Today in Lansing: Figure 8 Demolition Derby at Ingham County Fair Aug. 2

Posted

Figure 8 Demolition Derby

August 2, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

$6 At the Gate / $5 Grandstand Admission

Ingham County Fairgrounds

700 E. Ash Street, Mason

Click here for event page

If racing doesn’t get your goat, maybe racing with an intersection flirting with high speed crashes will. See the rusty battle hardened drivers duke it out on a figure 8 track in Mason.

“The crowd certainly likes the entertainment of the intersection,” said Jack Fistler Jr., owner of USA Demolition Derby. “We have a front-wheel live demolition derby and are running a point series.”

Contrary to what some people may think, demolition derbies do have point systems and require tact, said Fistler.

“With any kind of race event, there is a lot of luck and skill involved,” said Fistler. “You got to know when and where to take hits. You can stay out of the commotion and use the path of least resistance,” said Fistler.

Winners in each class will take home $700 and $1000 prizes.

Founded in 1976, USA Demolition Derby is a Michigan-based company that does autocross, figure 8 derbies and burnout competitions. Fistler said he took on the helm of this company for the love of the sport.

“I was a driver and I got involved quite a few years ago,” said Fistler. “The people who were putting on the events were stepping down, and I didn’t want to see the sport die and it escalated from there,” said Fistler.

Starting small, Fistler organized shows locally, but demand has since quadrupled. This wouldn’t be possible without the drivers that put themselves out on the line at the track, said Fistler.

“All the drivers are supported by their family and fans. It’s the drivers that make the show — all I do is organize the events and make them safe,” said Fistler.

“It takes a special kind of person to hit each other with cars, but it takes another special kind person to chase a golf ball around in the hot sun.”

Today in Lansing:

Lansing JazzFest Thursday Pre-Party

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., UrbanBeat Event Center, 1213 Turner St.

Ladies Only: Paddle & Wine

6 p.m. to 7 p.m., $45, River Town Adventures, 325 City Market Dr.

"Memoir" Live at Williamston Theatre

8 p.m. to 10 p.m., $27, Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam St.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here




Connect with us