Download a Copy of the Demolition Derby Rules
Douglas Volunteer Fire Department
2022 Demo Derby
Saturday August 20th , 2022
Entry Fee: $75.00
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and SAFETY RULES
- ALL REMITTANCE WILL BE CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ALLOWED
- The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department reserves the right to approve or reject any and all entries. The judge’s decision is final. The head judge will decide any discrepancies.
- Participants must be 16 years of age or older, anyone under 18 years of age must have a notarized minor release.
- Only drivers, owners, mechanics, etc. that sign the release sheet will be permitted in the pit area. 1 Driver, and 2 pitman will be allowed per car registration. You may purchase 1 additional spectator pit pass/$15.00 and/or 1 additional pitman pass/$25.00. All entry fees are non-refundable.
- Any one participant may enter into the consolation heat if the car has ran in one of the preliminary heats, and can be repaired for the consolation heat, is eligible to enter again at the discretion of the judges. Car maybe re-inspected for compliance.
- Any driver not obeying the rules will be disqualified. Disqualification will result in forfeiture of all entry fees. Any crewmember who is disqualified will have the car he/she is attached to disqualified.
- The use of intoxicating beverages or controlled substances prior to or during the show disqualifies the user from the day’s events and they are subject to the suspension at future demos sponsored by the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department. This will be enforced. Subjected to a breathalyzer.
- The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department and Wyoming State Fair, State of Wyoming, will not be responsible for any accident, injury or property loss incurred during Demolition Derby activities.
- No walkie-talkies or radio systems are permitted in the cars.
- A driver must hit another car every 90 seconds to prevent disqualification. Being hit by another car does not qualify as your hit. A hit must have complete separation and produce a noticeable impact.
- There will be NO deliberate hitting of the driver’s door. This will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of any entry fees. ALL JUDGE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL!
- All cars must be registered BEFORE being inspected. Inspection will be between 10:00 – 4:00 the day of the derby. Any car not registered by 3:00 will be charged an additional $20 late fee. Please have your car ready and in compliance when you arrive. A mandatory driver’s only meeting will be at 5:00. After final inspection, all cars will be impounded.
- Due to lack of adequate space in the pits, any non-derby cars or non-support vehicles will not be allowed in the pit. One support vehicle with trailer per derby car is permitted. NO HOT RODDING IN THE PITS. Keep it at an idle. Any violation of this, car will be disqualified.
- In the event of a vehicle fire, flip over or injury, or any debris deemed unsafe, only Fire Department personnel are allowed on the track, and the heat will be stopped until safety is restored. Cars may get 1 additional chance to run as long as the car passes a safety check and the driver is OK. All other drivers will remain in their car at all times or will be disqualified.
- Stay in the car! Do not leave your car or loosen safety belt; except in case of fire; until the last car has stopped and been given the checkered flag. A Red flag means ALL cars are to stop where you are until the green flag is given again. In the event of a red flag, all remaining drivers are given a fresh 90 second hit time when the heat is restarted. A Black flag, when waved at you means you have been disqualified. Stop, shut off your engine, break your stick and remain in the car until the heat is over. DO NOT remove your helmet! No smoking will be allowed.
- All cars will be inspected before the program begins. Winning cars will be impounded after the heat to prevent repairs or alterations. The number of cars taken from each heat will be determined at the time of the derby. All cars eligible for the main will be given 25 minutes before to make repairs. In the main, last car to initiate a hit is the winner. Top 3 cars may be re-inspected at conclusion of the main. Everyone else will stay back until cars are verified to be legal.
- All cars must be removed by midnight day of derby or they will be towed at owner’s expense and will be disqualified for the following years event.
- Profanity, displays of temper, unruliness, belligerence or any kind of conduct not deemed the norms of society in general will not be tolerated. Any person exhibiting such conduct to any official of the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department or another contestant will be subject to expulsion from the Demo Derby and removal from the grounds by an officer of the Douglas Police Department. All entry fees and deposits will be forfeited. ALL JUDGE’S DECISIONS ARE FINAL!
Car Specifications and Rules
*Areas highlighted are the only changes for 2022
Limited Weld
- Cars will be sized according to wheelbase. Cars with a factory wheelbase of 102” or less will not be allowed.
- Any hard top automobile is allowed EXCEPT: Trucks, Vans, SUV’s, Convertibles, Ambulances, El Caminos, Rancheros or Hearses.
- All drivers must wear a DOT Certified safety helmet. If you do not have a helmet you may borrow one from another driver who is not in your heat. All drivers must have functioning safety belts. Neck braces are strongly encouraged. Vehicles must have working brakes at the beginning of the heat.
- Any and all air bags, sensors and propellant charges must be removed or discharged.
- All glass, including head and taillights must be removed prior to your arrival.
- The rear seat, drivers door armrest, door handles, door locks, seat belts not being used, mounting screws, clips, license plates, antennas, all wheel weights, all side and decorative chrome, trim and rubber stops must be removed.
- All dirt, loose debris, screws, broken glass and anything deemed unsafe, must be swept, vacuumed or removed out of the car.
- Any and all trailer hitches must be removed.
- A maximum of 6 gallons of fuel will be allowed. Fuel tank must be moved into the backseat area and properly secured. No plumbers strap allowed. Covered with a non-flammable material is recommended. Original gas tank must be removed or the entire bottom of the tank cut out. Floating & re-enforced gas tank cages are allowed, but should only be designed to protect the gas tank.
- Vehicles may utilize electric fuel pumps. A fuel cut off switch MUST be clearly marked with RED PAINT for easy identification near driver in the event of a fire. This is for driver and fire personnel protection.
- A maximum of (2) batteries may be used and MUST be mounted inside the vehicle. Battery must be properly secured, and covered with a non-conductive material. No plumbers strap allowed. (ex. Rubber, wood, etc.)
- All doors, tailgates, hatches, hatchbacks, etc. must be welded, chained or steel strapped shut. All hatch-lifting devices must be removed. If a Driver door comes open during the demo that car will be disqualified. Strongly recommended materials: Welding or chain. Filler may be used on door seams but restricted to 3/8” round bar or 1 1/2” by 1/8” thick flat metal strap. No rope or wire.
- Cutting fenders for wheel clearance is permitted, and may be welded without the use of extra metal or excessive welding. Folding and re-welding is permitted; bolting or re-skinning will NOT be allowed.
- CAGE
The driver door MUST be reinforced for safety by a 4-Point Cage or Door Brace. Safety reinforcements must be contained within the passenger compartment ONLY (except the Halo bar and Outside Door Brace). Safety reinforcements may be welded to the FLOORBOARD ONLY. Drivers may also use plates where pipe or tubing meets the floorboard (maximum of 8″ X 8″ in size and up to 1/4″ thick). All safety reinforcements must be constructed WITH A MAXIMUM OF 6″ diameter and a minimum of 2″ round or square tubing
A. 4-Point Cage – The 4-Point Cage may be constructed with a maximum of (4) vertical posts. (1) bar across the dash area, (2) bars across both the driver and passenger doors, and (2) bars across the rear seat area no more that 12″ behind the driver seat ( 1 of the rear bars must be no more that 12″ above the floorboard).
B. Door Braces – The Door Brace may be constructed with (1) door bar slanted upward across the driver and passenger door and (1) rear seat bar slanted downward to the opposite rear floorboard no more than 12″ above the floorboard).
C. Outside Door Brace – An Outside Door Brace may be used instead. It CANNOT extend more than 12″ past the front and rear door seams. The use of “Grader Blade” material as an Outside Door Brace is allowed, but it is NOT RECOMMENDED.
D. Halo Bar – Halo bar or roll-over protection is MANDATORY. It may be routed inside or over the roof of the vehicle. If using a Halo bar with a 4-Point Cage, it will be extended upward from the two rear, vertical posts. If used with the Door Brace, the Halo vertical bars can be independent and must be welded to the floorboard or to the top of the frame. - BUMPERS
The intention of this rule is to allow you to mount the bumpers in such a way that they are less likely to fall off. Upon Inspection if it is determined that you have exceeded the intention of the rule you will be given the opportunity to correct it in order to compete. If you are not willing to correct it, you will be disqualified. Officials have final say.
A. Bumpers can NOT be stuffed, packed, or reinforced in any way, and factory openings can NOT be closed.
B. Bumper swaps are allowed. Bumpers may be flipped, and front bumpers may be used on the rear and vice versa
C. Only stock O.E.M. bumpers off of passenger cars may be used or a Maximum 5″ by 5″ by 1/4″ square tube may be used but must be open ended and straight. They cannot extend past the middle of tire on either side.
D. Bumpers may be cut and/or folded so they do not smash into the tires during the event.
E. Bumpers may have the chrome outer shell and steel inner core welded together with no added metal.
F. Bumpers may be welded straight to the frame horns with NO brackets or shocks on non-compression bumper type cars.
G. No more than one set of bumper brackets may be used.
Ways to mount a bumper:
H. Shock absorber-type bumper mounts may be welded to the inside or outside of the frame with no added metal. Shock absorbers may also be welded solid around the tube seam only (must be drained if welded). Shock absorbers can NOT extend more than 10″ onto or into the frame unless they did when stock.
I. Stock bumper brackets and shock tubes must stay in the stock locations and may be welded to the front 10″ of the frame only. No swapping bumper brackets and or shock tubes/beams.
J. You may remove ALL factory brackets and shock tubes and in its place use a 14″ X 4″ X 1/4″ flat plate with the last 4″ bent into an “L”, the 10 inches may be welded to the first 10″ of the outside of the frame leaving the 4″ bend to mount the bumper to. The 4″ bend cannot be in front of the frame rail.
K. 9 gauge wire or 3/8″ chain must go around front and rear bumpers and secured to the vehicle in two (2) places with a max of 2 wraps at each location. This is done to help prevent bumpers from falling off and stopping the show. - HOODS
No sliding hood forward. Must be in stock location. Hood cannot be welded to bumper.
A. If a hood is operable it must have a minimum 16” diameter hole cut over the carburetor for fire extinguishing. The method of latching is up to the contestant but ease of operation is essential. Hoods can be chained or bolted (no larger than 1” bolts, or ½” chain); if bolted must use angle iron. Maximum of 4 bolts or chains. Hood bolts must NOT be attached to the frame or bumper. If two pieces of angle iron are welded on top of the hood and fender to bolt the hood, they cannot be longer than 8” or larger than 1 ½” by 1 ½” angle ¼” thick. If chains are used, they may be single looped around bumper.
B. If the hood is not operational, because of welding or use of more than 4 bolts, approximately 80% of the Hood area must be removed. Filler may be used but restricted to 3/8” round bar or 1 1/2” by 1/8” thick flat metal strap.
C. No material of any kind. (all thread, strapping, chains, etc.) will be allowed to attach hoods or trunks to frame, All body mounts need to be original type. - TRUNKS
There must be a 12” access to the trunk area for inspection. Filler may be used but restricted to 3/8” round bar or 1 1/2” by 1/8” thick flat metal strap.
A. No welding trunk to bumper - FRAME
Broken or cracked frame rails may be welded and up to 12 inches of reinforcement plating per frame rail will be allowed. Plates must be at least 3″ away from any other plates. Plating cannot be connected to the bumper. No thicker than 1/4″ and no taller than cars frame. Must have a means to verify thickness of patch material. All frame plates MUST be painted Red.
A. Any vehicle with a “Y” or split-frame immediately behind the front bumper can have one of these 3 options:
– The “Y” may be pinched or squeezed closed. The closed “Y” may be seam welded with no additional metal.
– The frame “Y” can be plated per the rules above (counts against total plate allowance).
– If not welded, a maximum of (2) bolts may be used per side running horizontally (side-to-side) through the “Y portion” to prevent it from spreading (3/4″ hardware). - RADIATORS
A. If used must be in the original location.
B. All coolant must be inside the engine compartment.
C. No spray foam ballasts - TRANSMISSIONS
A. Coolers are acceptable but must be mounted in the rear seat area.
B. Must remain in original style mounts. Reinforcing by additional brackets is not allowed. A 2″ square tube may be used as a transmission cross member if original is not available. - ENGINES
A. Engine swaps from other vehicle brands are allowed.
B. Engines MUST be located within 4″ of the stock engine location.
C. Firewalls and floorboards may be trimmed or bent for engine and/or distributor clearance but every attempt must be made to close off the interior of the vehicle from the engine compartment for driver safety. Openings larger than 6″ must be covered with SHEET METAL.
D. All engines MUST have an air cleaner. No open carburetors.
E. Engine mounts will be inspected within the following rules:
– Stock engine mounts may be welded or made solid.
– Individually fabricated engine mounts are difficult to regulate due to unique mounting requirements, bottom line, they can NOT be excessive or reinforce the frame in any way. Inspectors will use discretion.
-Four additional chains may be used to tie the engine down to the frame. NO MORE THAN 4″ of chain may be welded to the frame for EACH mount.
– LOWER ENGINE CRADLES are allowed but can NOT reinforce the frame.
– Engine mid-plates are allowed SOLELY as a distributor protector/carb halo mount. The mid-plate/distributor protector/carb halo can NOT be attached to ANY portion of the vehicle body, frame, or the lower engine cradle.
F. Fabricated distributor protectors are allowed with a maximum of 3/8” plate.
G. Carb halos are allowed with a maximum of 1 1/2″ pipe or tubing, but they can NOT extend outside the valve covers. They may attach to the intake, heads, or distributor protector.
H. The method of “removing bolts” from full cradles will NOT BE ALLOWED. NO FULL ENGINE CRADLES/CAGES/FLUID PAN PROTECTORS ARE ALLOWED! - REAR ENDS
A. Any 5 lug rear ends of passenger car origin or pickup truck rear ends may be used.
B. Rear-ends may have ONE truss brace on the top, bottom, or rear of the housing. Drivers may also fabricate or add axle-savers along with their single truss.
C. You may interchange make and models.
D. Rear end gears/axles may be changed, welded, or posi’d. - SUSPENSION
Spring spacers or welding of shocks, or airlifts will not be allowed. Vehicle must have suspension movement.
A. A chain may be used to travel through the coil and around the axle for safety only. Chain cannot be welded to the axle and must have slack in it.
B. No welding of A Arms - Windshield/Rear Window Openings
A. For safety, all windshield openings MUST have (2) bars welded vertically in front of the driver.
B. For safety, rear window openings MAY have up to (2) bars. If equipped, the front bar connection shall be welded to the halo bar, and rear connection shall be welded to sheet metal not to exceed past the rear axle. Bars cannot exceed 6″ in diameter. - When repairing damaged cars: No material stronger than what you are repairing is to be used. Excessive welding (over ½” or more than 2 passes) re-skinning, and any excessive use of material are deemed reinforcement and not permitted. All chains must have slack.
- No ballasts, stuffing or spray foam of any kind will be allowed in any part of the vehicle including: tires, inside of doors, fenders, hoods, around radiators, bumpers, frame or other areas. This will be checked.
- All wheel weights must be removed.
- Air conditioning units left on any car must be discharged.
- A large number must be painted on front car doors and top and must be legible enough to be seen from a distance.
- Cars must remain stock unless otherwise noted in the rules. If it’s not in the rules, it does not mean you can do it. Call for clarification. Contact Keith at 307-247-4094 or Shawn at 307-365-0575.
Chain-Up
*Highlighted areas are the only changes for 2022
- All drivers must wear a DOT Certified safety helmet. If you do not have a helmet you may borrow one from another driver who is not in your heat. All drivers must have safety belts that are operational and worn.
- 1970 and newer, American and Foreign cars, Front wheel drive or rear wheel drive, mini vans, car or station wagon. No 4-wheel drives, All- wheel drives, Convertibles, Ambulances, Imperials, Hearses, El Caminos, Rancheros or Trucks.
- Any and all air bags, sensors and propellant charges must be removed or discharged.
- All glass, including head and taillights must be removed prior to your arrival.
- The rear seat, drivers door armrest, door handles, door locks, seat belts not being used, mounting screws, clips, license plates and all side and decorative chrome, trim and rubber stops must be removed. Antennas and dash clusters also must be removed.
- All dirt, loose debris, screws, broken glass and anything deemed unsafe, must be swept, vacuumed or removed out of the car.
- A maximum of 6 gallons of gas will be allowed. Gas tank must be moved into the backseat area and properly secured. No plumbers strap allowed. Covered with a non-flammable material is recommended. Original gas tank must be removed or the entire bottom of the tank cut out.
- Vehicles may utilize electric fuel pumps. A fuel cut off switch MUST be clearly marked with RED PAINT for easy identification near driver in the event of a fire. This is for driver and fire personnel protection.
- Only one battery is permitted and MUST be mounted inside the vehicle. Battery must be properly secured, and covered with a non-conductive material. No plumbers strap allowed. (ex. Rubber, wood, etc.)
- Drivers door may be welded shut, all other doors can be chained with up to 3/8″ chain or 9 gauge wire. Driver’s door MUST be reinforced for driver protection which will consist of plate, angle iron or pipe, but not to exceed 12″ past each drivers door seem. No welding of any other doors but drivers door. Doors can be chained or wired up to six (6) spots per side of vehicle. The bottom of the door seams may be chained through the door and around the frame. A max of 2 wraps at each location using chain or a max of 4 wraps at each location using 9 gauge wire.
- HOOD AND TRUNKS
Must be open during inspection. There must be a 16″x16″ hole in center of hood and trunk. 9 gauge wire or up to 3/8″ chain only to fasten hood & trunk in six (6) places - CAGE
The driver door MUST be reinforced for safety by a 4-Point Cage or Door Brace. Safety reinforcements must be contained within the passenger compartment ONLY (except the Halo bar and Outside Door Brace). Safety reinforcements may be welded to the FLOORBOARD ONLY. Drivers may also use plates where pipe or tubing meets the floorboard (maximum of 8″ X 8″ in size and up to 1/4″ thick). All safety reinforcements must be constructed WITH A MAXIMUM OF 6″ diameter and a minimum of 2″ round or square tubing.
A. 4-Point Cage – The 4-Point Cage may be constructed with a maximum of (4) vertical posts. (1) bar across the dash area, (2) bars across both the driver and passenger doors, and (2) bars across the rear seat area no more that 12″ behind the driver seat ( 1 of the rear bars must be no more that 12″ above the floorboard).
B. Door Braces – The Door Brace may be constructed with (1) door bar slanted upward across the driver and passenger door and (1) rear seat bar slanted downward to the opposite rear floorboard no more than 12″ above the floorboard).
C. Outside Door Brace – An Outside Door Brace may be used instead. It can NOT extend more than 12″ past the front and rear door seams. The use of “Grader Blade” material as an Outside Door Brace is allowed, but it is NOT RECOMMENDED.
D. Halo Bar – Halo bar or roll-over protection is MANDATORY. It may be routed inside or over the roof of the vehicle. If using a Halo bar with a 4-Point Cage, it will be extended upward from the two rear, vertical posts. If used with the Door Brace, the Halo vertical bars can be independent and must be welded to the floorboard or to the top of the frame - SUSPENSION
No suspension modifications – period. - Frames
No welding of any kind. No pre-bending. - BUMPERS
Must be stock to vehicle. No extra bolts or welds. 9 gauge wire or 3/8″ chain must go around front and rear bumpers and secured to the vehicle in two (2) places with a max of 2 wraps at each location. This is done to help prevent bumpers from falling off and stopping the show. - RADIATORS
If used must be in the original location.
A. All coolant must be inside the engine compartment.
B. No spray foam ballasts. - TRANSMISSIONS
A. Coolers are acceptable but must be mounted in the rear seat area.
B. Must remain in original style mounts. Reinforcing by additional brackets is not allowed. - ENGINES
A. Engine swaps from other vehicle brands are allowed.
B. Engines MUST be located within 4″ of the stock engine location.
C. Firewalls and floorboards may be trimmed or bent for engine and/or distributor clearance but every attempt must be made to close off the interior of the vehicle from the engine compartment for driver safety. Openings larger than 6″ must be covered with SHEET METAL.
D. All engines MUST have an air cleaner. No open carburetors.
E. TWO additional chains may be used to tie the engine down to the frame. NO MORE THAN 4″ of chain may be welded to the frame for each mount.
F. Stock or aftermarket motor mounts may be used.
G. NO ENGINE CRADLES OF ANY KIND WILL BE ALLOWED. - REAR ENDS
A. Any factory 5 lug rear ends of passenger car origin may be used.
B. You may interchange make and models.
C. Rear end gears/axles may be changed, welded, or posi’d.
D. No braced, hybrids or truck rear ends allowed. - Windshield/Rear Window Openings
A. For safety, all windshield openings MUST have (2) bars welded vertically in front of the driver.
B. For safety, rear window openings MAY have up to (2) bars. If equipped, the front bar connection shall be welded to the halo bar, and rear connection shall be welded to sheet metal not to exceed past the rear axle. Bars cannot exceed 6″ in diameter. - No body creasing, folding or bending.
- No ballasts, stuffing or spray foam of any kind will be allowed in any part of the vehicle including: tires, inside of doors, fenders, hoods, around radiators, bumpers, frame or other areas. This will be checked.
- A large number must be painted on front car doors and top and must be legible enough to be seen from a distance.
- These are the rules – there are NO gray areas.
- If it’s not in the rules, it does not mean you can do it. Call for clarification.
Contact Keith at 307-247-4094 or Shawn at 307-365-0575.
1/2 Car Rules
- Any front wheel drive vehicle excluding four-wheel drive vehicles with rear driveline removed.
- Front wheel drive vehicles will be cut at the start of rear door seams and rear removed.
- All drivers must wear a DOT Certified safety helmet. If you do not have a helmet you may borrow one from another driver. All drivers must have safety belts that are operational and worn.
- Gas tank must be removed and a new steel gas tank (not factory) will be relocated to centerline cage.
- All wiring must be cut away and any wiring remaining underneath vehicle near vehicle separation must be shielded by a metal chase and strapped up where no wiring may drag or cause spark risks.
- Cage must start with two bars (halo bars), one per frame rail, to be welded from frame rail to roof cut out. Separate bars must be welded from inside of door posts behind driver/passenger to the halo bars in the rear connecting frame rails. All vehicles must have at least 1 driver and 1 passenger side door bars mounted to halo and a dash bar. Intention is to secure around driver and fuel tank.
- All vehicles must have a single pipe cut in half (round) to be welded underneath vehicle at the furthest point back to be welded across both frame rails to create a skid or it can have skis for the vehicle. Can be tied into halo bars.
- All glass, plastics, lenses etc. to be removed including trim pieces.
- All vehicles will be inspected before entering arena to check for proper safety measures.
Power Wheel Rules
- Kids 4-9 years of age may participate. There are two age groups if there are enough participants (otherwise only one): 4-6 and 7-9. Each age group will be given a time limit.
- All Children must have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. 1 parent will be allowed on the track with their child during the event.
- All power wheels will be checked in at pit gate, then impounded until time for their event.
- 3 balloons will be furnished and attached to the passenger side, rear and front of vehicle no higher than 16″ from ground. When the child’s balloons are popped, they will be eliminated from the Derby. Winner will be child with a balloon still inflated and attached.
- When choosing a Power Wheels for your child, please keep in mind these vehicles will be running into each other (like bumper cars or derby cars). The Power Wheels needs to be the kind the child sits IN, not ON. No 4-WHEELERS, TRACTORS, MOTORCYCLES … must be a vehicle they sit IN, not ON.
- Driver only, NO passengers
- The vehicle is allowed to have UP TO a 12-volt lawn mower or motorcycle battery. No connecting multiple batteries together. Battery cannot be mounted in the passenger seat, and the battery must be secured and sealed away from the child.
- A seatbelt is recommended but not required.
- No added reinforcements for strength.
- All doors and tailgates must be strapped shut. No sharp edges. Use zip ties or duct tape (or other flexible products) to make them stay shut.
- Stock tires only. No chains, etc. Tires may be covered in duct tape to prevent them from breaking. You may add rubber to the tread area of the power wheel’s tire for added traction. Screws may be used only to hold rubber to tire and must be flush with the rubber.
- Vehicles may NOT be raised or lowered. They must be the stock height that came from the store.
- Decorative changes can be made to the Power Wheels to make it look like a derby car; however, there can be no reinforcement to the Power Wheels. Changes and additions can ONLY be decorative. i.e.: header pipes sticking up, painting the car, etc.
- Helmets are mandatory; bicycle helmets are permitted
- Shoes or sneakers required. NO sandals.
- Keep in mind this is for fun for the children!