Steve Oborowsky (right) is awarded derby champion by chair of the event, Greg Korpach following the action on Saturday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Derby Day wrap

Ag. Society sees ‘smash hit’ with Demo Derby standalone event

Sep 13, 2021 | 4:30 PM

The crowd was loud, and the grandstands packed, for the 36th Annual Demo Derby in North Battleford over the weekend.

A staple of the summer months for the Battlefords Ag. Society, the local derby has traditionally been featured among the events available for viewing during the summer exhibition. However, Saturday marked one of the first times the event has been held as a standalone attraction with its own weekend.

The demo derby featured a number of uniquely painted vehicles that stood out on the track. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Chair of the derby, Greg Korpach said they couldn’t have asked for a better result, with an estimated turnout between 1,750 and 1,800 spectators in attendance throughout the day and blue skies overhead.

“There was lots of rumbling and talk about it, and we really had a great day,” Korpach said. “The weather cooperated, we had a fantastic event, and the new events really went over well too.”

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Added to the main derby this year was a car show, a ‘compact minis’ derby of smaller cars, and barrel racing event, in which drivers were challenged to drive the fastest time around a set of three barrels staggered across the derby area, much like rodeo barrel racing, but with cars.

“Both the addition of the car show and the compact minis and barrel racing really were a highlight,” Korpach said. “From what I’ve heard the compact minis really stole the show in particular, so I think that really added to the day as well.”

Derby drivers, organizers, announcers and more gather together for a group picture following Saturday’s event. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Steve Oborowsky took first place in the main event derby, marking his second win in the last two years of the event, as he also topped the podium in 2019.

He said just getting back out there in front of the crowd once again was among the highlights of his day.

“It was a long time coming, but good and worth the wait to get back in the driver’s seat again,” Oborowsky said. “I love derbying for the crowd, they’re the best. And when you hear them cheering when you’re in the car it’s a good feeling.”

Korpach said the success of this year’s event will now lead to conversation about potentially making the demo derby its own standalone weekend again in future years.

“We’re going to sit down as the derby committee to actually have a driver’s meeting Oct. 14 to discuss with our committee and our drivers to see what they think moving forward,” he said. “We’re very pleased with how the day went and want to thank everyone for coming out.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1