The Lawrence Journal-World is featuring a piece on Kansan demolition derby drivers, which also offers a few details on how the cars are set up. Mike Leming explains, "A lot of people think you pop the glass out, chain a couple of doors and away you go. That s not even close to what it takes to get a car ready for a derby.
For Leming, that means replacing the gas tank with a five-gallon aluminum keg, welding up the doors and trunk, gutting the interior, adding some type of cage-like driver protection and removing any rust from the car's frame.
Chris Cheek of Lawrence, offers strategy pointers: "When I drive, I go for the tires and try to get the front bumper off. Once you get the bumper off, that radiator is exposed. And if you get that motor running hot, it s not going to run much longer."
We're thinking of petitioning Denton for the cash to buy a Lloyd Dobler-esque '77 Malibu Classic, taking it out, smashing it up and then installing hydraulics and 22" spinner wires on it. BioBling's over. Jalopy chic is the new black.
Sparks fly for derby drivers [Lawrence Journal-World]
Related:
Demolition Derby Still a Draw in Mid-America [Internal]