The Pumpkin Smash is a last season demolition derby. It is one of the last derbies of the year and brings in drivers from across southern Minnesota. The derby gets is name from the pumpkin that is set in the middle of the arena before each heat. The first driver to smash the pumpkin at the center of the arena receives an additional $50.

The first derby of the afternoon was the youth division. Third place went to Carson Dezeeuw, followed by Bryson Dolly in second and Cory Crews in first. The first pumpkin smash of the derby was credited to 13-year-old RJ Timmerman. This was only the second derby for Timmerman. Though he was the first to smash the pumpkin, his vehicle was disabled shortly after.

In the Compact division, KaLicia Strassburg finished third, with Isaac Holland in second and Jared Kahn in first. The pumpkin smash was credited to Max Stevensen.

The Van division featured 21 vehicles. Dominic Will took third, followed by Colton Hewitt in second and Kyle Bathke in first. The pumpkin was smashed by Jordan Zimmerman.

Staff photos by Clay Schuldt A special trunk or treat event was held for the kids before the Pumpkin Smash. Young Myela Pitts takes some candy from Robert Sundberg’s bucket. Sunberg competed in the “Guts-N-Go” divison of the Pumpkin Smash. Myela was joined in the Trunk or Treat by her brother Dominick, sister Faith and mother Jennifer Pitts.

Bathke is from Waseca and has participated in several Pumpkin Smashes. He typically competes in van derbies around southern Minnesota. He said the secret to winning in vans is to use the back end all day. He said this victory was a great highlight to end the season.

In the Guts-N-Go Truck division, Alex Dauer finished third, followed by Cody Winfield and Kolton Kuhlman in first. Zach Lundstrom smashed the pumpkin.

Kuhlman is from Sauk Centre and said this first time he has participated in the pumpkin smash in five years, though he did win in his division last time. Kuhlman was humble about his victory, saying winning in a demo derby is 90% luck and maybe 10% driving.

In the Midsize division, Riley Huls took third, followed by Chase Kerkhoff in second and Jaden Frank in first. Austin Friedrich took out the pumpkin.

In ’80’s Stock, James Link finished third, Lyle Doughtery took second and Nick Schroeder won first. Jacob Etzler managed to hit the pumpkin first.

Below, drivers compete in the van.

The Limited Weld Truck division featured the most vehicles with 26. Third place went to Nate Mittendorf, second Gunner Brooks and Chase Kerkhoff won first. Jay Vargo was credited with hitting the pumpkin.

The Limited Weld Cars division had 22 vehicles. Third place went to Tom Sterns, Nick Richardson finished second and Jack Hauk won the derby of the night. Ben Trautmiller managed to hit the last pumpkin of the 2024 derby.