There will be plenty of mud, crushed metal and hard-hitting action at the Sports Bowl this weekend.
Hope Motorsports Group is hosting its second annual Pumpkin Smash Saturday evening under lights. A large bonfire on the mound of dirt just behind the derby arena will also be lit to enhance the atmosphere.
“This is sort of now known as the last derby of the year. It’s fun under the lights and it’s something different to come and watch for a few hours,” said Scott Medlock with Hope Motorsports Group.
“There’s lots of interest from participants. It took us a long time to build up a good name but it’s encouraging that people want to come here and participate.”
The plan is to have two heats of mini-stock races, one main demolition derby and one free-for-all demolition derby. There may be a mini-stock demolition derby at the end as well if there’s enough interest.
Hope Motorsports Group is expecting at least a dozen demolition cars and a dozen mini-stock entries. Participants come from all over the province to compete and sign up on the day of the event.
Pumpkin Smash kicks off at 5 p.m. on Oct. 25, with gates opening at 4 p.m. Admission is by a minimum $5 donation, with proceeds going to Hope Search and Rescue, Hope Crime Prevention Society, and 1st Hope Scouting. Spectators are encouraged to dress up in costumes. Chariots of Fries will also be at the event providing food and drinks.