RAPID CITY, S.D. — The roar of engines and crunch of metal filled the air at the Central States Fair, as the Mountain States Ford Demolition Derby captivated a crowd at the Lei Arena in Rapid City. The evening was highlighted by crashing cars, two marriage proposals, and a rollover in the bumble bee heat, making for a memorable night of action in the Black Hills.
The competition featured several round, including three heats, a bumble bee(smaller car), a consolation round, a championship round, and a power wheels round where kids participated
A normal heat consists of 4-5 cars and until all but two cars are knocked out. Knocked out cars move to the consolation round and the rest go to the championship round. Knocked out cars are cars that time out from not being able to run or give up. A driver can surrender by breaking an orange stick on their windshield signaling they are done.
The derby’s “Mad Dog” award, for the craziest or bravest driver, went to a competitor known as Sandman. The championship winner was identified as #199.
Fire departments from Whispering Pines and Black Hawk were on hand to ensure the safety of both drivers and spectators throughout the night.
