Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
On Saturday, August 10, several Craig County folks could be found in Wytheville attending the Appalachian Destruction, a derby that is held at the Apex Center and hosted by Carolina Derby Promotions and Millbridge Speedway.
The Speedway hosted a derby in February, and the new Craig County Lawnmower Derby contestants knew they had scheduled one in August.
“As the sun beat down in the pits, many drivers were making last-minute adjustments or just gearing up for a fun-filled evening,” Danielle Snider said. Danielle is the wife of Tim Snider, who helped their daughter build her derby lawnmower, as well as assisted other kids with theirs.
She added, “The night began with a Power Wheels Derby. Trever Fisher represented Craig County with his black #21 Troublemaker. After having his dad, Donnie Fisher, haul his car into the building with his own matching derby car, double exhaust pipes and all, Trever was ready for action. After showing no mercy in the ring, he proudly took home the first-place trophy.”
Up next was the Youth Lawnmower Derby. Several drivers were from Craig County: Carter Givens with Sharkbite, Holley Givens with Cowabunga, Erin Snider with Hey Shenequa #28 and Will Huffman with Mean Green Derby Machine #3. Robert Foutz, who drove Batman #38, was also in attendance, but didn’t get to compete because of unforeseen mower issues.
Although they were hoping to have a bigger turnout, the four of them still put on a show.
Metal crashed and memories were made as the top three as Snider won first place, Huffman came in second and Givens placed third.
“It was fun competiting in a new place, but wherever we derby, it’s fun going against my cousins. Participating in lawnmower derbies are one of my new favorite things to do,” Snider said.
Snider added, “Because Carter and Holley are siblings and cousins to Erin and Will, these derbies will be something they will remember and talk about for years to come. Derbies are in their blood and have been passed down through the generations. Some have already said that as soon as they’re old enough, they’ll retire their lawnmowers for a real derby car.”
Also, representing Craig in the actual car heats, was Daniel Givens, Donnie Fisher, Ethan Brown, Cory Trivette and Charlie Foutz, who took home the win.
Danielle Snider contributed to this article.
