MDN File Photo Tonight is the night for the demolition derby at the North Dakota State Fair, and there’s a lot more to the derby than just crashing into other cars. Two drivers compete during last year’s event in this file photo.

Ever wonder what it would be like to use real life vehicles to play bumper cars? Want to watch as drivers smash their vehicles into one another in an attempt to be the last person still running? Then, come down to the grandstand at the North Dakota State Fair tonight, because it’s time for this year’s demolition derby.

The derby returned to the state fair for the first time last year, after a long absence, and after it proved a massive hit, the derby returns for another round of mayhem and destruction.

In its simplest form, the goal is to be the last car still running; however, there is plenty of strategy involved for drivers to remain mobile, and it starts well before they start their engines tonight. Rule No. 1 is that bright cars make easy targets during the event. In the chaos of the event, where smoke thickens the air and reduces visibility, a bright paint job invites hits.

One might think the best way to remain running is to just run and hide on the edges, avoiding getting too involved in the melee. However, rules generally require a driver to hit another vehicle at least once a minute, otherwise they will be disqualified.

Cars will almost universally ram into each other with the rear of their cars in order to protect the engine in the front. Likewise, drivers will do everything they can to protect their front end. If one is to get hit, the passenger side is ideal because it is the easiest hit to survive. No matter what, drivers must know what the weakest part of their vehicle is, so they can protect it at all costs.

That said, there are “Mad Dog” awards for the drivers who deliver the most spectacular hits to their competitors. As Sam Crowell, the promoter, explained to The Minot Daily News, “[it] gives the guys a little incentive to put a show on for the crowds.”

Last year’s event included multiple heats in the Limited World Class tournament before the main event. There also was a ten car Compact Division feature that was winner-take-all. This year’s tournament should follow a similar format.

Typically in derbies, drivers who qualify for the finals are allowed a new vehicle for the finals.

The demolition derby is one of the most popular events at the state fair, and fans will want to get there early to ensure they get to revel in the excitement. The derby is one of the remaining events in the grandstand pass that includes the MHA Indian Horse Relay, Joe Nichols, Whiskey Myers and Brad Paisley.