Demolition Derby & Hot Rod Expo at the Dixon Fair Grounds This Weekend

Nothin’ says small town fun like a demolition derby – luckily Dixon does not disappoint when it comes to smashing cars. 

Hopefully you’ve seen the billboard in front of the Dixon Mayfair announcing the West Coast Derby Championship and Hot Rod Expo this weekend, if not, now you know why your neighbor has been welding, hammering and chaining pieces onto the dilapidated car that’s been parked in the drive for the last couple weeks.

Tickets are still available for this special, end of the summer event, and if the thought of a two-day car pile up doesn’t excite you, the cause just might.

Dixon residents Rich and Vanessa Rutledge have coordinated this non-profit event, hoping it will be the first of many. 

“I started a non-profit to benefit local youth sports and St. Jude Children's Hospital,” Vanessa told Patch, “We wanted to do something to help raise money for the sports programs in Dixon and St. Jude has always been one of my favorite charities. Since my husband drives in derbies, has since about 1991, we decided to put on a derby, but bigger.”

She said, “We decided to add a car show and some bands, hoping to provide a platform for the drivers to hang out and enjoy each other's company. We also thought it would be a nice, affordable weekend event for the community.”

When asked how the idea was born, she chuckled, “I just kind of dove head first into this project, and here we are, a year-and-a half later! I have a great group of people helping me!

The weekend event begins at 2 p.m. on Sept. 21 when gates open for the first heat and the gates will close at 11 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 22. Check the website for schedule details.

Tickets are still available, and will be sold at the gate. General admission is $20 per day, or $35 for a weekend pass. Kids 10 and under are free when accompanied by and adult. Box seats are available for an additional $15, if there are any left! Hot Rod only spectator tickets are $10.