Driving a 1996 Toyota Camry, Denton finished first. Kali was second, driving a 2001 Camry.

Denton, who owns a trucking company, said he enjoys competing in demolition derbies as much as he enjoys truck driving throughout the Midwest.

“It’s fun,” he said after winning the heat.

Denton admitted he was injured in a demolition derby once, when his ankle was jammed into the brake pedal.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch The Brown County Fair demolition derby Saturday included a competitive old iron heat. From left, Jason Rewitzer (10), collided with Brandon Hale (44). Gary Conrad (41) is in the foreground. Hale won the heat, Conrad placed second and Rewitzer was third.

Kali Strassburg said if given a choice, her husband prefers a demolition derby over truck driving.

“It’s a blast. An adrenaline rush and fun meeting new people,” Kali said. “He usually wins. He’s competed in more derbies than I have.”

Robert Engelking of St. James finished third and Clayton Wiltscheck was fourth in the compact heat. Denton Strassburg was named hardest hitter.

Chance Pipe won the midsize heat. Austin Cubbage was second, Jesse Bue third and hardest hitter.

Jason Weise won the 80s heat. Justin Reinarts was second, Ryan Wiltscheck third and Brian Hanson was fourth. Luke Plaisance was named hardest hitter.

Brandon Hale won a very competitive old iron heat. Gary Conrad was second, Jason Rewitzer third, Jon Brand fourth and was named hardest hitter.

The pickup trucks heat was lengthy and hard-fought, too. Joe Klinkner was first, Marcus Lang second, Parker Neid third, Kyle Christensen fourth and Colton Engholm was named hardest hitter.