Pursuit and Demolition

“In one way or another, we’re going to destroy things,” Lonnie Pacheco told the Carbon County Commissioners last week. “That’s the whole point of the Raw Town Riot Demolition Derby.”

In his third year of running Rawlins’ demolition derby, Pacheco said he’s trying a few new approaches to the event. One of those changes is a rule change the drivers voted on at the end of the derby last year that may attract drivers from outside Carbon County and Wyoming. Known as Stirrin’ Dirt Rules, named for the promotion that hosts several derby events in Utah, Pacheco said the adoption resulted in discussions between his organizers and promoters in Utah. After those talks, the Raw Town Riot became part of the Stirrin’ Dirt circuit.

“What that means is my show is being promoted by the promoter in Utah and all the shows they run, they promote my show,” Pacheco said.

Pacheco said his event has one of the best prize purses in Wyoming and along with the newfound promotional deal, he believes the event can become the premier demolition derby in the state.

“It’s a show I want other drivers to say, ‘first weekend in August, we’re going to Rawlins,’ and there won’t be any questions about it,” Pacheco said. “I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Pacheco said the event has the potential to attract drivers from throughout the region, including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Colorado to earn points in the Stirrin’ Dirt Circuit.

The commissioners approved Pacheco’s request to detonate fireworks during the National Anthem and prior to the main event, with some promotion warning nearby residents with pets of the planned explosions. Overall, the commissioners were supportive of Pacheco’s efforts to grow the event.

Oh yeah, it’s the biggest event in the county – the biggest event period,” Commissioner Sue Jones said.

Sheriff’s office ATV already proving its worth

In a short time, an ATV patrol vehicle added to the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office fleet is proving its worth. Sheriff Alex Bakken told the commissioners last week it has helped deter a few out-of-state ATV enthusiasts from trespassing on private lands and was instrumental in responding to an incident involving a suicidal person with a knife.

Bakken said the ATV was used in the Seminoe area during the prior holiday weekend. Bakken said the deputy riding the ATV was able to arrive at the suicidal suspect’s location, disarm the person, then take them to the hospital. Overall, Bakken said Carbon County residents have been very supportive of the ATV.

“(The ATV) was very well received by the locals,” Bakken said