By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Demolition Derby at Hoisington's Labor Day Celebration is always a smashing good time. This year there's a new twist to the event. To honor the late Travis Newkirk, who passed away in January, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce is raffling off a car to be driven in this year's derby. The car was built by local drivers and will be derby-ready for the raffle winner.
"Travis Newkirk loved Demolition Derby, just loved it," said Chamber Director Karen Baldyga. "He was well-loved by the core group of people from Hoisington that have a passion for Demolition Derby. He was just one of those guys who everyone loved to hang out with. He was just a great guy.
"When he passed away, it was a real loss to that community. They decided the best way to remember him was to have a car in his memory for this year."
Raffle tickets are $20 and will be sold through the day of the Demolition Derby, which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. The raffle winner can choose to drive the car or pick another driver. A top-four finish in the Bone Stock Class would mean winnings between $1,000 and $100, and the Mad Dog fan-favorite vote winner receives $500. "For $20, you could end up with $1,500," Baldyga said.
The raffle is perfect for anyone who wants to participate in a Demolition Derby but lacks the time, money, or knowledge to build a car. "Whoever wins it will be given all the equipment," Baldyga said. "They won't have to worry about anything. They're even going to be given a brief driving lesson."
Tickets may be purchased in person at the Hoisington Chamber office or at the Demolition Derby. They can also be purchased online by CLICKING HERE.