Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines

MOSES LAKE - The 41st annual KWIQ Moses Lake Demo Derby gets under way Wednesday at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Race fans will see plenty of action as time trials begin at 6:30 p.m. with heat races to follow at 7:30.

The Grant County Fair runs from Tuesday through Saturday.

"There will be plenty of crashing, smashing, flipping and rolling going on," derby chairman Jeff Janke said. "There are no boring moments from start to finish ... fans will be on the edge of their seats the entire night."

The derby competition is open to all who dare to enter. But this year a new twist has been added.

"We are allowing 16 and 17 year-old licensed drivers to compete in the time trials and heat races," Janke said. "But they cannot take part in the demo derby."

Drivers can sign up the day of the race but will be subjected to a $20 late fee.

First time entrants can find the car specifications, rules and racing forms at www.moseslakeroundup.com/demoderby.

Trophies will be awarded in the "Best Appearance" category as the top 10 cars will be judged by the crowd prior to the derby. The four fastest cars in the time trials will compete in the Trophy Dash, and the Demo Derby champion will receive a trophy as winner of the grand finale.

The cost for advanced tickets to attend the derby is $13 for adults and $5 for children 9 and under.

Tickets can be purchased at the rodeo office at 1036 West Broadway Avenue or online.

They can also be purchased at the gate on the day of the event for $15.

"The derby has sold out every year," Janke said. "So don't wait too long to purchase your tickets."

If you are not a racing fan, Janke said there will be still plenty going on for all who attend.

"The evening starts off with a tremendous fireworks show, followed by a tribute to local military personnel," he said.

"There will also be plenty of country and rock music ... kind of a mini-concert that an entire family can enjoy," he added.

For more information on the demo derby, contact Jeff Janke at (509) 989-4762.