Smack 'em up derby brings out the regulars

Mike Nicoletti of Lisle couldn't wait Sunday to destroy the 1993 Volvo station wagon he recently bought off Craigslist.

He spent two weeks removing the door panels and windows, dressing it up with bright colors and getting it ready for the International Demolition Derby at the DuPage County Fair.

"It's a shame we're breaking it because it was in really good shape when we got it," Nicoletti said jokingly.

"We're hoping that benefits us."

Sunday's event featured five heats, or competitions involving about eight cars, along with minicars, trucks and grudge categories.

International Demolition Derby co-owner Nicki Nelson said last year 17 cars registered.

This year, 42 cars and three trucks registered.

Nelson said many different groups worked together to increase the participation.

"We work together as a team to give these guys a good show," Nelson said.

During the derby, the crowd and cars zooming around on mud were roaring with excitement.

Leo Lang of Schaumburg, who's participated in DuPage County's demolition derby for the past 15 years, competed in his 1974 Chevrolet Malibu, the same car he used last year.

His favorite part was when he sped into another car from across the dirt field and rammed into it so hard the other car ended up diagonally on top of Lang's.

"I just go out to have fun," Lang said.

Nick Lagro of Glen Ellyn, who attended the event Sunday and in 2007, said demolition is key to the derby's appeal.

"I like to see them catch on fire," he said.

Demolition Derby winners

Forty-five vehicles signed up to smash the competition in this year's derby, Winers include:

Feature contest: Michael Newgent, Souht Bend, Ind., first; Brian Ellingsworth, Plainfield, second; Brad Ellingsworth, Bolingbrook, third.

Afternoon event, Heat 1: Michael Newgent, South Bend, Ind.; Brian Ellingsworth, Plainfield; Jeremy Fogus, Michigan City, Ind.

Heat 2: George Winkler, Wheaton; Christ Ricker, Kingston; Greg Cinert, Winfield.

Heat 3: Brad Ellingsworth, Bolingbrook; Robert Moore, Lombard; David Cody, LaPorte, Ind.

Heat 4: Joseph Jackson, Carol Stream; Jason Schultz, Peotone; Randy Slomka, Addison.

Heat 5: Roger Streeting, LaPorte, Ind.

Evening derby, Heat 1: Dan Green, Garden Prairie, Ill.; Tim Haase, Hampshire; Leo Lang, Schaumburg.

Mini cars: Dan Kindlon, Sudbury, Mass, first place; David Rajeck, Wayne, second; Jacob Brozman, Woodridge, third.

Trucks: Darren Heckel, LaPorte, Ind., first; Glenn Schneegas, LaPorte, Ind., second; Kyle Haight, Lake Zurich, third.

Grudge Match winner: Robert Moore, Lombard.