Demo Derby Car Tips

A demolition derby is a motorsport in which drivers ram their cars into one another and try to be the last car running at the end of the race. While there are varying rules for each derby - which is now an international sport - the main idea is to disable the other racers' cars while not disabling your own.

  1. Body

    • As the body of the car is hit more and more, the impact can keep it from moving efficiently and ultimately disable it. So there are a few things you can do before every derby to ensure it stays up and running. Pound down or cut out the front and rear fenders, not just for clearance over debris during the derby but to keep your own fenders from cutting your tires upon impact with another car. Wire the trunk and the hood down with threaded rod, as it's stronger and won't allow either to pop open. Where it's possible, replace the regular body mounting bolts with grade 8 bolts and larger washers. This will keep the body from pulling apart from the frame as easily, protecting you and the engine. Also remove all glass from the car, as it is illegal during the derby.

    Tires

    • A blown tire slows you down and will ultimately disable you during the derby, so the better your tires, the less chance of blowing them. Mount the tallest truck tires allowed by the rules. These are tougher tires than radials, as they are made out of incredibly rigid rubber and offer superior puncture resistance. Keep in mind a wider tire isn't necessarily tougher, as that creates more surface area for something to puncture. Also, the higher the car sits the better, as it keeps cars from getting over your bumper with their bumpers and smashing in your radiator. Weld a 3-inch piece of pipe around the valve stems to protect them from getting sheared off and causing the tire to deflate quickly.

    Fuel System

    • The fuel system is one of the most important things to protect in a demolition derby, as it keeps you driving and also can be flammable and dangerous to you and other drivers. Remove the gas tank and install a motor boat tank, which is incredibly tough to break because it sits flat and has a solid hose connection. Install the gas tank behind the driver's seat, the safest location because it is illegal to hit the driver's-side door. Cover the gas tank with fiberglass insulation and then cover that with a 55-gallon drum. That way, if the gas does leak, it will only end up in the steel drum.

    Interior

    • The interior of the demolition derby car should also be modified, primarily for safety and comfort reasons in the heat of demolition derby battle. Reinforce your driver's seat with chain or pipe behind it. Remove the dash and all unnecessary wiring to prevent fires from starting and remove the headliner, as this will only fuel any fire that does start. Also remove the doorlock stems so the doors can remain locked. You don't want them flying open during the race.