July 27 the Barrhead Ag Society hosted the 2024 Demolition Derby.
“I love it! It’s been a great turn-out this year. We are really trying to grow our event to accommodate more drivers because there is an Alberta circuit,” remarked Ashley Mast, event organizer.
“We are trying to expand our horizons. We have drivers from Peace River, Onoway, and I hope it continues to grow.”
The car division final came down to a hard driving duo that fought to the bitter end.
The Winner in the car division was Joe Johnston, driving a 1974 Olds 88, number 07 for first place.
Second place was Carsyn Ross, in his 1973 Pontiac, number 33, sponsored by Sturgeon River Salvage, who also won the Car Grudge match.
Third place was won by George Merrier Jr. in a 1975 Pontiac Grand Prix number 24xx, sponsored by Mom’s CFS, Tre Oilfield Service, Cadotte Store and Pops.
Fourth place and the car Power Hour was won by Greg Petruchik.
The truck division final had truck drivers pushing their battered trucks to the extreme to be the top finalist.
The first place winner was Mason Van Gelder, driving a 1994 Chevy 2500, number 71, sponsored by J’s Tubgrinding, NAPA, Braucht Resources.
Van Gelder is a first time demolition derby driver.
Second place was Joe Johnston driving a 1974 Super Duty, number 01.
Third place went to Jacob Capiuk.
Fourth place and the Truck Grudge match were won by Kane Ross, driving an ’05 Ford, sponsored by Sturgeon River Salvage and Kal Tire Acheson.
The truck power hour was won by Mandi Coleridge who drove a 1984 Chev three quarter ton handmade truck put together with parts from previous derby trucks.
Coleridge was sponsored by NAPA, Fountain Tire, Cole & Amber Henry and Bushman Welding.
The event launched at noon with a preview of the entry vehicles for the fans to examine and have a chance to vote for their favorite competitor, with Steve Lyster, the announcer, keeping everyone up-to-date.
Nate Wilson, CST, from Don Wilson Surveys Ltd. was onsite with his drone to capture some amazing photos and videos from the aerial perspective.
Some of the drivers were available at the viewing session.
Clint Black, in his 1975 Chev 2500, number 23, sponsored by Steeletech Fabrication, Gus Pizza and Harold Tews Trucking, commented that he had won the Salmon Arm demolition derby event which was held on June 15 and 16.
Black explained that his strategy is to drive backwards and try to keep other drivers away from his engine.
He was injured in the final heat when Black’s truck was smashed up violently against the tires in the north west corner of the arena.
Hunter French was at the preview session.
He was standing outside his 1979 Chev C-20, number 31, sponsored by OK Tire Hinton, Big Mountain Mechanics, and Fellows Sheet Metal.
French has been competing for six years and has placed in previous years.
Jacob Capniuk in a 1974 GMC 2500 number 307, last year’s winner, sponsored by Culture Shock, Grizzly Trucking, Neerlandia Co-op, and Barrhead Glass and Mirror was at the preview with his family.
Shawna Capniuk wore a shirt with “loud proud derby mama” on it and explained that Jacob’s dad had competed and had won in the demolitions derbies .
In describing Jacob she said, “It’s in his blood.”
Capniuk won the 2023 Barrhead Demolition Derby truck division.
“Last year people had unfortunate failures in their vehicles and I was able to withstand the other drivers smashing me,” commented Capniuk.
Capniuk explained that his strategy to is to keep the front-end away from people and to always keep moving and hitting people.
He explained that too many front-end hits cause engine failures and a driver is out of that heat.
The Mad Dog Prize and the engine blow intermission were new features according to Mast.
The Mad Dog Prize was awarded to the drivers deemed most aggressive in the heats.
Kadence Loitz, a first time driver, in a 1978 Chevy 2500 number 28, sponsored by NAPA, was named as one of the Mad Dog Prize winner.
The Mad Dog Prize was also awarded to Greg Petruchik, in his Chrysler Newport, number 62, sponsor Barrhead Electric.
The engine blow-out was showcased with people voting on times for how long it would take for an engine to blow-up.
The crowd waited with anticipation and it was Obrey who won $470 dollars for the closest time bet.
Carter Greilach was also a first time driver in his 1979 Chevy Big 10, number 9, sponsored by Swiftmix Concrete, Mahar Drilling, Greilach Lussier LLP, Greilach Contracting and All Around Manufacturing & Mechanical.
“We are trying our best to keep the entertainment alive for everyone,” summarized Mast.
