Demo derby victory 23 years in the making

Ryan Stewart of Byron was the last man standing at the Big Horn County Fair demolition derby chain up on Sunday. After 23 years of competing in demo derbies, this is his first time taking home gold. 

“I’ve placed plenty, but never in top place,” he said.

This year, Stewart competed in honor of his parents, Frank and Carol Stewart of Lovell, who recently passed. Growing up, his father and cousins were involved in derbies. This was definitely not his first time competing at the Big Horn County Fair. 

“It’s an expensive hobby. I could have a couple nice, restored cars for what I’ve spent on this in the last 23 years,” Stewart said.

Stewart has had several cars over the years; this was his third derby with his 1980 Mercury Grand Marquis, which he has been taking to the figure-8 races in Powell, as well. He estimated he has put $5,000 to $6,000 into fixing it up.

Coming out of this derby, Stewart’s car was in pretty solid condition. He did say that his prize money – $2,000 for first place, $500 for the Mad Dog award, plus a few money flags – would likely go back toward his car projects. 

“I’m just a car junkie,” Stewart said.

TURNOUT

Seven vehicles, total, were entered in the fair’s 52nd annual demolition derby, continuing a downward trend that started last year. However, crowd attendance remained high.

Stewart was followed by Dillan May, who won $1,000 in second place in the chain up event. Limited weld winner was Travis Gillette with a $2,000 prize, followed by Josh Senn, $1,000.

Between heats of the demo derby, a strong lineup of moto rodeo competitors raced barrels on dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. 

“The barrel racing was pretty neat,” said Joe Maul, who organized this year’s demo event.

Moto rodeo, along with the fair’s first lawn mower race, was run by Josh Keller. Six bikes and five ATVs and UTVs entered, with Jake Gewell winning the 250 DC/450 CC Class and Landen Gorski winning in the ATV/UTV Class. Top prize for each was $80.

“I’m going to do it again for sure,” Keller said.

Both lawn mower racing, in its first year, and the truck bash saw only one entry, a symptom of low overall participation.