Although the number of competitors taking part in both the derby and mud bog events was down by nearly half compared to the 80 participants in the 2014 Glendon Derby and Mud Bogs, and there were fewer people in the crowd witnessing the wild and muddy spectacle, the 26th edition of the event was still a big hit with those in attendance, this past weekend.
“They love the action,” said organizer Kacey Daniels. “They love when the drivers rev their engines and wreak havoc on one another.”
The event that had the most entertaining destruction was the derby truck finals. There were a total of nine derby trucks in the tight muddy stadium. Those conditions created some epic collisions.
It was Dave Kemsley that earned the first place trophy in the derby truck competition.
“Dave is a really serious competitor that has won many times before,” said Daniels. “He has been competing since he was 15 and he is about 28 now.”
Two of the nine drivers in the final were granted that privilege due to a clerical error. The organizers put them into the final due to not being able to qualify them for a consolation heat.
The derby car final featured five competitors. In the end, it was Paige Skrypichayko that earned her second win in three years.
“I know Paige very well as she used to work for me (at Glendon Tire Ltd.),” said Daniels. “She is also a really terrific competitor.”
Daniels is hoping that the province’s economic situation rebounds for next year’s competition, in order to make the tournament feasible for more drivers.
He adds that there is a strong possibility that Outlaw Class full-sized cars, a brand banned at many derbies, could possibly be allowed for the 2016 Glendon Derby and Mud Bogs.
What are these outlaw cars you ask?
“As long as (the vehicle) has a cab, and its battery and fuel cell are tied down, anything else goes,” says Daniels.
In addition to altering the rules, Daniels said the organizers will start looking for donations for the 2016 event immediately, as opposed to the group’s usual routine of approaching businesses shortly before the derby.
Prior to the derby, Daniels said organizers have been pushing to make it a two-day event in order to draw more people and transform the derby into a full weekend camping experience for families.
When speaking to the Journal shortly after the derby, he confirmed that remains a goal, although, “I don’t know if it’s possible at this point.”
The 27th annual Glendon Derby and Mud Bogs is scheduled to take place on Aug. 13, 2016.
Results from Saturday’s event are:
Derby-
Cars:
1 - Paige Skrypachayko
2 - Travis Nadler
3 - Dave Kemsley
Trucks:
1 - Dave Kemsley
2 - Dave Patterson
3 - Shane Collins
Mud Bogs -
Stock:
1 - Gerry Gamache
2 - Tamara Dell
Best Air - Gerry Gamache
Mod:
1 - Rob Gamache
2 - Darren Gaulin
3 - Gilles Lorde
Best Air - Gilles Lorde
Super Mod:
1 - Cam Walsh
2 - Sheldon Luciak
3 - Keith Gardiner
Best Air: Keith Gardiner
