David Chapman
Staff Writer
From the gasps to the cheers, from the screams to the smiles, the 5th annual Builders Care Demolition Derby was a smashing time.
The event lured almost 4,000 people to Jacksonville’s Equestrian Center for a fundraising display of vehicular carnage that raised $60,000 for Builders Care.
Forty cars from various builders, designers and industry companies entered the all-afternoon and evening event that featured live music between heats by The Blues Congress.
“I’ve done it every year,” said Justin Wooten, driver of the Lumber Unlimited car. “The driving is fun, all of it’s fun.”
The event had a handful of recognizable drivers including Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, former Jaguars linebacker Kevin Hardy and TV-4’s Bruce Hamilton.
“I had a great time,” said Hardy, who drove the Jaguar Builders Inc. car. “The whole thing has been pretty crazy.”
The Shapells car with driver Guy LaChappell took first place followed by Stephens Advertising with Toby McWilliams and Ryland Homes with John Marcy. The smashoff master winner was TECO Peoples Gas with driver Wayne “Pops” Kiser.