WINNABOW — Demolition derby is coming to the Cape Fear Area.
Wilmington Crash Derby, a group made up of area automotive shops, is hosting an event at Haw Hill Raceway. The derby allows drivers the chance to shed their vehicular inhibitions and – for one driver – win enough prize money to fix up all the damage done to his or her car.
The derby is a winner-take all competition for up to 30 drivers; entry is $100 and the last operational car wins, receiving 100 percent of the money (with a full track, the winner will take home $3,000).
According to the Wilmington Crash Derby, there is no prize for second or third prize.
Safety is an obvious concern. Drivers wear helmets, must sign safety waivers and driver’s-side doors are painted white as a ‘no hit zone’ to minimize injuries.
Cars must meet certain requirements – like fire-safety holes cut in hoods and all glass parts, including windows, removed. Vehicles can be “pre-checked” at Ryan’s Automotive in Wilmington.
You can read the full rules and safety regulations at Wilmington Crash Derby’s Facebook page, but here are some other important highlights:
- Drivers must be 18 (a driver’s license is not required, just proof of age)
- No drugs or alcohol
- All vehicles must be four- or six-cylinder passenger cars (no V8s, no trucks or SUVS)
- Cars must have stock parts (drivers can remove non-critical parts, but cannot add anything except for window reinforcements)
- No flamethrowers or other after-market weapons of any kind
The derby will be held on Saturday, May 20. Vehicles must be present at the Haw Hill track between 12 and 2 p.m. on race day for inspection by derby officials. The race itself will begin at 3 p.m. and will run until a car wins or 11 p.m. Derby organizers said it was unlikely latter would happen, saying “we won’t let that happen!”
For registration, contact Ryan Roane at 910-232-4464 (extension 14). Pre-inspection of vehicles is available at Ryan’s Automotive, located at 6407 Windmill Way in Wilmington. Haw Hill track is located at 374 Bell Swamp Connection, in Winnabow, Brunswick County.
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