NORTH BATTLEFORD - You might say the new-look stand-alone demolition derby at the Battlefords Ag Society grounds was a “smashing success.”
The grandstand was full for the event Sept. 11. It was the first go for the demolition derby as a stand-alone event, as the event usually highlights the final night of North West Territorial Days on the track at the north end of the grounds.
Here is a look at how things unfolded on the day. The top four finishers were as follows:
fourth - Brandon Seesiquasis No. 278 - $350;
third - Daulton Poitras No. 1919 - $1,000;
second - Darren Poitras Sr No. 1-1/2 - $1,500; and
first - Steve Oborowsky No. 700 - $2,500.
Finishing first in the mini heat was Ray Russell No. 99 winning $1,000.
Other prizes were as follows:
Best Dressed - Darcy Savoie No. 33/55 (memorial car for Lawrence Oborowsky);
Most Aggressive - Will Kress No. 88 (mini compact car);
Hardest Hit - Markell Lang No. 494; and
Rookie of the Year - Cody Kalyn No. 91;
Powder Puff winner was Cynthia Thorpe No. 34D.
The event began with announcers asking for a moment of silence for Lawrence Oborowsky and Ken “Smitty” Smith. Afterwards, the afternoon was filled with action.
In addition to full-size cars, a new barrel racing event was introduced where cars had to do a best time lap around three barrels, similar to chuckwagon racing.
Ron “Doc” Parkinson had the fastest time and took the barrel racing trophy.
A mini compact car event was also introduced, which proved popular.
The finals saw Steve Oborowsky emerge as the winner for his second title in a row.
“We couldn't have asked for a better day to have this stand alone event," says organizer Greg Korpach.
"The weather co-operated, and we had a packed grandstand with nearly 1,800 in attendance. There was huge excitement around the newly added events and many feel the compact mini heat stole the show.
"If anybody is interested in next year’s event, the derby committee will be having a driver’s meeting at the Ag Society office on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
"Thank you to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers.”
