Getting ready to rumble — and crash — is in the blood
Staff writer
Like blue eyes and blonde hair, demolition derby competition is a trait that passes from one generation to another.
Gavin Druse, 16, Marion, began creating derby cars to smash when he was only 11. This is his fifth year to compete in derbies.
Five years on, Gavin modified a 1996 Toyota Camry to drive this year on a circuit of county fairs.
He spent last week preparing his Camry in a shop east of Wagon Wheel Express in Marion while several other derby drivers also worked on their cars.
“I like spending time in the shop and being with my friends,” he said.
Gavin fell into demolition derby competition naturally. His father and grandfather competed as well.
“I grew up watching dad derby,” he said. “I like the derby community. It’s just about crashing the cars, and afterward, we’re all friends.”
He installed a few safety features in his car this year after his father injured his back last year.
His father, Matt Druse, is a die-hard competitor. He also grew up watching his father and uncle build and drive derby cars. He has competed 25 years, since he was 15.
He and others find cars on farms, in barns, and other places they spot them. The next stage is to equip the car for being smashed in the derby ring.
Gavin is his only son. His wife and daughter don’t want to drive in the derby.
So far this season, Druse has already driven in three derbies: in Nebraska and Topeka, and at the McPherson County Fair at Canton.
As he stood in the shop where drivers prepared cars for derbies, Druse said 10 cars already had been modified in his shop this season.
He and a caravan of drivers loaded up their cars Saturday and competed in Canton.
“We’re getting the youngsters involved so we can retire,” Druse said.
The scheduled finale of this week’s Marion County Fair is a demolition derby Saturday evening.
The derby is arguably the most loved event of the fair. Bleachers are so packed it always is difficult to find a place to sit.
Relatives, friends, and strangers who admire a driver’s skill cheer them on.
The derby brings competitors from a wide swath of territory.
Last year, 59 drivers competed. Many were longtime derby competitors.
Fire departments from around the county will stand ready in case they are needed, and an ambulance will stand ready as well.