Mad Dog Rides Again
Embedded Files
Fuxuan Xin
Team Cobb
Story Summary
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“It’s the Super Bowl of Kennett”, says Dustin Digges, 31, as he describes the 2024 Delta Fair Demolition Derby. He embodies the spirit of the derby and his late-father’s passion for being out under the lights. This annual event is more than just a spectacle of crumpling metal and roaring engines; it is a unifying force that brings together families, friends, and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in local culture.
On the surface, the goal of the Derby is simple — destroy all other cars until one remains. Just like all great things, in order to accomplish that goal many elements need to align: passion, teamwork, knowledge, and most importantly the spirit of the relentless pursuit. Despite losing the last couple of competitions, Dustin’s eagerness to get back out there is what drives him to keep competing.
Dustin Digges’s derby car sits stationary during repairs at his friend’s garage in Kennett, Mo. Digges has competed in roughly 30 demolition derbies.
Dustin, left, and his friend Josh Hamlett work under a derby car to change out the transmission at Josh’s garage.
A young boy steps into a power wheel toy car while Josh works on Dustin’s car. The young boy, whose father would go on to win the derby later in the week, is also interested in derby cars.
Trevor Newman, left, and Dustin, chat after loading Dustin's derby car. Dustin was showing Trevor videos of his past competitions.
Dustin’s Mercury Grand Marquis derby car. Dustin and Josh have been competing together for several years.
Dustin drives his truck to Josh’s home to load his car on to the flatbed tow truck. Dustin will bear the number 42 in honor of his late father.
The demolition derby audience stands for the national anthem at the Delta Fair. The demolition derby is one of the most popular events at the Delta Fair. In addition to the car derby, the fair also holds a minivan competition for adults and a power wheel demolition derby for the kids.
Dustin is pinned in between two other cars during a pile up in the the first of two heats.
Dustin drives past a destroyed car as he attempts to hit another. He was upset at the outcome, but still looks forward to the competition on Saturday. A piece of the car’s suspension broke, rendering Dustin’s car immobile. He fixed the car the next day.
Dustin stands on his derby car during the national anthem. Dustin said he is often nervous as he anticipates the first clash of a derby.
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