Greene County Fair’s demolition derby needs you

By Mary Alice Blackwell

Published: August 8, 2008

Did you ever have a big desire to get into a car and ram into something?
Well, you’re in luck.
You have until 5 p.m. Saturday to sign up for the Demolition Derby at the Greene County Fair.
According to the folks at Stoney Roberts Promotions, there are still openings for about 20 more cars in what has become a popular spectator sport at the Stanardsville fairgrounds.
But before you rev up that BMW, you might want to check out the rules.
No possums allowed.
I swear, I am not making this up.
A possum is a driver who does not hit a “live” car within a certain time limit.
You can’t hide. If you don’t hit something, they’ll pull you out.
Of course, you will have to pass inspection before they put you in.
The trunk must be cleaned out.
And ... there are other little requirements. Take out the windshield, put in a firewall, cut a hole in the hood so they can see if there is fire inside.
There are many, many other words in the rules that I don’t understand, such as “850 cold cranking amps.”
But here’s one I understand:
Drivers must wear pants ... and long sleeves.
Again, I am not making this up.
The best way to really find out what to do is log on to the Web site — http:\\
greenecountyfair.tripod.com/schedule.htm.
You can download an entry form and all the rules and regulations.
Just so you know, no hearses, ambulances, convertibles, SUVs, rear-engine autos, Jeeps or Chrysler Imperials will be allowed to compete.
Otherwise, grab your favorite mechanic, fill out your form and bring the $25 entry fee.
There are trophies and a “guaranteed” cash purse of $1,000 for the winner. The rest, well, it’s your chance to vent, or dent or get bent.
Better, still, maybe you might just want to go watch.
The derby starts at 7 p.m., and spectator tickets are $10, free for children younger than 10.
The rest of the fair officially opens Tuesday with softer things to look at like rabbits and sheep and cow patty bingo.
I’ll be checking out the real pie-eating contest.