ELLSWORTH – It was a packed house at the Ellsworth Demo Derby Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Pierce County Fairgrounds. The crowd was electric, the vehicles were roaring and fans were cheering as the crush of metal echoed throughout the grandstands. The derby was back.

The event, put on by the Ellsworth Funsters and promoted by 715 Motorsports and Promotions, drew 92 drivers (100 registered) and roughly 4,300 spectators, some of whom had to stand since the seats were packed. Tim “Hollywood” Myer of 715 couldn’t be more pleased.

“The Funsters brought in a pile more seating, plus we sold 300 or 400 pit passes,” Myer said. “It was nice to see the rejuvenation back in Ellsworth after what happened last year. It was good to work with the Funsters too.”

Last year, the Funsters didn’t meet a deadline and 715 decided to take their promoting to Cedar Lake Speedway for another show. A lot of drivers went with them. The Funsters faced backlash from some in the community who felt the derby wasn’t up to Ellsworth’s big derby history. The Funsters and 715 were able to come to an agreement to make the 2024 derby bigger and better than ever.

Myer said they still have a couple of things on the backside to fix, but that doesn’t bother him.

“I was always told, if you run a show flawless, you’re doing something wrong, because you always want to be learning something new,” he said. “The drivers enjoyed the energy in the crowd, and it’s nice to see Ellsworth on the map.”

Myer has been in derbying for the past 26 years. It’s always been his dream to promote derbies in his hometown.

“It was nice to be back. I loved it. It was great to see all the fans come back. It was really enjoyable for me,” Myer said. “It was even a bit bittersweet and emotional for me, knowing that we just pulled off the biggest derby in Ellsworth’s history.”

A fun addition to this year’s show was the Battle of the Businesses. Sixteen area businesses entered vehicles; the driver had to be an employee or relative. While 715’s car was the victor, the other cars had some hard hits and Hager City Glass’s driver, known as “Wade the Hammer,” even got knocked out (though he walked off the track accompanied by Ellsworth Area Ambulance personnel). It was a definite crowd favorite. Those who competed were 715 Motorsports & Promotions, BK Exteriors, Broken Arrow Concrete, Broz Bar, Bullwinkles, Ellsworth Funsters, Hager City Glass, O’Neil Five Star, Outpost Bar and Grill, Plummer Concrete, RHEX (Ramsey Hill Exploration), Rush River Concrete, Sabe’s Loft, Snowballs Bar, Total Excavating and Grading and United Dredging.

“That was my dream of having that class,” Myer said.

The fun isn’t over for the season, however. The regular season finale will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 at Ridgeland. This is the final show for the 2024 Points Series presented by Quinn Motors of Ellsworth.

“It will be a battle,” Myer said. “I’m pretty excited. A lot of guys are within 5-10 points.”

The fun doesn’t stop there. On Saturday, Oct. 19, 715 Motorsports & Promotions will host the 2024 Fall Pumpkin Brawl Demolition Derby and Trunk or Treat event in Ellsworth at the Pierce County Fairgrounds (rain date is Oct. 20). The event outgrew its Roberts location, where they had anywhere from 93 to 127 cars. The fairgrounds are a bigger venue.

The trunk or treat portion will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the derby at 2 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for students and children 12 and under will be free. Pit passes will be $25.

“We want to get the kids involved too,” Myer said. “I know how it can get really expensive for families.”

The event will have food trucks and some church stands may open as well, Myer said. Those interested in sponsoring the event can reach out to Myer.

“We want to make this an event for Ellsworth,” Myer said. “I want to hit Ellsworth again because that was fun.”

Myer urges people to follow 715 on Facebook to see upcoming events and the 2025 schedule. He hopes to make the 2025 Ellsworth Demo Derby even better next year.

“I just want to thank the whole county and Ellsworth for taking a chance on us. I hope it was worth it,” he said.
I just want to thank the community, fans, drivers, and especially our crew for making this a memorable experience and we look forward to the future. We hope to see everyone in October! Also thank you to our sponsors and to the businesses who took part in the Battle of the Businesses Class. We will start taking registrations for that class Jan. 1.”