Spicewood volunteer firefighters like wrecks
BY ALEXANDRIA RANDOLPH
While Spicewood Volunteer Firefighters volunteer their time to clean up wrecks and mitigate mayhem, their annual fundraiser is what mayhem is all about.
The 25th Annual Spicewood Destruction Derby will take place Saturday, Sept. 10, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the grounds behind the Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department at 9805 Texas 71 East. Proceeds from the event will benefit the fire department and EMS services.
Assistant Fire Chief Billy Ludwig said the crowds like wrecks and carnage – demolition derby style, that is!
“It's an accident; it's hard to keep your eyes off of it, whether it's in the side of the road or in an arena,” he said. “If there is mayhem, people will come… they'll have a smashing good time!”
One major addition to the derby this year is beer sales, whereas previously spectators were permitted to bring their own coolers.
“People don't know how to keep them out of the stands,” he joked.
Ludwig said the derby appeals to folks of all ages, and last year, the spectator numbers topped 6,000.
“This being the 25th annual derby, we may have more than that,” he said.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., and Back Row Sinners will be performing live music at 4:30-5:30 p.m. prior to the start of the derby at 6 p.m.
Ludwig said he anticipates over 20 participants this year, adding that at least seven are coming from the Twisted Metal Mayhem Demo Derby at the Bell County Expo Center last week.
“All they had to do was change their tires to compete with us. All terrain tires are not allowed,” he explained. He expects another 15 to 20 will sign up on the day of the races, which is permitted.
There is no age limit for derby vehicles, and they can be American or foreign made cars, however, SUVs, trucks, Imperials and Lincoln models with “suicide doors” are not allowed.
The derby will include both compact and full size heats, with prize monies of $2,250 to the first place in the full size competition, $1,250 to the first place compact under 10 car, and $800 to the first place compact over 10 car. The consolation race, a heat for any size vehicle that didn't win first, second or third place in their individual heats, will offer $200 for the first place winner.
“We also have a Prettiest Car contest that the audience votes on,” Ludwig said.
The derby was started by Louis Joseph “L.J.” Honeycutt, a former 15-year Spicewood volunteer who passed away in December 2014. Honeycutt was known as “King of the Derbies” in his younger years and was, according to family, highly involved in the coordinating the Annual Destruction Derby in Houston’s Astrodome.
“Last year we dedicated the 24th annual derby to him,” Ludwig said.
The 24th annual derby in 2015 raked in $30,000 for the fire department.
“We've had some good years and some bad years,” Ludwig said. “Last year it was $30,000. We spent all of it on bunker gear. Each suit is $4,000 to $8,000 a pop.”
The Spicewood Fire department is hoping to raise the figure this year, and the signs signal that the derby is a long-lasting annual event.
“We're getting new cars and drivers from out of state. They are coming further and further to our demolition derby,” Ludwig said.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Seating is on a first-come basis, and coolers, glass bottles and pets are not allowed. Food and beverages including beer will be available for purchase at the event.
