LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
For years, the Route 1 Rumble Demolition Derby has served as the explosive finale to the Edgar County Fair. On Saturday, July 27, fans were treated to a reminder of just how intense the event can be.
Four classes of derby drivers (limited weld, compacts, stock and mini trucks) crashed, crunched and slammed their vehicles together, all with hopes of being the last vehicle standing.
From the opening heat, high-speed collisions and perilous action could be seen across the track. One vehicle was hit hard enough to leave its back end hanging over the edge of the concrete barriers encircling the arena. Another driver flipped their vehicle on its roof after an awkward collision with the wall. Emergency personnel rushed to aid the driver who quickly emerged unscathed.
The excitement of the derby was well worth the price of admission – especially when two Paris natives secured the top spots in their respective classes.
Jeffery Martin has been derbying for nine years, ever since his father Jeff Martin and his friend Shawn “Squig” Robison pulled him into the sport. After Robison helped Martin prepare his first derby truck, he was hooked.
Despite participating in the Route 1 Rumble several times, Martin had yet to secure his first win before Saturday’s event.
“I was in a second-place slump for a long period of time and finally got my first win last year at the Edgar County Shrine Derby,” Martin said. “This year I have been lucky enough to get two wins, with one being on my hometown track. It was an amazing feeling getting the win on my favorite derby track.”
Martin took bragging rights in the stock event, eliminating his friend, Robison, to seize the title.
“It (came) down to me and my best friend to battle it out for first place,” Martin recalled. “I have taken many, many second places to him and it felt good to finally get the win on him.”
Martin expressed deep gratitude to Robison, his father Jeff, his pit crew, comprised of BJ Blair and Eli Blair, and his wife Kierstyn Martin “who puts up with me spending long hours at the shop building these cars.”
“Without those people, it wouldn’t be possible,” Martin said.
Like Martin, Weslee Morgan is a Paris resident who felt a similar pull to the derby track as a kid.
“I really have been around them (demolition derbies) all of my life. If I wasn’t watching somewhere, I was in the shop helping with my dad, Greg Morgan, and Lance Cline,” Weslee Morgan said. “I was around 10 years old when they both retired and I knew I wanted to drive in one.”
Morgan took the crown in the compact class of this year’s Route 1 Rumble, edging out several other drivers, including Jake Hall of Paris. The experience was a rewarding one for Morgan.
“I really enjoy driving in any class, but it’s an extra special feeling when you win and know that all the time put into the car and your hard work pays off,” he said.
For Morgan, his support system is what allows him to compete on the track.
“I would like to thank my dad, my brothers, and my friends for helping me on my cars when they can,” he said. “I’d also like to thank Matt Jackson at Tec Doc for sponsoring me. Lastly, I need to especially thank my wife, Bailey, for tolerating all the hours I have to spend in the shop for this favorite pastime of mine.”
The excitement on the track and the satisfaction of victory is sure to keep drivers, crews and fans returning to witness the carnage of the Route 1 Rumble years to come.
“There is nothing like derbying. There is no adrenaline rush like it,” Martin concluded.
Route 1 Rumble final standings:
Limited Weld Class
Compacts Class
Stock Class
Mini Truck Class