Abar named first woman to win the derby
By Kathy McCarty
JACKIE ABAR stands atop her car as the crowd cheers her win of this year's Demolition Derby Aug. 7 at the fair.
PRESQUE ISLE — Jacqueline “Jackie” Abar now can add to her resume the fact she holds the title of the first female driver to ever win the Demolition Derby held annually in conjunction with the Northern Maine Fair.
“She’s the first woman to win that I know of,” said Andrea Bard Smith, event organizer.
While some might chalk it up to ‘Lady Luck,’ Abar showed she had what it took, skillfully maneuvering her Ford Taurus throughout the evening Aug. 7, beating 11 other drivers to take the honor.
“I can’t believe it. I’m thrilled,” said Abar, of Wade, moments before she climbed on her car’s roof to acknowledge cheers from the grandstand.
The evening kicked off with the Prettiest Car Contest. Vying for that title were: Eric Bradstreet’s number 10 car, Dustin Burby’s number 65 and Steven Holmes in car number 55. Holmes, of Wade, took the $100 top prize, with Burby taking the $50 second-place prize.
Although the event had fewer cars than in past years — 12 total — Smith was pleased with the event overall.
“The Caribou track has a points system; if drivers miss a race, they fall back in points. Drivers don’t want to lose their standing, so some who’ve participated in the derby chose to race this weekend,” said Smith, noting racetrack officials are working with her to prevent that from happening in the future.
“They may take the week of next year’s derby off so that drivers there can take part in this,” said Smith.
Prior to the start of the derby, Smith gathered drivers and their crews for a quick meeting to go over the few rules that apply to the yearly crowd-pleaser.
“There’s no playing opossum, you can’t intentionally drive into the driver’s door,” she said.
Taking part in this year’s festivities were: Burby, in car number 65; Andy Allen, car 69; Kyle Wells, 51; Joe Silliboy, 43; Michael McDougal, 84; Jesse Clark, 521; Bradstreet, 10; Joe Silliboy, 76; Alan Holmes, 83; Steven Holmes, 55; Abar, 00; and Derek Finnemore, 17. Vehicles included sedans, station wagons and even a minivan this year.
A figure-eight competition started the evening, consisting of 25 laps. Taking part were drivers: Burby; Wells; Silliboy, as well as an unidentified driver for his second car; Allen; and Finnemore. Winning the event was Finnemore, earning $300 for first place; followed by Burby in second, taking home $200; and Allen in third, earning $100 for his efforts.
Heat 1 followed, with drivers: Silliboy, Bradstreet, Clark, Alan and Steven Holmes (father and son), and Abar hoping to move onto the final round. Finishing first, second and third were: Alan Holmes, Steven Holmes and Silliboy.
Heat 2 included drivers: Allen; Wells; Silliboy; and McDougal. Burby and Finnemore had been scheduled for the heat, but due to damage done during the figure-eight event, both drivers opted to wait for the grand finale. Taking first, second and third in Heat 2 were: Silliboy, Wells and McDougal, respectively.
Because the field of competitors was smaller this year, the consolation heat was scrapped. Drivers able to get their cars running were allowed to compete in the night’s final event, the grand finale. Participants included: Finnemore; Burby; Allen; Alan Holmes; Silliboy; Abar; Steven Holmes; and Wells.
The field narrowed as car after car became disabled and the sun began to set, dusk turning the once brightly lit derby arena into a shadowy pit. With mud flying and visibility getting harder by the minute, it was Abar who succeeded in defeating the competition, winning first place and the $1,000 prize that went with it. Alan Holmes finished second, taking home $700; with Burby earning the third-place honor and $500.
This marked the second time in the top three for Abar, who finished third in last year’s derby. Past women participants have included Robin Holmes, of Wade; and Patti Crooks, of Presque Isle. Once considered a competition for ‘men,’ these ladies have proven women have what it takes to take on the challenge, with Abar proving women can win the derby.
“This is great. I did it — can’t wait for next year,” said Abar.
As flatbeds began loading the injured and maimed remnants of once-loved family vehicles, spectators from the grandstand and derby participants had the opportunity to see a balloon glow up close on the racetrack, courtesy of Wendell Purvis, of Tallahassee.. Plans are already under way for next year’s Demolition Derby.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
NATIONAL ANTHEM — Spectators stood in the grandstand, some with hands over their hearts, as the "Star Spangled Banner" was played prior to the start of the Demolition Derby Aug. 7 in Presque Isle.
SMASHING SUCCESS — Jackie Abar, driving car Number 00, showed no fear of the other drivers as she plowed her way through the action during the Demolition Derby held Aug. 7 at the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. Abar went on to win the event, earning the title of the first woman to do so.
DRIVERS' MEETING — Andrea Bard Smith, at far left, tells drivers and crew members the rules for taking part in the Demolition Derby, held on the last day of the 2010 season at the Northern Maine Fair.
