For What Its Worth

Demolition Derby notes

Use all comments at your own risk.  Been in two DDs in my younger days. Did fairly well.

The Car

Caddys don't do well, they are big tanks, but too much stuff to hang up.
 
Also many big cars with big blocks die quickly, no crush room around engine.
 
In my day... 63 Ford galaxy with a small v8 was a sure winner. 18 inches of crush before you got to the engine. Dodge darts with a slant six weren't bad either.

Prep the Car 

• Remove fan spacers and go to smaller fans if possible.
• Lots of stop leak.
• A/C and smog pump can go or have a missing fan belt if allowed. Power steering is a plus if it is snug against the engine.
• Automatic, cable floor shift is best.
• Set the idle high. You don't want it quiting when it gets hot and you shift f-r-f.
• Brakes must work. You don't want to hit drivers doors.
• Run a wire for the throttle so you can run it by hand if needed. I was second in one derby idling around as a target once the linkage broke. Big heavy return spring also. You don't want it stuck at full throttle either, it doesn't shift well that way.
• Put the battery in trunk behind rear seat if allowed. Bolt it down. You don't want it bouncing around in the passenger compartment with you.
• %95 flat tire or other support/cushioning behind the drivers seat, horizontal, for back rest support. The back of the seat often gives up. Falling on your back and hitting/driving your head on the back seat can be deadly.
• Panaramic rear view mirror. Bolted down tight
• Gas tanks that are under the trunk and behind the rear bumper can and do fall out. Can it be replaced with a fuel cell or a smaller, more secure one?

Driving

Practice backing up a lot.

Don't hold the steering wheel tight, it can break your wrists if your front tires are hit. Keep your thumbs/hands out of the inside of the wheel also. Racing technique with hands on the outside of the wheel only. If you have bad steering wheel habits, practice them away. You work by habit in the heat of the battle.
 
Square hits are fun, but putting either side of the rear bumper into the car at a 30-45 degree angle on the front tire can really mess up their steering, then they are a target.
 
Aim, front lug nut, center of radiator etc. Keep your aim point small. A slightly slower well aimed hit is more effective.
 
Last, are they serious about safety rules? Will they immediately stop the derby and throw out anyone hitting drivers doors? The only thing left between me and a bumper was the upholstery liner in one derby.

GET A SPONSOR TO PAY FOR IT ALL! Winning aint cheap.

HAVE FUN

Happy Motoring, VHubbard.  May 2009

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