By Lee Ann Sides Garrett
news@salisburypost.com
The fast and the furious turned into the damaged and dangerous Saturday afternoon as more than 200 people came out to watch a demolition derby and figure-eight race.
The Spencer Jaycees sponsored the event at the Rowan County Fairgrounds to raise money that will go toward replacing the organization’s clubhouse, a brick and frame building dating from the 1950s that burned March 4.
The cause of the fire at the Jaycee hut at the end of Baldwin Avenue near the 8th Street ball park was never determined.
Faith Jaycees assisted in Saturday’s event.
About 20 cars competed in the derby, crashing into each other until the demolished cars would no longer go. Drivers smashed into each other forward and backward, trying to protect their engines and be the last car moving. The winner received $1,500, with $400 going to second place and $200 for third.
Jaycee Kevin Hall said there was a lot of spinning out in the figure-eight race. Eight drivers raced around a figure-eight-shaped track trying to avoid crashing into each other and be the first to cross the finish line and claim a $500 prize.
“The winner and second-place finisher both spun out as they crossed the finish line,” Hall said. “It was exciting.”
Hall said spectators enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs donated by Ryan’s Grill and Hendrix BBQ. O’Reilly’s Auto Parts gave a donation and an anonymous donor gave $1,000. The event raised about $3,000. Some of the winners donated a portion of their prize money back to the club, Hall said.