-National Derby Driver Recognition-
January 2012
Jimmy Russell
Chester, South Carolina
Derby Driver Since: 2004
Jimmy's Demolition Derby addiction began back some 8 years ago while visiting a friend. His friends dad was building a derby car and Jimmy asked if he could help. He then assisted on the wiring and installation of the engine. When they were all finished they took the car for a test ride and Jimmy knew right then, that he was going to do this.
Shortly thereafter he went out and found a 1981 Mercury Lynx, stripped it, built it up, got it out into the arena and took 4th.
Since then he has participated in 3 or 4 derbies a year and has destroyed somewhere around 19 cars.
Jimmy does not restrict himself to one class of Demolition Derby, which is a very good practice.
His favorite cars to derby are; Crown Vic's for V8s and Chevette and Mustang for compact.
To find out more about Jimmy and his Demolition Derby Experience, click on his picture and watch Derby News 37.
December 2011
Bobby Aldridge
New Brockton, Alabama
Derby Driver Since: 2008
Back in 2008 Bobby heard of a derby coming up at the local fair. He had always wanted to give demolition derby a shot and thought this now was the time. Only problem was he didn’t have a car and it was only three days till the derby. He went to the junk yard and found a car that would work. It was an early 90s Buick Century. Somehow he talked them into taking one of his old trucks in trade. That was good news but there was still a lot of work to do and only two days to do it in. So, with the help of a friend they did a quick 24 hour build and got it out into the arena. Even though his car was under built it wasn’t what took him out early. He wound up getting hung up on the poles that marked out the arena. Tough break, but the time spent was enough to get him hooked.
Bobby’s advice to the rookies is: Build a safe car, do your research and get out there and have fun with it.
To find out more about Bobby’s Demolition Derby adventure, click on his picture and watch Derby News 36.
November 2011
Scott Moench
Sebeka, Minnesota
Derby Driver Since: 2004
As a young child Scott enjoyed watching his uncles participate in demolition derbies. he remembers telling his mom that when he grows up he wants to be a derby driver. In return she told him "No you don't want to do that. You'll get hurt." 16 years later he wound up in the arena just like he said he would. Sorry mom, but once it's in your blood there is no stopping this derby infection.
Now day's Scott tries to run at least 2 or 3 derbies a summer. His favorite cars to derby are the compacts over all but hopes to soon try full size and mini truck derbies.
Scott said that he goes out there to have fun and if he wins that's great but if he doesn't, at least he had a blast wrecking some cars.
To learn more about Scott, click on his picture and watch Derby News 35.
October 2011
Jason Meyer
Dubuque, Iowa
Derby Driver Since: 2005
Profession: Lead Cook
Jason grew up helping his dad, uncle, and cousins build their derby cars. Though they have all since retired the derby bug still remains within. His family remains involved by helping Jason build his cars, and he says his mom loves to paint them.
For now Jason only participates in one derby a year but plans on kickin' it up to four.
His advise for the rookies: "Don't build your car too fast and listen to the advice give from the seasoned vets." He also said "Don't go into it thinking you know everything and definitely don't think its just break the glass out and go.
When Jason is not building or crashing cars he loves listing to and making music. he says he cant function without it.
To hear more about Jason and his Derby Driving Life click on his picture and watch Derby News 34.
September 2011
Chase Moellering
Oakley, Kansas
Derby Driver Since: 2011
Profession: Student
2011 was Chases rookie year in Demolition Derby and the year of his first win.
He has been around derby his whole life. He grew up watching and helping his dad and uncle build their derby cars. As soon as he was of age there was no hesitation to get into the arena. With his dads help, he built a 1974 Monte Carlo. He got it out into the arena, went up against his dad and wound up taking first place.
Chase: The Booze Brothers would like to welcome you into the sport of Demolition Derby. We hope the derby bug stays with you long enough to pass it on to your own children.
Click on the picture of Chase and watch Derby News 33 to hear more about Chase and his debut into Demolition Derby.
August 2011
Dylan Schober
Bridger, Montana
Derby Driver Since 2002
Profession: Underground Hard Rock Miner
Dylan's home town has a summer celebration every year and in the past the rodeo was the main attraction. When the rodeo died off Dylan's friend stepped up and put on a demolition derby. He told Dylan that he should get a car together and bring it. And that's just what he did.
Dylan found a mid 80s front wheel drive Caddy. Unaware of the building techniques and necessities, he stripped the car, strapped the original gas tank in the backseat, painted the car up real nice and called it good. He got the car out into the arena, took a full tracker form an Impala and that was that but was hooked nevertheless.
Now days, Dylan participates in 3 to 4 derbies a year and often competes against his wife and brother in-law.
Advice for the Rookies: Build safe cars and never turn down advice from a veteran driver.
Motto: "I may not win but you will remember me when the derby is over.
Click on Dylan's picture or watch Derby News 32 to hear more.
July 2011
Brent Schweikarth
Evansville, Indiana
Derby Driver Since 2005
Brent has been around demolition derby his whole life. His dad and grand father have been in it since the 80s and are still going at it. His dad is also a promoter. Before Brent was crashin cars in the arena He acquired some inside knowledge and became fimiliar with the way it all worked by helping tech cars and flagging.
He was only 14 when he got his first derby car into the arena. He drove a late model Chevette, got 5th and had a blast. Now he participates in 5 derbies a year and also runs endureos, and often competes against his dad and grand dad.
Favorite car to derby: Mustang II
Advice for the rookies: Simply have fun
To learn more about Brents derby driven life, click on his picture and watch Derby News 31.
June 2011
Jennifer Mann
Massachusetts
Derby Driver Since 1993
Profession: On-Line Student Service Rep. for a nationally accredited career training school.
Jenn is a 3rd generation demolition derby driver. The tradition began with her grandfather Thomas Mann who drove back in the days of the Wild World of Sports at Islip Speedway in NY.
Growing up she enjoyed helping her dad with his derby cars and new one day she would be building and driving her own.
When she was just sixteen she got behind the wheel of a late sixties Dodge Polara and got it out into the arena. She remembered being extremely nervous until she made her first hit. After that it seemed to all come natural. She took a head on hit and smashed her nose on the steering wheel but that did not slow her down. She went on to take First Place in her heat and got 3rd in the Main Event.
Favorite car to derby: Chevy Lumina
How many derbies a year? 5 to 6
Jenn's advise for the rookies: "Have fun and try to learn something new from each experience. It's tough to keep your cool when things don't go your way so I'm working on keeping my temper down and taking things out on the track.
To hear more about Jennifer and her derby life, click on her picture and watch Derby News 30.
May 2011
Trek Coburn
Garland, Utah
Derby Driver Since 2007
Profession: Mechanic
Trek got into demolition derby by being part of his friends pit crew.
He was itching to get out into the arena so his friends dad sold him a 77 Buick Wagon for a 100 bucks. He got it out into the arena and proved to be a natural buy taking first in his heat and getting the Maddog Award in the main.
Since then Trek has participated in 4 to 6 derbies a year and has continued to prove his natural knack for the sport.
He had a good pit crew of his own which consisted of his two brother in-laws. Recently he has lost his pit crew to the derby bug. Seems to be a pattern here.
To learn more of Trek and his experience as a derby driver, watch Derby News 29. Just click on his picture to see the show.
April 2011
Keith Simon
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Derby Driver since 1992
Profession: HVAC Tech
Keith used to watch his cousin derby when he was a kid and knew then that was what he wanted to do. Before he was eligible to participate he helped build and pit.
He says demolition derby has become a family affair. His nephews have been helping him on his cars since the were able to walk and are now both derby drivers themselves.
Keith participates in 2 to 4 derbies a year all over the Shenandoah Valley.
Favorite cars to derby: 1974 - 1976 Chevy Impalas
Keith says VA is full of very competitive drivers and builders that keep you on your toes and he has been fortunate enough to meet and run with a lot of them over the years.
To hear more about Keith and his addiction to demolition derby tune into Derby News 28
March 2011
Aaron Roesler
Pierre, South Dakota
Derby Driver Since 1999
Profession: Dakota 2000 and Runnings Farm and Fleet
As the state rep. on wecrash.com, Arron helps keep the nation up to date with South Dakota's Demolition Derbies.
His favorite cars to derby are 79-91 Fords but prefers the Lincolns.
Aaron participates in two or three derbies a year and when he is not building, crashing, or working he enjoys spending time with the family in the great outdoors.
Some of his advise for the rookies: Keep this sport alive. Even if you don't have time to build a car or drive, help another driver out. Get in the pit and help, and go to every derby you can to watch. Most drivers are more than willing to let you help.
To find out more about Arron watch Derby News 27.
February 2011
Brandon Harper
Perryton, Texas
Derby Driver Since: 1998
Profession: Oil Rig Operator
Brandon is a second generation derby car driver. Growing up he would help his dad work on the cars. The first car he ever drove was one of his dads derby cars. As fate would have it, in 98 he put his up bringing to the test by entering the arena for the first time. That night he brought home an award for the best looking car and took fourth in the main. Since then he has been known to run in as many as nine derbies in a year.
Favorite Cars to Derby: 73 to 76 Chevy Wagons
Next Derby: Still undecided but he thinks it might be in Lamar County in April.
Brandon is part of a group called the Bad Boys Derby Team which consists of his good friends, Ardon, Zack, Ardon Jr., Bobby and Todd.
Advice for the Rookies: "Don't come into this sport thinking you know it all because you will learn something new every year. In this sport you will lose more than you will win so, have fun with it."
To learn more of Brandon's Derby Experience tune into Derby News 26.
January 2011
Mike Baker
Eastview, Kentucky
Derby Driver Since: 2000
Profession: Machining Group Leader for a Brake Manufacture
Mike Participates in Compact Demolition Derbies (also known as the 4 Cylinder Class or the Minis). He finds himself in the arena six to ten times a year and he didn't get the name "Madman" from sandbagging.
Mike and his wife Nicole derby together as the Southern Impact Racing Team. Nicole doesn't derby as much as she used to but stays closely involved by attending every local derby and filming them for the drivers.
Mike's favorite cars to derby are mostly front wheel drive GM's. He prefers Corsicas, Regals, and Cavaliers.
His advice for the rookies: Don't be cocky, pay attention to the little things (mechanically) and make those wheel shots.
He also added: You're not out to prove you can hurt someone rather that you are a great derby driver and builder. WFO (Wide F-N Open)
To find out more about Mike, watch Derby News 25
December 2010
Mike Stanek
Eagle Point, Oregon
Derby Driver since: 2003
Profession: Inspector of raw and fabricated material.
Mike has always been an auto enthusiast in fact, before Mike was introduced to Demolition Derby his passion was in the shop restoring and customizing vehicles to show quality.
Today he still has that same passion for beautiful cars and trucks and is a little reserved when picking out a car to derby but still claims he will derby anything if the price is right.
Mike created this website "bbddn.com" in 2009 and started the Booze Brothers youtube channel "bbitv". In addition to the youtube channel he created our show Derby News and his own show "How to Build that Derby Car according to Mike".
Mikes objective for creating the above mentioned, was to share our Derby experience, provide entry level advice to the newcomers, and reach out to the rest of the Nations Derby Drivers.
His advice to the Rookies: Read and follow the rules provided by the promoter, don't cheat, build a good car and make it look good for the fans, and have fun.
Find out more about Mike on Derby News 24
NOVEMBER 2010
Dave Agee 007
McArthur, California
Derby Driver since 1985
Profession: Tire Tech and Tow Truck Driver
Dave runs in three to four derbies a year and also participates in some boat races. Not the kind on the water but the kind you drag behind your car without a trailer.
He pretty much builds year round. His family supports his habit and his son has recently entered the game as well.
Dave's favorite car's to derby are 72 to 76 Chevy Impala's
His advice for the rookies is: Find a good car and just have some fun with your friends.
Find out more about Dave and his derby addiction on Derby News 23.
OCTOBER 2010
Jerry Atwater
Punkin, Colorado
Derby Driver since 2001
Profession: 20 years as a Farmer / Rancher, and 12 years with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Jerry's first derby was at the El Paso County Fair back in 2001. He had always been a fan of demolition derby and wanted to give it a try. So he got out in the arena and got destroyed. From then on, it was a personal challenge to continue to improve his game.
He doesn't have a particular preference on which vehicles to derby. As long as they look like they'll hold up. He has derbied a variety of cars and just this year he built his first truck, a 75 Chevy. His next car will be a 72 Buick Electra and he will be running it at the Lincoln County Fair next Fall.
Advice for the rookies: Watch and learn from the veterans.
He also added; "This is a family sport. Even if you don't have much family. Your friends that are like family step up to help get this done."
Jerry: We will check back with you next Fall to see how that Electra held up.
Thanks for being a part of the NDDR.
Learn more of Jerry and his derby experience on Derby News 22.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Seth Misner AKA: CRAZY COOTER
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Derby Driver since 2001
Profession: Tow Truck Driver
Seth’s first derby was in 2001. He drove a 1985 Chevy Caprice Wagon, which he claims to be a big mistake. He quickly got over the Caprice and moved on to more derbies. These days he participates in 5 to 8 derbies a year and does more when time permits. He participates in the V8 class and the Compacts. His favorite cars to derby are 72 – 76 Caddy’s and in the compact class he like to run Pintos and Zephyrs.
His wife helps strip and paint his cars and his cousin Adam helps out in the pits. Adam also derbies with Seth and they call them self's the Buckeye Boys.
Their crew consists of Jeff Paxton, Nick, James, and Bob Winkler.
When Seth is not building or crashing derby cars, he likes to play baseball and spend time with his family.
His advice for the rookies: Double check all your wiring and all the small stuff that will bite you in the end and put you out.
Quote: "If I catch you candbagging, you're my main goal."
AUGUST 2010
Travis Schmidt
Mott, North Dakota
Profession: Manufacturing / Welder
Travis is fairly new to the sport but has been obsessed with it for as long as he can remember. He finally got tired of just being a spectator and decided to get into the game. He bought a 1974 Chrysler Newport, built it with some help from his dad, took it to the derby, got 3rd in his heat, 1st in the consi and finished 8th out of 21 cars in the main.
He is already planning his next derby and purchased another Newport for the 2011 season
Rookie to Rookie advice: Study the cars and how they bend, and have fun.
Travis: Welcome to the sport. We can see you are well on your way for a serious addiction to destroying derby cars. We hope you stick with it. New blood is exactly what we need to keep this sport alive.
JULY 2010
David Shook
Claremore, Oklahoma
Derby Driver since 1996
Profession: Service Supervisor (Gaming Machines)
David grew up watching his dad's friend (Ed Foster) run in derbies.
Back in 1996. Ed helped David get into the game by assisting in the build of his first derby car, a 1975 Ford LTD.
These days he participates in 4 to 6 derbies a year and even runs some enduros in between.
David has been married for 13 years. They have a 2 year old son and a new addition due July 1st. His wife helps paint his cars, keeps him motivated and helps keep the derby budget in check.
His favorite cars to derby are 74 - 78 Chrysler sedans and wagons.
When David is not working on the cars he enjoys riding quads and spending time with his family.
His advice for the rookies: Keep it fun. Pay attention to the small things when building your cars, because those will be the things that take you out.
If you have a wife and kids, make sure you reserve time for them. Because if mama ain't happy, no one is.
David's next derby will be in Fort Smith, Arkansas, July 24th. He will be running a 77 Chrysler New Yorker.
David: Good luck on the 24th and congratulations on your new arrival.
JUNE 2010
Kevin Gilroy
Phoenix, Arizona
Derby Driver since 2003
Profession: Welder, Cutter, Operator
Sometimes good things come from unfortunate circumstances. For instance, Kevin's first derby was a last minute deal. His brother hurt his back and was unable to drive so Kevin filled in for him. They had a partially built 79 Diplomat which still had most of the interior in it. He got it together the best he could and got it out into the arena. With interior components flying all over and the radio blasting by his face, he got most aggressive driver for the heat and took sixth in the main.
Now he participates in four to seven derbies a year and he even got his wife to build and drive her own derby car.
Even when rough times came his way and he was considering getting out of the game, his wife convinced him to stay in it and his friends Jason and David gave him a car.
Great to have the support from your wife and good friends to help you up when you're down.
His favorite car to derby is a 72 Deville or anything cheap.
Kevin's next derby will be at the Arizona State Fair, November 5th, 6th, and 7th.
His advice for the rookies: Make sure you have a good running engine and never stand still.
Kevin: We are glad to see you're still in it. Keep it up!
MAY 2010
Caleb Bowman AKA realconcrete
Ludington, Michigan
3rd generation Derby Driver since 2000
Profession: Scrap hauler, welder, concrete equipment operator
Caleb's enthusiasm toward Demolition Derby is inspiring. He participates in about three derbies a year and also drives in figure eight and off road races. There is no off season for Caleb. He practically builds one car after another, all year long.
In addition to building and driving, he also has his own youtube channel which is pretty much an ongoing Blog of Caleb's builds, derby cars, derbies, parts, and every day experiences from work to hanging out with good friends. Check it out http://www.youtube.com/realconcrete
When he is not building or derbin he loves to go hunting and fishing with his kids. He hopes his boys will carry on the family tradition and wreck the cars of the future. As do we.
His advice to the rookies: "The crowd likes a hard hittin fool better than a sandbaggin winner."
Caleb's next adventure is an off road race May 22nd in Allegan County Michigan. It is part of a points system with championship derbies in the Fall. If you want to know more of this series go to http://www.unique-motor-sports.com
Nice work Caleb, keep it up. We hope you put together a video describing your first derby experience and your encounter with Rich Duggan. It is a great story, which would be best described by you.
APRIL 2010
Shane Barrett
Milton, West Virginia
Derby Driver since 2005
Profession: Brick Layer
Being a Derby Driver wasn't really in the plans for Shane until one day a friend of his happen to have an extra derby car and asked him if he wanted to drive it. Naturally he couldn't resist and shortly there after he found himself out in the arena in an 86 Dippy. He ended up with fifth in the feature and that was all it took to to convince him he would be a Derby Driver from that day forward.
From time to time he gets help from his friends on the builds. But for the most part he say he's just a lone ranger when it comes to derby-n.
Sometimes you just get more accomplished on your own.
Shane's favorite cars to derby are 70's New Yorkers or any older Mopar.
His next derby will be at the Cabell County Fair in July and he will be driving an 84 Chrysler Diplomat.
Shane's advice for the rookies: Keep your eyes peeled for a good shot and keep the hammer down.
Shane: A Proust to your buddy who got you into this. Its important that we Derby Drivers continue to recruit new drivers into this sport. Stick with it brother and good luck in July.
MARCH 2010
Jeremy Graves
Zephyrhills, Florida
Derby Driver since 2003
Profession: 12 year Heavy-Duty Wrecher Operator
It all started when Jeremy heard the Sunshine Speedway was having a $1000.00 to win derby. He found himself a 78 Cadi, made it out into the arena, made two hits and lost the coil wire. Without discouragement, two weeks later, he took the same car to the Eastbay Raceway and took 3rd.
These days he participates in anywhere from 8 to 12 derbies a year in addition to many other novelty races such as boat races, backwards, enduros, and flag pole races.
Jeremy gets plenty of help and support from his daughters and wife. His daughters often help build and paint and for Valentine's Day this year his wife bought him a 76 Pontiac Cantakina. She also participated in her first derby this year at the Pasco County Fair.
Jeremy's next derby will be on April 24th in Hernando County
Rookie advice: Stay away from the hard cars but look at them before and after the shows.
Safety should always be your first concern. Make friends with competitors and people with connections for cars and parts.
Jeremy wants to mention the Deadsleds Demo Derby Team: Tara, Cody, Mike, Eugene, Froggy, Ralph, Lorie, Steph, and Jen.
Right on Jeremy! Looks like you're a true auto sport enthusiast.
Deadsleds: Get registered and represent Florida State! We know there are more than two Derby Drivers in Florida. Let's get it goin.
FEBRUARY 2010
Joe Zill
Mt Juliet, Tennessee
Derby Driver since 2000
Profession: Tire Service and Sales
Ten years ago Joe found it all. He started his career with Discount Tire, found the woman he will soon marry (Heidi), and had his derby debut.
At that time he was also working for Total Recall (a junk yard out of Michigan). His boss (Tom) talked him into derbin an 88 Cadillac. He didn't fare to well in the derby but it was enough to get him hooked. Now days he does about two derbies a year.
His Favorite cars to derby are 80's Crown Vic's and Mercury Grand Marquise's.
Advice for the rookies: Find a good running car and try not to get in over you're head.
And if you have a late 80's Caddy, watch out for those full weld roundbacks.
Next Derby: April in Lafayette Tennessee
Joe: Congrats on the engagement, and good luck in April. Let us know how it went.
JANUARY 2010
Kory H. Paro Sr.
Sandy Creek, New York (Oswego County)
Derby Driver since 1983
Profession: Mechanic
Kory has been married for 22 years to Laurie and they have two sons, Kory Jr., and Even, who also hold their own in the arena.
He started derbin when he was 18 with the help of his brother and friends who had been involved in derbies for as long as he could remember. They got together and got him his first car, a 73 Buick. After that he was hooked and since tries to do at least 2 derbies a year.
His favorite cars to derby are , 74 - 78 Doba's (Crysler Cordoba's) and 73 - 76 Clamshell's (GM Wagon's)
Kory is part of the Paro Motor sports Crew which consists of him self, his two brothers, his nephews, and his two sons. Good O'l family affair.
His advice to the rookies; Get a good helmet, good neck brace, strap in tight, hold on and have fun.
Kory wishes everyone a good 2010 season and hopes to meet some good people along the way.
Kory: We wish you the same for 2010 and as for meeting some good people along the way, we believe we just did.
DECEMBER 2009
TEFFANY KOCH
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (Formerly from Urbana, IN.
Derby Driver since 1995
Profession: Network Engineer – AKA Network Nerd
Teffany is married to Jason Koch No.19, she says he eats, sleeps and breaths derby and is responsible for her involvement in derbies. (proving it's contagious) It seems he has infected the whole family with the derby bug. Teffany said their kids love derby just as much as they do. She found it hard to describe how proud she was to see her son drive in his first show this year and to see Jason jumping up and down with the biggest smile on his face.
She participates in only one or two derbies a year mainly because she isn't really into the building aspect of it and doesn't feel right asking for more than that..
Her favorite cars to derby are Crown Vic's, Lincolns, and Old Iron Electras.
Teffany would like to say thanks to all who have made it possible for her to enjoy Demolition Derby as much as she does. Especially Jason Koch, David Merrell, James Ozenbaugh, Git-r-Bent and her family.
Lastly she added ~ RULE #19 ALWAYS APPLIES when Koch is on the track!
Teffany: We admire you're families extraordinary passion for the sport of Demolition Derby.
Kevin: We are glad to see you’re still in it. Keep it up!
