Though the small compact cars are considered ones to give a lesser power hit, these cars seemed to prove that thought wrong at a recent derby in Craig County. There was no hesitation on any of the drivers to put their “foot to the pedal.” The smashing was intense. Buck Wild got three hits at once that pushed him into the wall. The judges for the night were Paul Welch, BJ Oliver, Jesse Bradford and Mike Ashley. Photo by Pam DuddingChad Ryan – 44 came in from behind, pushing Zachary Peters -17 into the wall and around. Then, Charlie Fountz – 38 joined in as he came in from the front, giving Peters another hit. After each heat, some cars had to be taken out by the backhoe drivers, Speedy Wright, Dennis Givens and Austin Underwood. Photo by Pam DuddingFour top drivers from each heat entered the finale. Dylan Pullium – Buck Wild, Mike Regal – 819, Charlie Foutz – 38, Grant Oliver – 07, Zachary Peters – 17, Taylor Cadd – 03, Robert Foutz – 69 and Chad Ryan – 44. Chris Boyd – 88x came into the ring at the last minute for the finale. He gave the final hits to Ryan for the win. Ryan placed second and Peters placed third. Photo by Pam DuddingThe Big Car heat brought the crowd shouting as the drivers rammed one another, busting radiators, pulling off car parts and racing engines. Mud was slung into the air and speckled spectators and vehicles. Even the drivers came away covered. The Upper Craig Creek Fire Department did a great job in wetting the ring down. Photo by Pam DuddingDaniel Givens – 23 and Gavin Whorley – 09 met bumper to bumper a few times during the big car heat. When it was all over, Givens took first place, Whorley – second and Blake Pike – 777 took third. Photo by Pam Dudding.
