Edmond Life and Leisure - June 26, 2025

Bringing back Demolition Derby

Now that our OKC Thunder has captured the crown and LibertyFest activities will be over before you know it, what are we to do for entertainment folks? Sure, lots of great stuff to do in Edmond but maybe you and the family are looking for something different to occupy your summer. We have found it.

Our editor, Steve Gust, and I were pondering the issue and that is what brought about the age-old question, “What ever happened to Demolition Derby?” Folks under the age of 50 have probably not even heard of it or know what it is, including my kids. I polled them over the weekend. When I explained it to them, they decided dad has gone off the edge and they may be right. It was a pretty crazy sport and a super good way to get hurt. Here is an update.

Demolition derby, a thrilling motorsport event where drivers intentionally crash their vehicles into one another, has captivated audiences for decades. I am sure younger folks just cannot believe that crashing cars into each other in a muddy field would be a sport, but it was or “is” I guess. Originating in the mid-20th century, demolition derby has evolved from a grassroots spectacle to a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. Calling it grassroots is a subtle way of saying something else.

The roots of demolition derby can be traced back to the post-World War II era in the United States. The first recorded demolition derby took place in 1947 at the Islip Speedway in Long Island, New York. The event was organized by Larry Mendelsohn, who sought to create a unique and exciting form of entertainment that would draw crowds to the racetrack. The concept was simple: drivers would compete in old, beat-up cars, crashing into each other until only one vehicle remained operational. The last car still running is the winner.

Growing up for me meant demolition derby events that were held at local fairs, racetracks, and other venues, attracting a mix of amateur drivers and curious spectators. The sport quickly gained popularity due to its raw, unfiltered excitement and the spectacle of cars colliding in a controlled environment. The rules were straightforward: drivers were required to wear helmets, and the last car running was declared the winner. If you think any of that made it a safe sport you would be incorrect.

By the 1960s and 1970s, demolition derby had become a staple of American entertainment. The sport's popularity soared as it was featured in movies, television shows, and even commercials. One of the most iconic moments in demolition derby history occurred in 1965 when the sport was highlighted on the popular television program "Wide World of Sports." This exposure brought demolition derby to a national audience, solidifying its place in American culture. It is still hard for me to believe that this totally redneck (totally my family on my dad’s side) activity ended up on Wide World of Sports, the same program that brought you the poor Olympic skier falling off the jump over and over in their show opening roll.

During this period, demolition derby events became more organized and professional. Promoters began to establish standardized rules and regulations to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

Some would argue that this is what ruined the sport. The cars used in these events were often stripped of non-essential parts, reinforced with steel bars, and painted with vibrant colors and designs. The spectacle of brightly painted cars crashing into each other added to the visual appeal of the sport.

Demolition derby's influence extended beyond the racetrack and into popular culture. The sport was featured in numerous films, including the 1973 movie "American Graffiti," which depicted a demolition derby event as a central plot point. Additionally, demolition derby scenes appeared in television shows like "Happy Days" and "The Dukes of Hazzard," further cementing its status as a beloved American pastime.

The sport also inspired video games, such as the "Destruction Derby" series, which allowed players to experience the thrill of crashing cars in virtual environments. These games introduced demolition derby to a new generation of fans and contributed to its enduring popularity.

In recent years, demolition derby has continued to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. The sport has embraced technological advancements, of course, with some events featuring live streaming and online broadcasts to reach a global audience. Social media platforms have also played a significant role in promoting demolition derby, allowing fans to share videos, photos, and updates from events around the world. I can imagine some little guy in a desert sitting in his tent and watching these events wondering just what they are doing.

Safety measures have improved significantly, with organizers implementing stricter regulations to protect drivers and spectators. Modern demolition derby cars are equipped with advanced safety features, such as roll cages, fire suppression systems, and reinforced frames. These enhancements have made the sport safer while preserving its thrilling nature.

Today, demolition derby remains a popular motorsport, with events held across the United States and internationally. The sport has diversified, with various categories and formats catering to different audiences. Traditional demolition derby events continue to draw large crowds, while specialized competitions, such as figure-eight racing and team demolition derby, offer unique twists on the classic format.

Demolition derby has also found a niche in the world of motorsport entertainment, with events held at major venues and festivals. The sport's enduring appeal seems to be in its ability to provide an adrenaline-pumping experience for both participants and spectators. The sight of cars crashing, engines roaring, and metal twisting creates an unforgettable spectacle that keeps fans coming back for more.

The history of demolition derby is a testament to the enduring appeal of this thrilling motorsport. From its humble beginnings at local racetracks to its status as a mainstream entertainment phenomenon, demolition derby has captivated audiences with its excitement and spectacle. As the sport continues to evolve, it remains a pastime that brings together fans from all social classes to witness the exhilarating clash of metal and machines.

The closest demolition derbies to Edmond, should you be inclined to see a piece of what popular history was, are the Mad Dog Demolition Derby in Claremore, OK and the Inter-State Demolition Derby at the Inter-State Fair & Rodeo in Blackwell, OK. The Mad Dog Derby features figure eight, mower, and Hornet car circle racing, as well as a kids' derby.

The Inter-State Demolition Derby includes a Power Wheel Demo Derby and other events like bull riding and a carnival.

Mad Dog Demolition Derby:

Location: Claremore Expo Center, Claremore, OK

Features: Figure eight, mower derby, Hornet car circle racing, kids' derby, and a full-size derby.

Dates: While specific dates vary, they typically hold events throughout the year. Check Visit Claremore or TravelOK.com for the most up-to-date information.

Inter-State Demolition Derby:

Location: Inter-State Fair & Rodeo, Blackwell, OK Dates: Saturday, August 17, 2024.

Features: Power Wheel Demo Derby, plus other fair events like bull riding, carnival, and a parade.

What I cannot figure out is where they get all the cars these days. Our cars are much more sophisticated and harder to work on. Growing up I remember junkers around all the time that anyone handy with a wrench could work on but not these days. Guess Lisa and I will just have to go and find out. (Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)