NO SURRENDER. The demolition derby drivers refused to wave the white flag until their engines gave out. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
NO MERCY. The demo derby contestants were not afraid of being ruthless. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
CRASH N’ BURN. Driver Wyatt Julius trudges on despite his smoking vehicle. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
LONE SURVIVOR. The other drivers congratulate Karley Frank (left) after winning the Mini Class. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
Demo Derby Cars Battle Until Last One Standing
It was the survival of the fittest vehicle during a thrilling demolition derby held by FFT-Flowers Full Throttle LLC. at the Meramec Community Fair on Saturday, June 22.
The night was filled with the intense wreckings of vehicles, as well as heartwarming moments. One of the highlights of the night came from Youth Street Stock champion Mason Backues, who won the day before he turned thirteen, and over his older brother Payton.
The derby also had Mini Class winner Karley Frank, who competed in her first-ever adult event and ended up being the last one standing. The Linn competitor emerged from the multiple crashes, and moments of uncertainty as the champion.
Frank said after her first-place finish that “To be honest, I really thought going against eight grown men and being the only female that it just was not possible. It’s my first time running in the adult class, so I’ve never done that before. So, I really didn’t go in there with a great mindset, thinking that, you know, we’re going to come out on top tonight. But I’m so thankful I did.”
Her hot pink car was on the verge of giving up throughout the battle. Frank described her obstacles as: “When I was shifted, and I started losing gears, and when I’d go and drive, I wouldn’t go fast. And at that point in time, I was probably still in the bottom half and was really thinking, this is it. I’m going at a real slow speed. My car is not shifting, and it’s just not going to make it.”
Despite the dents Frank’s vehicle received, it still emerged as the lone survivor at the end.
Frank thanked everybody who had contributed to her victory and success, saying, “I’m thankful for my pit crew, I’m thankful for Richard, and I’m thankful for the man upstairs who allowed me to be here.” She also expressed gratitude for her family’s support.
Youth Street Stock
1. Mason Backues
2. Payton Backues
3. Kenneth Mueller
4. Josiah Goodell
Mini Class
1. Karley Frank
2. Eddie Schoenfeld
3. Blaine R. Schoenfeld
4. Josh Faulkner
5. Boyde Nicks
Stock Class
1. Jessie Myers
2. Brad Whitley
3. Jacob Widel
4. Joseph Clark
5. Danny Reed
Super Stock Class
1. Zachary Fitzgerald
2. Brad Womack
3. Patrick Smith
4. Eva Heard
5. Devin Propst
Power Wheels
1. Brynlee Taylor, Logan Clark, Lincoln Callow, Emmerson Clayton