Demolition Derby Driving Strategy
In most demolition derbies about 1/3 of the cars will fallout in the first 5 to 10 minutes. Of these, most will be due to poor preparation. This is the time to drive defensively, make some good hits if you have a chance, but try not to take too many.
No sandbagging. Its unfair to the other competitors, and besides your here to have some fun beating the heck out of the other guys car. Right?
After the first 5 to 10 minutes many of the other cars will have dropped out. Now is the time to start making your best hits, don't worry about driving defensively, it's time to have some fun!
- I try to hit the other cars just ahead of the front wheels to take out the radiator.
- Some good hits to the other guys wheels can take out his drive train.
- When you hit another car try to hit squarely, your frame will bend quicker if you hit at an angle.
- When you hit another car don't give in to the natural reflex to let off the gas, ease out of the gas slowly so your car won't stall.
- Try to keep your drivers side towards your competitors, they are not allowed to hit on the drivers door.
- If you can't avoid taking a hit, try to take it on the passenger side doors. This will do the least amount of damage to your car.
- When you get hit try to keep your wheels spinning, this will allow your car to slide and therefore inflict less damage.
- If you can't avoid a front end collision try to make your competitor hit you squarely. This will do the least damage to your front end.
- Try to avoid using your front end for hitting until its down to the last 5 or 6 cars.
Most importantly have fun! If you can't have fun beating the heck out of some old junkers, what can you have fun doing?