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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. |
| Members completed the first of many upcoming demolition derby cars. The car was painted green with large 4-H clovers and it's official number was "04-H". The Cadillac, parts, and supplies were donated by parents, junkyards, and local retailers. |
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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. |  |
| 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 Ken Howard, Grant VanHeukelum, Jack Burke, and Pete Smith. |
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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 a drawing of names submitted by youth who worked on the car; eligible drivers included parents and 4-H youth ages 16+. The 2004 driver was Paul Callens, Member, Age 17. |
| The car was on display at the Van Buren Youth Fair from Monday through Saturday. The car and its builders received press coverage from five local newspapers and WWMT - Channel 3. It is believed that this the first 4-H demolition derby project car built in the United States. There were two built in Canada in 2003. |
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| The derby was held on Saturday evening, July 25, 2004 at the Van Buren Fairgrounds in Hartford, Michigan. Club members and family watched from the hillside and cheered for 04-H during its demolition. While the car did not go to the final heat, it remained one of the five finalists in the third heat. Crash Callens did an awesome job driving, while being able to save the car enough to go another round at the 2004 Allegan Fair in September. The final crash shoved the front bumper underneath the front tires, bringing 04-H to its final rest. |  |
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| To donate a car or parts for next year, contact leader Steve Massey at the e-mail address below. (PLEASE identify the purpose of your e-mail or it will be deleted as SPAM - Thanks.) |
