Demo Derby sees exciting start at Grant County Fair

MOSES LAKE — The 2026 Moses Lake Roundup Demo Derby got off to a hot start Tuesday evening as local racers took to the arena to battle for glory in a variety of events. The night concluded with the demolition event, where Michael Koon claimed victory for the second year in a row. 

“That was a pretty good battle against the Webers,” said Koon. “It was a great time, everyone shook hands afterwards and that’s a win.” 

As the demolition commenced, each driver looked for early opportunities to slow down their opponents. One primary target on each vehicle was the tires with each driver chasing one another around the arena hoping to put pressure on the wheels.

Toward the end, multiple cars had stalled and piled up together, including another champion from last year, Seth Dompier. At one point, Dompier’s car caught fire, putting a pause to the event while nearby members of Grant County Fire District 5 quickly extinguished the flames. No one was injured and Dompier got his vehicle running again to fight a little longer. 

Koon’s vehicle stayed active throughout the competition and allowed him to continue his offensive strategies on his opponents.  

“It was running real well,” said Koon. “We ran these cars in Coalville, Utah two weeks ago so we get extra plates on the front end, so it helps a little bit.” 

Eventually, out of the smoke and dust, Christopher Weber’s and Robyn Weber’s vehicles came back to life and began to fight back against Koon. Despite their efforts, the damage sustained early on in the match proved to be too much for the Webers’ vehicles and allowed Koon to claim first. 

The events started out strong even before the demo derby, as the dirt bike racers were once again the front runners for the show. The winner, with an arena record of 16.4, was Jimmy Lamastus, who suffered a broken leg in last year's derby. 

This year’s first day of demo derby action featured a trophy dash, 12 heat races, five powder puff, six Australian Pursuit, a winners race and the addition of a truck race. Tyson Olson, the president of the Junior Mavs program, participated in the Australian Pursuit and took first in his heat race to qualify for the winners race. 

“My family (has) been doing this for about 40 years altogether,” said Olson. “We know how to build the cars and make them last. We always say it’s about 10% driver, 10% car and about 80% luck in this race.” 

Olson himself has been racing for 20 consecutive years at the demo derby. Olson said he has learned a lot about racing and upkeep for the cars and has enjoyed continuing in his family’s tradition. 

“You learn to pick the holes and be patient when you need to, but get on it when you have to,” he said. 

Olson said that he has enjoyed the brotherhood that comes with participating in the demo derby each year. Being part of this community over the years is something he feels has been truly special. 

“We’re rough with each other out on the track, but at the end of the day, there’s a respect and there’s a brotherhood,” said Olson. “You get guys out here helping each other on their cars and it’s, ‘You need a spare part? I’ve got something for you.’ That’s what it’s all about.” 

One thing both Olson and Koon pointed out that they enjoy from the demo derby is the energy from the crowd each year. 

“Just pulling out in the arena and you see the crowd, you hear the cheers,” Koon said. “That’s the coolest thing right there.” 

Demo Derby Day 1 Winners 

Dirt Bike Barrel Race – Jimmy Lamastus – 47 

Trophy Dash 1 – Tomas Pruneda - 731 

Heat Race 1 – Nicholas Marchand – 774 

Heat Race 2 – Chad Palmer – 99 

Heat Race 3 – Garret Widmer – 95 

Heat Race 4 – Krystopher Villasenor – 20 

Heat Race 5 – Gage Jenks – 10 

Heat Race 6 – Rylie Miller – 94 

Heat Race 7 – Kody Eilers – 34 

Heat Race 8 – Tyson Olson – 40 

Heat Race 9 – John Hagood – 17 

Heat Race 10 – Bryce Colins – 25 

Heat Race 11 – Dallas Law – 333 

Heat Race 12 – Gavin Hickman – 53 

Truck Race – Tomas Pruneda – 731 

Powder Puff 1 – Misti Lybbert – 701 

Powder Puff 2 – Heidi Larsen – 182 

Powder Puff 3 – Madissyn Cobb – 7 

Powder Puff 4 – Sabrina Bagwell – 79 

Powder Puff 5 – Diana Sehaible – 710 

Australian Pursuit 1 – Kody Eilers – 34 and Nicholas Marchand – 774 

Australian Pursuit 2 – Ryan Palmer – 13 

Australian Pursuit 3 – Omar Ornelas – 14 and Dallin Black 61 

Australian Pursuit 4 – Seth Miner – 15 

Australian Pursuit 5 – Driver not checked in – 166 

Australian Pursuit 6 – Tomas Pruneda – 731 and Dakota Kok - 21 

Winners Race – Kody Eilers - 34 

Demo Derby – Michael Koon - 117 

    In the demolition event, Michael Koon (117) and Christopher Weber (56) slam into each other with smoke coming out of Weber’s vehicle.
  

    During the Trophy Dash, Tomas Pruneda speeds ahead of the competition to claim a first-place finish.
  

    A car is slammed against the wall and skids over the barrier before getting back onto the track during one of the heat races Tuesday.
  

    Madissyn Cobb drives out of the arena after a first-place finish in one of the powder puff races Tuesday evening.
  

    Trucks rev up their engine and begin their race during the first day of the demo derby.