The stands were packed for the demolition derby on Sunday afternoon, but this year there was a delay going into the first heat.
“It looks like number 34 is having some problems. Can we get some help out there in the arena?” the announcer said as the cars were lining up to start things off. As people ran out into the mud to help, No. 34’s driver, John Highley of Emporia, got out of his car and approached his girlfriend. There was a rush of murmurs and applause in the crowd as Highley pulled a small box out of his pocket and knelt to one knee.
“So what’s the answer? Do we have a yes?” the announcer asked, and Jennifer Herndon gave two thumbs up as her new fiancé crawled back into his car to start the derby.
“It was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting it,” Herndon said as she came out of the arena. “It’s kind of a shock; I’m still shaking.”
Highley was eliminated in the first heat, but along with gaining a fiancee he won the prize for the best paint job in his ’69 Chrysler station wagon, painted black with bright green letters.
“I’ve been doing derbies for 15 years,” Highley said as he prepared his car for the consolation round. “This is the car I ran last year. I’ll run it again somewhere.” It takes quite a bit of work to get a car ready for a derby, Highley said. “You’ve gotta strip them down and all that. If you want to do it right it takes at least six months.”
Highley had some advice for anyone wanting to drive in a demolition derby: “Stay cool,” he said with a smile.
The winner of the feature event was No. 408, Jason Harsch of Lebo, driving a ’74 Buick Electra 225. Harsch is a returning champion, having walked away with first prize in the Emporia derby in 2003, 2004 and 2006. With 11 years of experience, Harsch had his own advice for derby drivers: “Preparation is everything. A good running motor is 90 percent of the battle.” Harsch said he had been working on his car since last fall.
Spectators enjoyed the day’s events too, and there were some in the crowd who might be future participants.
“I’d like to be in it someday,” said Logan Fuller, 12. “I like to watch the cars crash. It’s pretty cool.”
Logan’s aunt, Anne Orender, agreed. “When you get to where you know people in it it’s fun to watch. I know the guys from Longbine and the guys from Mel’s Tire.”
“The kids just love it,” said Logan’s father, Gary Fuller. “That’s why I came out here today.”
The Fullers had what Logan thought was a good spot to watch: right up against the fence.
“I think I just ate a piece of mud,” Gary Fuller said as he dodged a shower of it from a car spinning its tires in the corner of the arena.