What is a Demolition Derby?

A Demolition Derby is one of the most entertaining and chaotic forms of motorsports. Instead of racing for speed, drivers compete to disable the other cars through controlled collisions until only one vehicle remains running.

The objective is simple: be the last car still moving.

Drivers deliberately crash into each other throughout the arena, damaging opponents while trying to keep their own vehicle running. As cars lose engines, wheels, or the ability to move, they are eliminated until one driver remains.

How a Demolition Derby Works

Cars enter a designated derby arena where drivers attempt to disable their competitors using strategic hits. The event continues until only one vehicle is still capable of moving under its own power.

A driver is typically eliminated when:

• Their vehicle can no longer move

• The engine stalls and cannot be restarted

• A safety official determines the vehicle is no longer able to compete

When all other cars are disabled, the last moving car is declared the winner.

Why Fans Love Demolition Derbies

Unlike traditional racing, demolition derbies are unpredictable. Cars spin, collide, stall, restart, and sometimes barely limp back into the fight.

Fans come for:

• Massive collisions

• Last-second comebacks

• Twisted metal and flying debris

• Drivers refusing to give up

Every derby unfolds differently, which makes it one of the most exciting spectacles in motorsports.

Vehicles Used in Demolition Derbies

Derby cars are usually older production vehicles that have been stripped down and reinforced to withstand heavy impacts.

Typical modifications include:

• Removing interior components for safety

• Reinforcing certain parts of the vehicle

• Relocating fuel tanks for protection

• Painting and numbering cars for identification

Despite the preparation, derby cars are built with one expectation: they will likely not survive the event.

Safety Measures

While demolition derbies are designed to produce heavy impacts, safety rules are in place to protect drivers and spectators.

These typically include:

• Mandatory helmets and safety gear

• Reinforced driver compartments

• Strict vehicle preparation rules

• Track officials monitoring the action

• Immediate response from safety crews if needed

Experience the Demolition Derby at Kern Raceway

At Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, the Demolition Derby is often the most anticipated part of the night. After a full evening of racing, the arena fills with cars ready for one final battle of survival.

When the green flag drops, strategy goes out the window and the chaos begins.

Only one car will still be moving.

And the crowd will know it when they hear it.

See the Demolition Derby Live – March 14

You can experience the chaos live at the Kern County 160 on Saturday, March 14 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.

The night features a full program of short-track racing highlighted by the SPEARS CARS Tour West Super Late Models, including a special Kevin Harvick vs. Keelan Harvick showdown. When the racing ends, the arena fills with cars for the Demolition Derby finale, where drivers battle until only one vehicle remains moving.

Also racing that night:

• SPEARS CARS Tour West Limited Pro Late Models

• SPEARS CARS Tour West Legends Cars

• NASCAR Spec Racers

It’s high-speed short-track racing followed by full-contact chaos — all in one unforgettable night.

Saturday, March 14, 2026
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway
13500 Raceway Blvd
Bakersfield, CA

Tickets available now at KernRaceway.com.