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| In today's society where it is ever difficult to keep the attention of teens, the Young Explorers 4-H Club, Gobles, may have a crashing solution. In 2004, the Young Explorers "Blue Collar Division" began a new project. They built a demolition derby car that won a Michigan State 4-H Award. So, they built another car in 2006. |
| Members built the second of many upcoming demolition derby cars. The car was painted orange with large 4-H clovers and it's official number was "04-H". The station wagon, parts, and supplies were donated by parents, junkyards, and local retailers. |
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After the planning stages, renovation began with a complete removal of interior, windows, and bumpers. Reconstruction (before destruction) included an engine tune-up, welded doors, snow tires, and a custom paint job, all of which was completed by 4-H youth. |
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| In addition to the car being entered in the demolition derby, youth also received awards in 4-H project areas, including welding, automotive, and painting -- all blue ribbons. |
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| Destruction, construction, and entry of the demo derby cars is under the direction of Young Explorers 4-H Automotive and Welding Leader Steve Massey. Parent assistant leaders included Hollis Roden and Linn Zimmer. |
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| Mazz says, "While the project is open to all teens in the Young Explorers, boys and girls, it's important to get more teen boys involved in 4-H. This project gives them an opportunity to learn job skills while having fun. We hope that our project will challenge other 4-H clubs to build their own demolition cars, increasing teen participation, and giving the Young Explorers 4-H competition next year." |
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The driver of the car was selected from the youth who worked on the car; eligible drivers included parents and 4-H youth ages 16+. The 2006 driver was Ted Fritz, Member, Age 17. |
| The car was on display at the Van Buren Youth Fair from Monday through Saturday. It is believed that this was the second 4-H demolition derby project car built in the United States. There were two built in Canada in 2003 and the Young Explorers built the first USA 4-H car in 2004. |
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| The derby was held on Saturday evening, July 22, 2006 at the Van Buren Fairgrounds in Hartford, Michigan. Club members and family watched from the hillside and cheered for 04-H during its demolition. After fixing a dead battery, the car entered the consolation heat to the cheer of the 04-H hillside crowd. It was a tough battle and the car finally died with a bad battery and overheated radiator. Another driver borrowed 04-H to enter the finals round and she sat after only a short time when the transmission lines blew. Sadly, the motor was shot and she won't get to see the Allegan County Fair. |
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