This causes the competition area to become muddy, which helps to slow the vehicles. Most demolition derbies are held on dirt tracks, or in open fields, that are usually soaked with water. The driver's door is often required to be painted white with black numbers or blaze orange, or with contrasting colors, for visibility. At almost all derbies, attempts are made to make the event safer, all glass is removed from the vehicles, and deliberately ramming a driver's-side door area is forbidden.
Drivers are typically required to sign a waiver to release the promoter of an event from liability. An example of a demolition derby injury is chronic whiplash pain, often characterized by migraines. In demolition derbies, although serious injuries are rare, they do happen. In the UK and parts of Europe, demolition derbies (sometimes called "destruction derbies") are often held at the end of a full day of banger racing. For example, Australia's first demolition derby took place in January 1963. Demolition derbies originated in the United States and quickly spread to other Western nations. The last driver whose vehicle is still operational is awarded the victory. While rules vary from event to event, the typical demolition derby event consists of five or more drivers competing by deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another. Attendance at the event ranges from 2,000-4,000 spectators.ĭemolition derby is a non-racing motorsport usually presented at county fairs and festivals. This annual event is held on three successive nights each August, with approximately 100 automobiles entered each night. Competition at the West End Fair Demolition Derby, Gilbert, Pennsylvania.