Demolition derby is a smash
Event draws 125 vehicles
Staff photo by Fritz Busch Kyle Bethke hits the pumpkins for extra cash at the Pumpkin Smash Saturday.
Nicholas Kokesch of Evan smiles after winning the limited weld truck heat at the Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby at the Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch There was lots of flames and smoke in the limited weld car heat.
Scott Christensen of Le Center smiles after winning the limited weld car heat at the Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby at the Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch Kyle Bethke hits the pumpkins for extra cash at the Pumpkin Smash Saturday.
Nicholas Kokesch of Evan smiles after winning the limited weld truck heat at the Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby at the Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch There was lots of flames and smoke in the limited weld car heat.
Scott Christensen of Le Center smiles after winning the limited weld car heat at the Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby at the Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday.
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NEW ULM -- Scott Christensen of Le Center had a face full of mud, sweat covered his shirt and he had red antifreeze burns on his arms after winning the limited weld truck heat at the Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby at the Brown County Fairgrounds Saturday.
Officials said there were 125 vehicles at the demolition derby that lasted more than four hours. The Brown County Free Fair Board hosted the event, believed to be the biggest in recent years.
Drivers won extra cash by smashing pumpkins at the start of each heat and by being named the hardest hitter.
"It was a hard derby, but it was put on well," said Christensen, who drove a 1974 Chrysler Town & Country station wagon with a 318 engine to victory over more than 20 other vehicles.
Clark Velzke was second and Jason Pagel was third.
Nicholas Kokesch of Evan won the limited weld truck division for the second consecutive year, driving a 2000 Ford Super Duty with a 350 Chevy motor. Kelby Meiners of Lamberton was second and Ben Trautmiller was third.
“I don't spend a lot of money on demolition derbies. I run for fun," said Kokesch.
Jason Wiese of Pipestone won the 80s and newer class. He also won heats at the Brown County Fair in August. His fleet includes a 1991 Ford Crown Victoria with a GM 350 engine and a 1987 Lincoln Continental with a Corvette LS 3 motor. Wiese admitted he has $10,000 invested in one demo derby car engine alone.
Skyler Prokop, 20, of Thurston, Nebraska was second, riding about 230 miles to New Ulm for the derby. She's been competing in demolition derbies since she was a teenager.
"I like building up the cars. It's fun making a lot of new friends too that often help," she added. "People at the derby are nicer here too."
A man from Richland, Nebraska reached the longest ride award, traveling 240 miles to New Ulm for the derby.
Tegan Miller won the Youth division, Kaden Berg Ruehling was second and Clayton Decker was third.
Jason Hirschman won the midsize class. Caleb Peterson was second and Jaden Frank was third.
Joey Brelski won the mighty mini class. Michael McDermott was second and Rick Kunk was third.