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volume 6, issue 37; Aug. 3- 9, 2000
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Ohio: Birthplace of Demolition Derby
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By Brad Quinn

To hell with aviation. North Carolina can have it. It's time to celebrate Ohio's demolition derby heritage.

Although the origins of the sport are hazy, according to the National Demolition Derby Association's Web site (www.ndda.org), the birth of demolition derby quite possibly took place in a busy intersection in an unnamed Ohio town in the mid-1950s. The story goes that, after a minor accident, two drivers began battling it out, bumper to bumper, attracting a sizable and enthusiastic audience.

Curiously, the state legislature has ignored Ohio's great contribution to motor sports. There's been nary a word from Columbus on demolition derby, much less a limited-edition coin or commemorative bath towel. Instead, the state goes on with its disputable claim of being the "birthplace of aviation."

The obvious place to celebrate our demolition derby heritage is on the Ohio license plate. It's our birthright, and we should claim it. Besides, no one else could possibly want it and we could have it all to ourselves.

If you too would like to see Ohio's demolition derby heritage proudly displayed on state license plates, please fill out the following form and mail to:

Ohio: Birthplace of Demolition Derby

C/O Gov. Bob Taft

77 South High St.

Columbus, OH 43266

E-mail Brad Quinn     Back to Top


Previously in Cover Story

Angels in the Heartland
    By Jeffrey Hillard (July 20, 2000)

Cincinnati's 'Mr. Radio'
    By Rick Pender (July 13, 2000)

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