Despite earlier gusting winds, tornado warnings and a torrential downpour, the first Demolition Derby of the season at Potomac Motor Speedway went on as planned on Saturday, May 31.
After four bumper- and fender-crushing rounds, the man appropriately named, “Hammer” won the trophy among the smoking remnants of crunched cars.
For those who missed the action on Saturday, the second of the spring demolition derbies is at the Potomac Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Call 1-888-44-DERBY for more information.
Each year, the Silver Hill Lions Club puts on four of the sheet metal spectaculars, the first two in the spring and the second two in September.
According to event co-chair, Barry Wilen, the Silver Hill Lions in conjunction with Lions Clubs from Southern Maryland, Prince Georges County and Washington DC have been holding the fund raising events since 1972. “We’ve been coming to Potomac for 11 or 12 years.”
Area Lions clubs work year round to raise money for their various charities. The list of supported organizations is impressive.
The Silver Hill Lions provide funding for Leader Dog for The Blind, which trains dogs to assist the blind. Another charity is Project Happy Note, which sends musical instruments to soldiers in Iraq. The group also supports The Youth District Band and provides scholarships and the Boys and Girls Club of Silver Hill. They list many more charities and organizations to which they provide support to the tune of almost $50,000 per year.
Wilen stated that the four demolition derbies are a major contributing factor in his club’s fundraising efforts, “They are one of the most successful fundraising events in the region.”