Editing Demolition derby (section)

== Vehicles ==
[[File:Pit crew Hudson Valley.JPG|right|thumb|Pit crews have to work together efficiently in order to repair heat-winning cars so they can return to compete in the feature event. Most derbies require that the same car qualifying in the heat must be used in the feature. Occasionally, some derbies allow heat winners to use a fresh car in the feature.]]
Competitors have traditionally used full-size, American-made [[sedan (car)|sedans]] and [[station wagon]]s, especially those from the 1960s and 1970s,<ref name="LATimes07212001" /> which are larger, heavier, and had more robust frames than later full-size vehicles. The [[Chrysler D platform (RWD)|1964–1966]] [[Imperial (automobile)|Imperial]] achieved near-legendary status for its [[crashworthiness]], and it is still banned from most derby events.<ref name="Huntsville" /><ref>[http://www.jmproductionsinc.com/new/rules_4_932254385.pdf JM Productions (national sanctioning body) demolition derby rules]. Retrieved 2010-07-30. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713110937/http://www.jmproductionsinc.com/new/rules_4_932254385.pdf |date=2011-07-13 }}</ref> Scrap vehicles are purchased from junkyards and private owners,<ref name="LATimes07212001" /> usually for less than [[United States dollar|US$]]500, though some select (and rust-free) mid-1970s sedans and station wagons may go for more than $1,000. Vehicles are often patched up and re-used for several events.

With the dwindling availability of these older vehicles, smaller full-sized vehicles of the late 1980s and 1990s are more frequently encountered today.  A separate class of demolition derby for [[compact car]]s is increasing in popularity.  Compact car events have the advantage of an abundant supply of usable vehicles, which also tend to be more mobile and thus, more entertaining to fans.  Being largely [[front-wheel drive]] vehicles, their back ends can sustain considerable amounts of damage before the vehicle is immobilized.  However, this increased speed, coupled with the fact that compact cars tend to be less crashworthy, makes injuries more frequent.

Other versions of the sport using [[Combine Demolition Derby|combine harvesters]] and riding lawn mowers have been practiced in various parts of the world.  Larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks and SUVs, were rarely used in demolition derby<ref name="ColumbusCrescentNews08102008" /> (though school bus demolitions have long been a popular exception) but have recently become popular in demolition events (which may also be the result of the increasing amounts of junk cars being SUVs, which will especially be true in the future  when junk cars from the 1990s to 2010s will be increasingly used in demo derbies as they grew in popularity during those decades). Recently a new class for minivans has been added to some derbies because of the abundance of older minivan junk vehicles. Motorhome demolition derbies are another variation. Semi trucks have also been used in demolition derbies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed916_Oezds | title=Wreckfest #82 ► DESTRUCTION DERBY - "Big Rig" Semi Truck vs 23 Cars | website=[[YouTube]] | date=15 December 2019 }}</ref>

The vehicles are stripped of interior fixtures, trim, plastic, lights, and glass.<ref name="Huntsville" /> They are repainted, often in loud, garish designs and on low budgets (spray paint is frequently used to mark names, slogans and identification). Additional modifications include trimming sheet metal from around the wheel wells, removing parts of bumpers, welding the doors shut, and relocating the [[car battery|battery]] and gas tank.<ref name="PopularMechanicsApril1999" /> The radiator is sometimes relocated to the back seat. To make the cars last longer, they are occasionally pre-bent, with [[Chassis|frames]] notched, rear [[Bumper (automobile)|bumper]]s removed, [[trunk lid]]s notched, and rear [[coil spring]]s are (when rules allow) replaced with [[leaf springs]]. In many instances, roll bars, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment is installed.<ref name="PopularMechanicsApril1999" />  Sometimes the removed parts create bulk availability of off-color parts for older cars that are compatible with them. In most cases, any vehicle parts must be "stock", though in some derbies a "gladiator" or "outlaw" division allows cars to be extensively modified and reinforced.<ref>Eckstrom, Joe (2010-07-28). [http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/543202.html?nav=5047 Demo drivers compete for shot in Fair finals]. ''[[Evening Observer]]''. Retrieved 2010-07-30.</ref>