Armada Fair thrill-seekers looking for excitement beyond the midway can get their adrenaline rush in the grandstands, as a variety of motorsports are set to rumble into the arena.
The Armada Fair will be held Aug. 11-17 at the fairgrounds on Fair Street in Armada. Over 200 entrants are anticipated to participate in fair motorsports this year. Armada Fair Board Member Ken Goike is on several fair motorsports committees.
“Back in the ‘70s, I was into motorsports stuff. The board at that time sought me to get on the board and help put the events on. Here we are 35 years later, and I am still there,” Goike said.
Goike described his key motivation for continuing to be a part of fair motorsports activities as the ability to create excitement for new generations of motorsports fans.
“For me, it is the people that like watching, especially the small children. They love the Monster Trucks, they love the Demolition Derby. And it is just to watch their faces, the excitement on them. It is the biggest thing that has driven me for quite some time now,” Goike said.
He described the motorsports world as something people often come back to as it calls for strategy and preparation as well as a love for cars.
“I guess it’s the adrenaline rush when you participate in all of this stuff, what you‘ve got to do to prepare for it, the camaraderie of likeminded people, and to try and outsmart your competitor,” Goike said.
Motorsports action at the fair will kick off on Aug. 12 with Monster Trucks. As part of Kids Day activities at the fair, Monster Truck rides will be available at noon, behind the refreshment tent. The Monster Trucks will roll into the main arena at 7 p.m.
The Demolition Derby will be held Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. in the main arena. The event is operated by USA Demolition Derbies. Rules, regulations and additional information can be found at armadafair.org/motorsports under USA Demolition Derbies. About 40 entrants are anticipated to take part in the event. Goike said the derby is historically the most popular arena event at the fair. He attributed its popularity to the action-packed excitement it brings, particularly for youth.
“Nothing else comes close to filling the grandstand at the Armada Fair for over 50 years. Nothing ever fills it up as much as that ever,” Goike said.
He described the Bump and Run as the most economical motorsport for people to participate in. Demolition Derby participants have varying costs depending on the class they enter, Goike said.
“Modified classes are quite expensive, the stock classes are always cheaper,” Goike said.
The Figure 8 and Bump and Run will be held on Aug. 14 in the main arena at 7 p.m. Drivers are required to attend drivers meetings held about a half an hour prior to the start of the events. The Bump and Run consists of heats. It is during the drivers meeting that the number of laps and direction will be determined.
For the Figure 8, drivers and mechanics must have their cars inspected at least two hours prior to showtime. Bump and Run participants should have their inspections done by 6 p.m. During the Figure 8 or Bump and Run, if an official rules a car as unsafe, it will be disqualified.
The Bump and Run is limited to 64 openings for participants, and is at capacity. The entry fee was $30, which included the car, driver and one pit person. The top payout for A Main is $1,000, and the top payout for B Main is $600.
The Figure 8 entry fee was $40, with entry limited to 56 cars. Figure 8 payout will be based on cars running, with the top A Main payout at $1,500 and the top B Main payout at $750.
Bump and Run and Figure 8 rules indicate that unsportsmanlike conduct, or failure to obey event rules, will result in disqualification. Drivers are required to wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes for both events. A fire suit, neck collar and safety harnesses are recommended for both events. Safety belts and Z-90 approved full face helmets, including chinstrap and eye protection, are required for both events.
For the Bump and Run, a window net for the driver’s side of the vehicle is required, and fire extinguishers are recommended to be mounted in the car. Air bags must be removed from the car, and no exhaust system is permitted in the driver’s compartment. All cars must have working brakes.
Figure 8 rules indicate that head-on collisions, hitting on the driver’s door, and teamwork are prohibited. Boundaries must be observed at all times. The Figure 8 will be composed of seven heats and an A and B feature. Titles are required for entries.
Figure 8 rules also indicate that vehicles must have dependable brakes at all times. All vehicle doors and the trunk must be fastened shut by wire, straps, chains, or welded for the driver’s safety. A vehicle will be disqualified if the driver’s door comes open during a heat. A strong wire or nylon mesh screen is recommended in the driver’s window and windshield area.
According to Bump and Run and Figure 8 rules, passengers are not permitted in participating vehicles and hot rodding in the pit area is forbidden.
The Truck and Tractor Pulls will be held at noon and 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, as well as at noon on Aug. 17. Over 50 entrants are anticipated to participate in the Tractor and Truck Pulls at the fair. Prize money is offered for various divisions and classes in the Truck and Tractor Pull events.
General track rules for all classes, including trucks, indicate that all pulls must start with a tight hitch. Jerking is prohibited. No pulling vehicle will be allowed more than two hooks per day, and farm classes are allowed one pull per day. All tractors must have workable brakes. All tractors must weigh in. The weigh in is certified by the weight master at the scale. Once the pull starts and tractors are lining up by class, the driver must stay with the tractor. Additional rules apply depending on tractor or truck class.
The full lists of rules for fair motorsports can be found at armadafair.org/motorsports.
In addition to motorsports, the main arena at the fair will feature:
• Uncle Kracker on Aug. 11, 8:30 a.m. Opening act is Brian Papson at 7:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $15 for an armband, standing room only. Tickets are sold until 9 p.m.
• DeWayne Spaw Music at 5 p.m. on Aug. 14.
• Draft horse pulls at noon on Aug. 15.
• DeWayne Spaw Music at 6 p.m. on Aug. 15
• Super Kicker Rodeo at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15.
Nicole Tuttle is a freelance reporter for The Voice.
