Better buckle up

Drivers will hit and smash into each other at the demolition derby, which concludes the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 27.

Proceeds from the derby will be given back to the community.

Derby organizers John Goedde and Ron Branson made the derby a nonprofit organization so the $2,500 to $3,000 raised each year could be distributed in Kootenai County. Proceeds in the past have provided a $1,000 scholarship at North Idaho College, Christmas fund-raisers and programs at Coeur d'Alene schools and local hospice organizations.

"Our mission is to help fund educational and philanthropic ventures," Goedde said.

Goedde and Branson are two of the flaggers and timers for the event. A driver is eliminated when his car does not move or when he does not hit anyone for two minutes. The winner is the driver of the car that made the last contact and can move at least 12 inches in any direction.

"I have never driven in a derby," Goedde said. "I guess it is more exciting to be outside the cars."

The derby attracts an average of 25 to 35 drivers of varying skill levels. Not all drivers are from Kootenai County. Some are from Montana and Washington.

"It is always a kick to be part of an event with that kind of crowd," Goedde said.

Stan Pope of Garwood, Idaho, began derby driving six years ago at age 23. He became interested in derbies when a friend asked him to help build a car.

"I've always been a car fanatic," Pope said. "My first derby was just exhilarating. Everything you're told not to do on the road, you're allowed to do in a derby."

He participates in about five derbies a year including the Lewiston, North Idaho and Spokane fairs. Pope, who races mainly Fords, said he prefers two-door Lincolns. His "dream" derby car is a Chrysler Imperial. Pope's plan of attack at derbies is to always go after a Chrysler Imperial first because he says those are the toughest cars.

"The excitement is just about the same now as the first derby," he said.

Pope has never won a derby, but he has won trophies and has placed several times. He wears a helmet and fire suit for protection. He has only had one engine fire and has not been injured in a derby. His only scare was when his Cadillac rolled over on its side.

Pope won the best looking car at the 1999 North Idaho Fair with a two-tone, black-and-blue striped car with a checkerboard design down the center.

Jay Corbin of Coeur d'Alene uses Chryslers as derby cars. The derby at this year's fair will be Corbin's 85th since he began racing in 1985. He has won 16 first-place awards.

Corbin vividly remembers his first derby.

"I must have made 30 trips to the bathroom. I was nervous," he said.

He didn't win until 1993. And though he's never been injured in a derby, Corbin said, "I've had my bell rung a few times."

Corbin puts 30 to 40 hours of preparation into a derby car, not including aesthetic work. He decorated his cars in the past, but he does not spend a lot of time painting them because he is involved in so many derbies. His most notable cars were painted like a tank and a shark.

Corbin said the key to winning a derby is equal parts luck, driving skill and car preparation.

"To win, it takes a lot of luck, and it takes keeping a cool head. And you have to have a good solid car that runs really well," he said.

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