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Derby expected to draw crowd at 2013 Schomberg Fair

May 2, 2013   ·   0 Comments

A low resounding rumble starts to erupt from the heart of Schomberg and then it continues to grow as the  roars can be heard out to Highway 27.

The crowd stands, hearts start to beat fast and cheers start to grow, as the anticipation peaks. As the flag drops the action begins.

The annual Schomberg Agriculture Demolition Derby takes place on the Friday night of the last weekend in May, marking the official opening of the Schomberg Fair.

The demolition derby started back in the 1970s with a pit that fit about 6 cars and that was squared off using hydro poles and massive logs. Here we are about 25 years later and the largest car accident this side of the county line is still going strong.

During the winter months, the search starts for the vehicle that will be the one to enter the demo derby and be strong enough to handle all the bump and bruises it will take. There are many garages, sheds and barns that have  taken in vehicles  as the drivers and pit crews start to debate, and plan  out  work on them as they decide what they will  have to  do to the vehicle to give them  the edge to help it withstand the bumps and smacks it will take once it enters the pit.

Since the conception of the demolition derby in 1975, there has been many changes in the pit area. Safety is one of the main concerns of the SAS and they have taken steps over the years to ensure the safety of not only the drivers, but the spectators as well.

In 2011 the SAS did a full reconstruction of the demolition pit. Drainage,  lighting, barriers and the increase of pit size were all looked at and reconstructed. The pit now measures 20 by 50.  By in creasing the pit it gives the cars room to move around and to allow more cars in. This improvement saw the heats go longer and give the crowd more of what they came to see.

The Society is always trying to bring something new to the derby for entertainment value for the crowd.  In 2011 they introduced the mini van class. Drivers and spectators soon found out  it was hard to kill a van and this heat lasted about 10 minutes. In 2012, the pickup truck invitational heat was added and this brought many hoots and hollers.

In 2012, it was Mallory Groombridge and her little red sports car that stole the hearts of the crowd.  People chanted her name as she move through the pit escaping the hits or delivering a big blow to her competitors. It was hard to hear Joe Skully the announcer when Mallory was in the pit as the crowd cheered for her. Mallory came 3rd but in all the crowd’s mind she was first.

Mallory’s not the only one who can capture the hearts of the crowd, some of the cars that take on transformations  and change their look from a Chev wagon to the Terminator, or a Hyundai  turns into Zombie the Rolling Dead can soon become favorites of the crowds and receive their cheers  and support throughout the evening.

The Society is calling all drivers to sign up for the 2013 derby. Go to www.schombergfair.com and pull off a registration form and fill it out and send it in and save $10 on your entry fee. If you have any questions about what you can or can not do to your car Call Mark at Jessop’s Garage, 905-939-4644 and he will help you out.

By Mark Pavilons

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