It was a smashing success.
Despite the weather, around 1,500 people gathered at the Uniplex grounds on June 26 to watch the 40th annual JCI Humboldt Demolition Derby.
There were 28 contestants in the derby this year - 24 in the eight-cylinder competition and four in the four-cylinder competition.
"There were four more cars that were not let in because of rule changes (regarding safety)," added Tyrell Bjarnason, Humboldt JCI president.
Not only were there a large number of cars registered, many spectators came out to enjoy the show.
"We were at capacity," said Bjarnason about the large crowd.
This year, the focus of the derby was on safety. The JCIs wanted to make the day as safe as possible for the drivers registered in the event.
The new rules also made the event run more smoothly and fairly.
"The majority of the new rules were accepted by the drivers," said Bjarnason.
"We try to make it as safe as possible because we want our contestants to come back next year."
Even though there were some complaints about some of the rule changes, the day was a huge success.
Bjarnason explained there are always people who complain, but most of the comments he has heard about the event were very positive.
"Most of the drivers said they really enjoyed it and liked the way it was set up," said Bjarnason. "They said they would be back next year."
The drivers in the final round of the derby were Adam Shaw, Matt Thacker, Cory Schlachter, Ryan Atkins, Shane Hepner and Bjarnason.
The winners of the event were:
First place: Ryan Atkins,
Second place: Matt Thacker,
Third place: Cory Schlachter.
"This was Atkins' third time winning in the last four years," said Bjarnason.
Bjarnason was glad to see a large crowd at the event and hoped everyone enjoyed the derby.
"Thanks to the community for coming out and supporting us," said Bjarnason.
Next year, due to changes with the City of Humboldt's Summer Sizzler, there will also be some changes to the demolition derby.
"We're going to put on our own self-standing weekend," Bjarnason explained.
The event will run on a Saturday instead of the Sunday, which will hopefully attract more drivers.
The money raised at this year's derby will go towards their next project, since earlier this year they reached their goal for the spray park, said Bjarnason. They are still discussing with the city what the next project should be.
