Schools Compete In Bus Demolition Derby

Schools Compete In Bus Demolition Derby When Dave McCormick heard about the school-bus demolition derby in Athens County, Ohio, he knew Guernsey County needed one, too. “I’ve been involved in demolition derbies for 50 years with my brother and son, and it gets in your blood,” says McCormick. “Athens County had started doing a bus derby as a friendly rivalry and fundraiser. I knew we needed to borrow the idea.” Because he and his son serve on the county fair board, it made sense to incorporate the bus demolition event into the existing combine derby. The fair board provided the buses, and the kids from the four county school districts decorated and named them. “The big challenge was finding the buses,” says McCormick. “We found them online at www.guvdeals.com for $2,500 each.” Each school district was asked to provide a driver. McCormick admits some were initially skeptical of the idea, but once it was explained, they got into the event. “Some picked the driver through a lottery of district drivers or selected a favorite,” says McCormick. “One district had their superintendent drive. He was a bit nervous beforehand.” The buses were prepped by removing all glass, including lights, and any other hazards. Seats were left in place; the rear door and all batteries were secured. “We left the hoods on, as when they get cracked open, engine parts flew. We knew the crowd would go wild,” says McCormick. “Drivers had to wear helmets, and seat belts had to be engaged. Multi-point harnesses were an option.” Instructions for the drivers are simple. “Hitting the driver’s side is a big no-no,” he says. “We advise using the back ends of the buses at first, but then all bets are off.” With 2025 being the first year, McCormick and the fair board were unsure what to expect. They were more than pleased. “It was a barn burner,” he recalls. “Kids and parents packed the place. They were all cheering on their favorite driver. It was just a lot of fun, and seeing the kids have so much fun made the work worth it.” When the event was over, the parts were gathered up, and the buses have now been taken to a local salvage yard. “They only take one at a time due to limited space,” says McCormick. “Salvage pays us a little something, but it’s not a money-making project.” For 2026, the fair board has brought the event back, bigger than ever. This year, there’ll be five buses because the county vocational school is included. “The rivalry between schools is even stronger,” says McCormick. “I was nervous with the money we had tied up the first year, but it’s turned into a real crowd-pleaser.” FARM SHOW readers interested in setting up their own school bus derby can visit the Guernsey County Fair website for more details, including a set of rules for drivers. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Guernsey County Fairgrounds, P.O. Box 208, Old Washington, Ohio 43768 (ph 740-489-5888; guernseycountyfairgrounds@gmail.com; www.guernseycountyfairgrounds.com) or Dave McCormick (sandy.mccormick2@gmail.com).

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