Editor’s note: Photos will be emailed to drivers upon request, at no cost: stephanie@thecity1.com.
POWER WHEELS DERBY Prior to the 7:00 p.m. main attraction, the Power Wheels Derby began with a passel of young drivers; ages three-to-“eight or nine” are eligible. Generally, they drive around for several minutes, some tapping or knocking into another vehicle, some sitting still, until a track man stops the action. Little motorized vehicles are pulled or driven to the south end of the track and positioned side-by-side. At the north end a flagman waves the green flag, and children race toward him. One speedy child became the Power Wheels Champion and took home a trophy: Bryson Drane from Rock Falls, IL.
Bruce “Beav” Hunter, Jr., Morrison, IL, was commended as 2023 Friend of the Fair, while sitting in his red, Hunter Body Shop truck. The announcer then read a prepared tribute to the late Chris Shetler, owner of Morrison Auto supply. “We knew he had our backs when it mattered,” commented one person. Click here to read Shetler’s Obituary notice on thecity1.com.
23-27 / SATURDAY DEMO DERBY
On Saturday, August 19, 2023, Tyler Queckborner took first place, among 16 entrants in the Open Full Size Wire division, to conclude the 152nd Annual Whiteside County Fair’s Demolition Derby. There were 74 drivers from four classes. Rob Mahnesmith of Chillicothe, IL, brought “Robbo’s EXTREME Derby Promotions,” skillfully managing the mania for a sixth year. Mahnesmith began in 2017. The 2020 WCF was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bonestock Compacts–18 entries. Justin Sharer earned the “Mad Dog” award.
1. Buddy Fortune; 2. Levi Fortune; Tanner Hall; Justin Sharer; Owen Popejoy.
No photos of Buddy Fortune and Sharer were possible.
Mini Vans/SUVs–20 entries. Steven Keuhl received “Mad Dog” status.
1. Tanner Hall; 2. Cody Scott; 3. Joey Wyatt; 4. Michael Roggy; 5. Steven Keuhl.
Tanner, at top and right, is shown with a friend. Keuhl is in the second photograph.
Open Wire Compacts–19 entries. Brandon Albano was recipient of the “Mad Dog” title.
1. Brandon Albano; 2. Lonny Presley; 3. Sean Poff; 4. Scott Harms 5. Scott Harms.
Albano is pictured with his trophies.
Open Full Size Wire–16 entries. Troy Walters was deemed “Mad Dog” worthy.
1. Tyler Queckborner; 2. Levi Harris; 3. Kyle Haan; 4. Greg Blasdere; 5. Troy Walters.
Queckborner is shown at top; Walters posed with show Promoter Rob Mahnesmith.
