MANITOWANING—The weather could hardly be better as a slight breeze helped cool the mid-summer heat as a near record crowd gathered to watch the popular modern gladiatorial games close out Southeast Manitoulin Lions Club Summerfest Weekend.

“It’s been a great weekend,” said organizer Lisa Hallaert. “Everyone is having a great time, and this is one of the largest, if not the largest, crowd we have ever had for the demolition derby.”

The excitement began with a lesson in defensive play, as the first heat got underway. Each brightly painted car spun in strategic circles looking for an opening to deliver a killing blow to their opponent’s vehicle. The driver’s door is sacrosanct, so care must be taken to avoid being disqualified. The drivers demonstrated incredible skill.

The action in the demolition arena was ably related to the crowd by emcee Scott Hughson, whose banter added great colour commentary to the event.

Winner of the first heat was car 626 driven by Josh Burnett, but the win did not come easy. Mike Deforge in car 024 had a dicey start, but once he got the car going he proved a canny opponent and there was little left of old 024 by the time the last horn blew.

Heat two was won by car 444 driven by Zach Burnett and heat three went to car 10-A driven by Cole Chisholm.

Best hand-painted car went to Kyle Wood of White’s Transport. Best spray painted went to Cole Chisholm of Manitoulin Mobile Auto Glass. 

In the end it was Zach Burnett in car 444 who was the overall winner in the car division, while Jason Quackenbush in number 18 took top honours in the new van division.