Snow squalls put the winter into winter crunch derby

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Sue Dickens

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The snowstorm that hit Saturday afternoon didn't slow down the derby drivers as they took some pretty good hits in the demolition derby, in this case raising the back wheels right off the ring floor.

Sue Dickens, Campbellford EMC

The snowstorm that hit Saturday afternoon didn't slow down the derby drivers as they took some pretty good hits in the demolition derby, in this case raising the back wheels right off the ring floor.

Click to Enlarge
Brad Villeneuve of Campbellford was one of the 35 drivers who competed in the derby. He said he does it because

Sue Dickens, Campbellford EMC

Brad Villeneuve of Campbellford was one of the 35 drivers who competed in the derby. He said he does it because "It is just fun to do." Photo: Sue Dickens

EMC Sports -Campbellford -The rumble of engines and sounds of crunching metal could be heard above the howling winds at this year's 8th annual Campbellford Winter Crunch.

"The number of entries was up, more than last year and the stands were full," said organizer Mark Adams.

"As far as I am concerned, no matter what Mother Nature threw at us, it was a success," he added.

The clipper that brought snow squalls to much of the lower Great Lakes began in the early afternoon and didn't stop, even during the demolition derby.

So while the snow pelted the fairgrounds, derby drivers were tuning up their vehicles and getting ready for the 1 p.m. start.

"We had 35 entries, from all over Ontario," said Adams.

The derby was wrapped up before dark and drivers did their best to be the last car moving.

Drivers such as Brad Villeneuve, of Villeneuve Roofing, a sponsor this year, was in it for the thrills.

"I've competed for about the last four years. It is just fun to do," he said with a grin.

Two years ago he took second place in the first heat of the mini car event.

Chad Vale of Trenton, who won second place in the feature last year took third place in the Full Size Straight Stock Feature this time around.

"I've been doing this for about four years now. I've competed in Belleville, Napanee and other places," he told EMC. Vale said it took him about two weeks to get his vehicle ready for the derby.

There was one minor injury during the competition which Adams said was not serious.

"One of the drivers received a tiny cut over his eye. We stopped the derby took him out of his car and over to the fire department. He was back at ringside right away," he added.

Greg Johnson, director of operations with Impact Motorsports, brought his crew to the event and made sure the competition ran smoothly.

"We changed derby promoters and that's been a great success for us. It's so professionally run," said Adams.

"The fair board president and past president were there, Joy and El Petherick. They were there all day helping," said Adams.

The derby is an important fund raiser for the Campbellford Seymour Agricultural Society.

"We've never lost money at this derby," said Adams.

"The fair board support for the derby was phenomenal, the fire department (Campbellford) did an awesome job as usual," he added.

As far as he is concerned the derby was a huge success.

"Saturday really was a prime example of how much of a derby community Campbellford really is and how committed our drivers are, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us, a derby is a derby," he concluded.

The winners of the winter crunch are: Mini Smash Heat #1 -1st -Greg Miller #0, Port Hope, 2nd -Mitch Gerrits #81, Whitby, Mini Smash Heat #2 -1st -James Turgeon #887, Spring Brook, 2nd Place -Luke Kenny #01, Bailieboro, 3rd -Adam Wells #48, Foxboro, Mini Smash Feature -1st Place -Adam Wells #48, Foxboro, 2nd -Darrell Pelletier #77, Greenbank, 3rd -Greg Miller #0, Port Hope, FSSS Feature (Full size straight stock) -1st -Dan White #58, Omemee, 2nd -James John #10, Norwood, 3rd -Chad Vale #1919, Trenton, Trucks Feature -1st -Jason Kennedy #308, Little Britain, 2nd -Chris Palmer #193, Pefferlaw, 3rd -Christ Tufford #4, Port Hope, Pro Modified Feature -1st -Jeff Tripp #24V, Port Perry, 2nd -Pete McKenzie #751, Warkworth, 3rd -Cody Gray #167, Stirling, Best Dressed -Mason Foster #626, Belleville, Worst Wrecked Car -Brian Mitts #87, Belleville, 50/50 Winner -Walter Baker of Trenton.