Tournament of Destruction tops in thrills!
By Jeanne & Larry Starr
September 3, 2000; Jefferson, WI. – People came to Jefferson Speedway, for the second Tournament of Destruction in the year 2000. The night started opening ceremonies, with all cars parked on the track, in anticipation of an exciting evening.
The national anthem was sung by Alexis Pankow and Sue Hohmann and the crowd set back to watch an evening of action packed special events, starting with exhibition races for each of the track’s regular racing divisions. Roger Stephenson of Cambridge finished first in the 10 lap Hobby Stock exhibition heat, Dave Oswald of Cottage Grove claimed the 10 lap Sportsman division heat, Mike Bingham of Jefferson won the International class heat race and Mike Taylor of Stoughton won the Late Model event. That concluded the regular racing portion of the program and it was on to “Stupid Human Automotive Tricks.”
Events included Auto Bowling, the Barrel Push, Bump & Run, Train Race, Auto Football, Push-Me Pull-You, Spin to Win, Trailer Race, Bubble Race, Bubble Gauntlet, Rollover Contest and Demolition Derby.
Providing early entertainment were members of the audience, chosen by ticket numbers, taking potshots (with paint ball guns) and an antenna mounted target on a compact car. Reportedly the driver suffered as many hits as the target.
The action lasted all night, with a few breaks for event setup.
Adults and children, of all ages, thrilled to some of the spectacular events. The evening finished with what, I have been assured, was one of the best Demolition Derbies of all time. There were 5 cars that “Just wouldn’t die!”
Jefferson Speedway ends its regular racing season this Saturday night, September 9, with the Havill Spoerl Season Championships, complete with a 75 lap Late Model feature and extended features in all divisions.
Gates open at 4:00, qualifying at 5:30 and racing at 7:30 sharp. Jefferson Speedway is on highway 18, between Cambridge and Jefferson Wisconsin.
The Pepsi-Wisconsin State Championships will run Sept. 15 and 16, to close the 2000 racing season at Jefferson Speedway.