Team Demolition Derby: Arguably the Most Dangerous Team Sport in the World

What could be better than the action-packed entertainment of race cars purposefully crashing into one another while also raising funds for a good cause? Nothing. And that’s why the Team Demolition Derby Series, Team Demos, has a huge following of life-long, dedicated fans that continue to support them year after year at Dirt Oval 66 in Joliet, Illinois. Not sure what Team Demolition Derbies are? No problem, we’ve got all the information you and tickets to the best seats to see for yourself!

What is Team Demolition Derby?
Team Demos is a series of team demolition derbies that originated at Dirt Oval 66. There are no rules, anything goes once the competition begins. Teams compete with one goal in mind, be the first to make five laps around the dirt oval track. Cars reach speeds up to fifty miles-per-hour, slamming into each other in their race to the finish.

Each team has four cars, all with a purpose. The runner collects laps, blockers protect the runner, and the crusher goes after anyone they can find. These cars work together, doing whatever they can to help the runner be the first to collect all five laps. Even though there are only four cars on the track at a time, each team brings at least a eight cars for the competition, and this is no small feat.

The races can last anywhere from 3-15 minutes depending on the speed and carnage! The cars are so noisy you can hear them over a crowd of thousands, but the fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

Team Demo Race Car Make-up
Demo Derby cars are stripped to the bones before being heavily fortified and painted to represent the team’s colors. Because there is an endless amount of crashing, the cars need to have any materials that can catch fire removed to reduce the risk of combustion. Seats, carpeting, the leather on the steering wheel, all removed until there’s nothing left but the bare bones. All the glass is also removed to prevent serious injury – windows, wind shield, anything that could cause harm to the drivers.

Once all unnecessary or harmful materials are removed, a special motor specifically for demo derby competitions is put in place of the original. The car is reinforced to increase its strength in crashes and to include any safety measures available for the driver. It is a labor-intensive process that can cost teams a lot of time and money. From 20 hours of work per car to thousands of dollars invested in repairs and building, it’s a sport for those who are passionate about the race.

Team Demolition Derby Events 2026

Saturday, May 23: Team Demolition Derby’s Tournament of Destruction “Military Night” featuring 4-team bracket, Dirty O Spectator series racing, and Gauntlet Race. 

Saturday, September 26: Team Demolition Derby’s Tournament of Destruction “Racin’ For Boobs” featuring 4-team bracket, Women’s Team Demo race, and Dirty O Spectator series racing.

For tickets to any Dirt Oval 66 or Team Demolition Derby event, visit https://www.dirtoval66.com/events-schedule/.

Team Demo Teams in 2026

• Mean Green Machine
• Junkyard Dogs
• Orange Crush
• Sting