What lies behind the preparation of a Demolition Derby vehicle? Find something cheap and beaten up, yet serviceable for ramming and being rammed by other vehicles. Strip it of glass, seats, and upholstery. Strengthen the frame for the anticipated collisions. Select a lucky name or number. Personalize it with paint, decoration, or messages, perhaps.
Sometimes it is crafted from shared emotions, sympathy, and a desire to help a friend through one of life’s worst tragedies. All that takes a crew–usually family and friends, who come together to make the car or truck a reality.
Such was the case of contestant Matt Ward’s Truck Class entry on Saturday, August 17, 2013, in the 143rd Annual Whiteside County Fair’s Demolition Derby.
Morrison firefighter Joe Bielema, left, “was told of [Ward’s] wife’s situation” by his son Brad, Ward’s friend. Joe had an old work truck with 375,000 miles on it. He drove it for six or seven years before purchasing a new truck in February 2013. He described the transmission as “iffy,” saying, “It ain’t really worth nothing.” Bielema was aware that Ward liked to derby trucks, so he decided to give the young man the solid, 1993 Chevy Suburban “Carry All.”
He suggested to Ward, “Ask your buddies to help you.”
Fourteen days before the Demolition Derby, on Saturday, August 3, Lisa Despain Ward, age 30, lost her life to breast cancer. They had been married just one year and 11 months. However, Matt and Lisa were blessed in their short marriage to have a daughter, Lilah Ann, age one.
Lisa was described as “a friend of the derby.” At her visitation, Tuesday, August 6, Ward’s friends decided to get the truck done in her memory for the Fair.
“We wanna get it done for you,” one said, and Ward answered, “We ain’t never not made it yet!”
He already had a special number–75–that had served him for almost ten years. Ward had won derby events and driven big cars and trucks.
“These guys came together; everybody was so generous,” observed Bielema. “They pooled their resources.”
The team converged on Sunday, August 11, at Norm & Sherry’s Rockn’ Horse Farm, Morrison. They tore out glass, seats, and upholstery. They used #9 wire to secure the roof to the rear quarter panel and stabilized the interior with welded metal.
On Wednesday, August 14, some of Ward’s supporters met at the farm to watch Bielema spray paint the midsection glossy white. He showed the Sherwin Williams color that would decorate the remaining areas and wheel rims. “Fussy Pink” paint was applied that evening, too.
Some who fabricated this truck are shown from left-to-right: Josh Knouse, Morrison; Shaun Meier, Erie, IL; Matt Ward holding the pink breast cancer ribbon; Joe Bielema; Brad Bielema, Morrison.
Other crew members are Jake Benters; Jeff Deets; Jason Vander Eide; Brent Zaagman. Some of these men would also compete in the derby.
Casey Lipe designed attractive vinyl decals to honor the workers, sponsors, family names, and Lilah-size footprints.
Prior to the Truck Class competition, the old “beater” looked quite attractive!
Although they had not seen their son-in-law compete previously, Lisa’s Geneseo, IL, family attended this memorial event. It was held at the fairgrounds before a packed “house.” There were a handful of cars bearing pink ribbons and messages of support, for women touched by breast cancer. Click here to see the outcome.
“The Lisa Ward Memorial” will accept contributions for Lilah’s benefit. Send them to Matt Ward, 311 W. 6th Street, Prophetstown, IL.
Below are the generous sponsors who supported the truck’s entry in the Whiteside County Fair’s Demolition Derby. They lifted up Matt Ward. He will not soon forget their efforts and concern.
- Joe Bielema, aka “Joe’s Garage”
- Norm & Sherry’s Rockn’ Horse Farm
- Dad and brother Derek Ward
- Sherwin Williams, Dixon, IL
- CarQuest Auto Supply, Morrison
- Boelen’s Garage, Polo, IL
- Dave’s Garage, Erie
- Marty at A.F.A.B. Metal Works, Dixon
- Casey Lipe of The Decal Company, Oregon, IL
- Meeker Cash for Cores.