Meet Ben

Ben Martens with one of his
cars for the Demo Derby

Ben Martens of Orion started helping his neighbor build cars when he was 14, this triggered his interest to take up the Demolition Derby. For the last four years he has been participating in the demo derby at the Henry County Fair, but unfortunately he hasn't won yet.

His favorite part is the adrenaline rush on competition day, "It's a blast going out on the track and hitting people just for fun and not having to worry about what you break."

He also mentioned that it is fun building the cars because it gives him and his friends an opportunity to hang out.
Building the car it takes a lot of time. After obtaining a car, all of the interior must be taken out and the car can be built after that. There are also certain rules and regulations that dictate how strong the car can be.

Ben Martens competes
in the Demo Derby

On competition day Ben is normally seen finishing up his car and in the early afternoon he will try to get it to the fair so it can be inspected. "That way I have a chance to relax and calm my nerves before the derby starts" he says.
His favorite memory is from the 2011 Henry County Demo Derby when him and his friends bought a car the night before and built it in less than 24 hours, his friend ended up winning the derby with that car. He hopes to one day share that same fate of winning the Henry County Fair Demo Derby.

Ben believes that the Henry County Fair is special because it's his "hometown" county and where great memories can be shared with good friends. Be sure to catch Ben competing in the Demo Derby on June 28th at 6:30 at the grandstand!