Sunday’s derby promises to be destructive

Buckle up as this Sunday Placerville Speedway hosts the sounds of smashing sheet metal, the roar of smoking engines and cheering spectators as one of El Dorado County’s oldest charitable events, the classic annual Hangtown Destruction Derby, returns for an afternoon of car crushing mayhem that is fun for the entire family.

Now in its 39th year, the annual Hangtown Destruction Derby is presented by the Placerville Police Officers Association in conjunction with the cooperation of El Dorado County Fire, Placerville Speedway and the business community of El Dorado County.

The competition in the event is populated by men and women representing law enforcement and public safety agencies in a contest of mechanical survival on a mud filled infield of the fairground’s main arena.

In the early years, the Hangtown Destruction Derby was open to only those employed by public service agencies. However, this will mark the fifth year that entries are open to the public, who merely must be endorsed by a police or fire agency.

As the Hangtown Destruction Derby reaches a landmark of nearly 40 years strong later this week, it becomes one of the oldest and most successful annual events that benefits charity in El Dorado County.

Through the years, proceeds from the derby have benefited a number of organizations such as youth sports, children’s charities and the Police Officers annual Christmas party for underprivileged children.

The entry fee for the event is just $50 and the winner of the super main will be awarded a healthy $1,000. Second place earns $500 and third wins $300. Heat races will pay $150 to the winner, $100 to second place and $50 to third.

In addition to the cash winnings, top finishers are awarded trophies for their success. Entrants in this annual event routinely acquire the vehicle themselves and then use area sponsorships to construct it into a full-blown derby car.

In many cases, the winners turn around and donate their winnings to a charity of their choice after the bills are paid for the construction of the car, safety equipment, transportation to the event and Monday’s possible visit to the chiropractor.

Last year, some 20 drivers competed in the Hangtown Destruction Derby, Several years ago, this event was feared to be endangered when low attendance and participation made it difficult to continue promoting.

Over the last several years, officer Ron Cannon has been instrumental in the growth of the annual derby and this once struggling event has come back to life and is ranked as one of the highest ranked law enforcement charity events in the western states, sitting second to the annual “Pig Bowl” that takes place in Sacramento each year.

The grandstands at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds will open at 1 p.m. on Sunday and the first heat race of the derby is set to begin at 3 p.m. following opening ceremonies and the popular parade of entrants. Adult tickets to the derby are just $10 at the gate. Seniors are $5. Children 14 and under are $5.

For further information on the event, the official Website of Placerville Police Officers Association can be viewed at hangtowncops.org.