A sell-out crowd of 1,200 watched the first-ever demolition derby at last year’s Oconto County Fair, and organizers are hoping for another crowd pleaser this year.
The track area was enlarged in 2012, providing room for the demolition derby for the first time in fair history.
“People go to races to see action, and they like to see cars crash,” said race organizer Dennis Piepkorn. “In a demolition race, that’s exactly what it is.”
Piepkorn, of Suring, has been involved with racing for 30 years, but it’s his first year organizing the fair derby. His No. 1 goal is to make the experience fun for the audience.
“I want to be there for the fans. I do it because I love it,” he said.
The Oconto County Fair derby is part of a points championship event, along with derbies at Gillett’s Fourth of July celebration and Suring’s Labor Day celebration.
Five cars competed in the Fourth of July derby, but participation in the fair derby won’t be known until the day of the event. The Suring Labor Day derby, now in its fifth year, has drawn as many as 27-43 entries.
Only a couple cars competed in last year’s fair event, but Piepkorn predicted more will enter this year.
“We’re hoping it will be a good turnout. We know it’s just getting started,” he said.
Classes include stock and limited modified heats in full-sized car, compact/midsize car, and pickup trucks/van classes. Combine heats will be included if there are sufficient entries. Prize purse is guaranteed at $500 in the limited modified class and is based on the number of entries in the other classes. Entry fee is $50 per vehicle in each division. The points champion receives free entry into next year’s events.
For rules and further information, contact Piepkorn at 920-590-1680 or pipncs@gmail.com.
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