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| Staff photo/Kathy McCarty Bobby Anderson of Limestone stands atop his car and waves to the crowd after winning the Demolition Derby during the 160th annual Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. Anderson earned $1,000 for his efforts. |
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Bobby Anderson, of Limestone, and his familiar stuffed sidekick, SpongeBob, smashed their way to the Demolition Derby’s grand finale this year; and when the dust cleared at the end of the night, Anderson proved victorious, taking home the trophy and a cash prize of $1,000.
The event, held Aug. 2 and marking the last major event of the 160th Northern Maine Fair, packed the grandstand as spectators from all far and near cheered on their favorite driver. Viewers had the opportunity before the main event to see each driver and their vehicle as Fireman Fred Parsons, the evening’s emcee, introduced each participant. Parsons then invited those in the grandstand to cheer for the choices for Prettiest Truck and Prettiest Car, with the father-and-son duo of Alan Holmes and Steven Holmes earning those respective titles.
Competition got underway with five cars smashing it up in Heat 1. Finishing first in that heat was Steven Holmes of Wade in car number 29, followed by Anderson for second in number 4, with Jeff McGary of Monticello riding number 3 to third place. Also competing were Michael Condon of Ashland in number 30 and Jesse Sargent of Milton Mills, N.H. in number 7.
Heat 2 was also comprised of five drivers. In first was Scott Fisher of Caribou, number 23; second went to Judson Harding of Presque Isle, in number 18; and Taylor Condon of Ashland took third in his number 13. Austin Woods of Houlton in car number 14 and Adam Baker of Ashland in number 6 rounded out the field.
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| Staff photo/Kathy McCarty Bobby Anderson of Limestone stands atop his car and waves to the crowd after winning the Demolition Derby during the 160th annual Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. Anderson earned $1,000 for his efforts. |
Six drivers faced off in Heat 3. Taking the win was Vaughn Michaud of Caribou in car number 11. Second went to Milo Haney of Connor in number 17, followed in third by Jeff Cone of Washburn in number 2. Also competing were Tony Baker of Ashland in number 3, Jim Estey of Presque Isle in number 9 and Steven Holmes in number 8.
Heat 4 was a separate competition, featuring trucks and SUVs. Alan Holmes of Wade drove his number 28 pickup to victory, earning $1,000 for the effort. Taking second was the only female in this year’s derby, Jackie Abar of Wade in number 5. Third went to Kyle Wells of Caribou in number 22. Rounding out the field were Haney in number 21 and Craig Hamann of Washburn in number 15.
The consolation heat found those who’d missed being in the top three in their respective heats given a second chance to make it to the grand finale. Those able to get their cars running for the heat included Michael Condon, Adam Baker, Woods, Sargent, Estey and Hamann. Advancing to the final round were: Sargent in first, followed by Condon in second and Baker in third.
Eleven vehicles made it to the last competition of the night. Vying for the top prize money were: Steven Holmes, Anderson, Fisher, Harding, Taylor Condon, Michaud, Haney, Cone, Sargent, Michael Condon and Adam Baker.
Holmes, winner of last year’s event, had a solid car with little damage from his first heat going into the grand finale, but in an attempt to knock Fisher through the concrete barrier, the two locked bumpers. Holmes was unable to free himself and thus was out early. Holmes later acknowledged, due to the mishap, he now has a jump on next year’s derby car.
Anderson, a familiar name at the derby as well as at Spud Speedway over the years, proved his ability to build and drive a solid vehicle, crashing his way to the title of derby winner, taking home the prize money and a trophy for his efforts. Taking second was Taylor Condon, who earned $700, followed in third by Michaud, who won $500. Rounding out the field, in order of their finish, were: Haney, Harding, Holmes, Fisher, Michael Condon, Sargent, Cone and Baker.
