatt Ramsey; second place, Zack Larson; third place, Stephen Flinn and fourth place, Deven Scherf.

For Ramsey, who is just 18-years old, this was his third run in a derby. A senior at Shoshoni High School, he brought home $3,000 and a trophy, running an 85 Buick.

Ramsey builds his cars at his grandfather, Alton Ramsey's house. His great-grandparents are from Thermopolis, also, "Punk" and Neta Ramsey and Shirley Irelan.

The Women's Herbie Derby was won by Heather Bowman; Barbara Munger, second place and Taylor Sprigg, third place.

Evan VanNorman took home first place in the Truck Derby, followed by Alan Woodward in second and coming in out of left field, Brendan Burgen from Australia taking home third.

Burgen came to Thermopolis for the eclipse from Queensland, Australia. He heard about the demo derby and really wanted to take part.

Along comes Brad Becerra, who sold Burgen his derby truck.

Burgen said the experience was great and he fully intends to come back and do it again, possibly bringing along a few friends.

Of course, for Burgen the truck drove on the "wrong side" and he found it handled differently, but it was way faster. It certainly didn't stop him from not only placing third, but he was the Mad Dog winner in the truck heat.

Other Mad Dog winners were Chase Mead in the main heat, Wyatt Ramsey in the winners heat and Heather Bowman in the Women's Derby.

Stevie Jellis won prettiest car.

See page 7 for more photos.