Smashed, Bent, Destroyed
Kavitha SundralingamIssue date: 11/19/09 Section: Calendar
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It's an event where almost anything with wheels can enter to race. Perfect timing, considering the amount of drivers raring to race after the just-concluded State Fair festivities, Buckey Chamber of Commerce spokesperson says.
"It's probably one of the best events you can have in Buckeye on a Saturday night and we continue to keep adding things to it," Kupcik said.
Drivers from all over the state and elsewhere - Prescott Valley, Flagstaff, and even out-of-towners from San Diego, included. Anyone with a derby car is cleared to participate after a briefing on safety and a once-over of their equipment.
The first Derby heat starts at 7 p.m. Raffle tickets will be sold at $5 each and the winner from the audience will get to drive a derby car in the main heat. Audience can also vote for prettiest, most decorated "fresh car" in the beauty parade for undamaged cars.
At this event, lawn mowers aren't just for mowing grass; competitors get behind them and race away, too. Typically, mowers travel at the speed of five miles-per-hour, but a select few beefed up models at this event will careen at speeds between 50 and 80 miles-per-hour.
And even mobility scooters get in the racing action. Kupcik says that senior citizens are sporting and brave enough to participate.
The Fall Derby will be expecting attendance of around 4,000, but it's the 20 to 25 cars on hand that are the real stars.
"The cars are the show!" Kupcik says.
Helzapoppin' Rodeo Arena 609 S. Fourth Street, Buckeye, 623.286.2727, Saturday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m., $3-$8,
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