photo by: John Young

Shelby Miller and her brother Derby sit on Shelby’s No. 22 demolition derby station wagon before the start of the demolition derby at the Douglas County Fair Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. Both were scheduled to compete in the derby; however, they learned that they would not be able to before the start of the derby. This was the first year Derby, who was named for his parents' love of demolition derbies, was old enough to drive in the event.

photo by: John Young

Drivers attend a driver’s meeting before the start of the demolition derby at the Douglas County fair Friday, August 03, 2012.

photo by: John Young

Dylan Fawlconer competes in the demolition derby at the Douglas County fair Friday, August 03, 2012.

photo by: John Young

Gary Russell looks to make a new friend as he rams his car into another driver during the first heat at the demolition derby at the Douglas County fair Friday, August 03, 2012.

photo by: John Young

Smoke rises from Gordon Synder’s car as he tries to avoid a hit during the first heat of the demolition derby at the Douglas County fair Friday, August 03, 2012.

photo by: John Young

John Young/Journal-World Photo A firefighter from the Wakarusa Township fire department watches action during the second heat of the demolition derby at the Douglas County fair Friday, August 03, 2012.