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Demolition Derby raises $16K for St. Jude
RACHEL TOWNSEND
Despite the heat, a crowd of hundreds went to the Dyer County Fairgrounds Saturday evening, June 29, for the 2024 Demolition Derby. Sticks Up Motorsports LLC hosted the event in partnership with St. Jude Rides (Dyersburg to Memphis).
According to event coordinator Hayli Richards of Sticks Up Motorsports LLC, $16,013 was raised to benefit St. Jude. The donation was made in memory of Landon Clay Matheny.
Richards said that while she did not know Matheny personally, she followed his story from the time he was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma [DIPG], which is an inoperable, cancerous brain tumor that diffuses into the brain stem that controls all major functions of the body.
There is no cure and no treatment.
Richards said Landon and his family stayed true to their faith and never lost hope.
“I was and still am truly inspired by his family and him,” said Richards. “I want to hopefully see a day where no child has to endure the ‘C’ word. I’m so thankful for our sponsors and volunteers who have made this event possible and the community for coming out on a hot Saturday and supporting St. Jude!”
The event started at 7 p.m. and featured 17 derby drivers who competed in two heats before facing off in a final championship round.
Event winners:
1st place - Shane Gordon car #128
2nd place - Chuck Wade car #58
3rd place - Cody Bryson car #13
Mad Dog (most aggressive driver) - Eli Sutphin car #727
Matt Smith of Dyersburg was the winner of the 50/50 drawing. Smith won $371.
2nd Chance Security sponsored the gun drawing won by Dr. Matt Tosh.
Special thanks are extended to the Matheny Family; Kevin, Terrie, and Jacob Richards; Philip and Erin Turner; AJ Blalock, Josie Stark, Katie Farmer, Dyersburg Fire Department, St. Jude Rides Dyersburg to Memphis Group, 2nd Chance Security, Dyer Co Rescue Squad, and Lowery’s Wrecker Service and Body Shop.