Events

Revved Up & Ready to Smash: Demolition Derby Unleashed

Published

3 months ago

March 19, 2025

Coach, Kevin Willse

Fenders Will Bend, Bumpers Will Break, and Engines Will Roar—Welcome to the Demolition Derby, Where Every Collision is a Clash for Glory and the Only Way to Win is to Wreck Your Rivals First!

March 15th, 2025

For those who have never witnessed a demolition derby live, the experience is nothing short of electrifying. At a recent event, we had the opportunity to sit down with Steve Cioppa, one of the event organizers from Iron City Promotions, to get an inside look at what goes into the spectacle of controlled chaos.

A Thrill Ride Like No Other

“You’re gonna witness total carnage,” Cioppa enthusiastically shared. The event featured three classes: small cars, the “Most Wanted” class (stripped-down street cars), and the big car class, which features higher-performance vehicles built for serious competition. While Florida has its share of demolition derbies, the sport thrives in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and throughout the Midwest, where massive turnouts and intense competition are the norm.

From Hobbyists to Professionals

Most demolition derby drivers have been at it for years, developing a passion for the adrenaline-fueled collisions. The “Most Wanted” class was specifically introduced as a beginner-friendly category, allowing newcomers to ease into the sport without immediately jumping into high-intensity competition. Inspired by the derbies up north, this class was created to bring structure to the Florida scene, which previously mixed all vehicle types into the same heat.

Derby drivers often stumble upon their next competition car while out on the road. “You see a car that looks like it’s ready for a derby, you slam on the brakes, ask if they want to sell it, and then you get it for cheap, smash the windows out, and bring it to the derby,” Cioppa explained. The sport has levels ranging from local county fair derbies to national events featuring professional-level builds and 700-horsepower engines.

Requirements and Competitor Age Range

To enter a demolition derby, participants need a valid driver’s license. Minors under 18 require parental consent. The sport also features youth derbies, allowing kids as young as 11 to compete while being coached by a parent in the vehicle. On the other end of the spectrum, competitors well into their 60s continue to take part, proving that the derby passion has no age limit.

A High-Speed Addiction

For those considering getting behind the wheel, the warning is clear: “Don’t do it, because you’re going to be hooked!” Many who try the sport get addicted to the rush, while others find themselves overwhelmed after the first big hit. “You’re out there, pumping adrenaline, and once that first collision happens, it’s on!”

Safety and Inspection

Despite the chaotic nature of the event, safety is a top priority. Each car undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure that nothing hazardous protrudes from the vehicles and that fuel systems are secure. “We check everything—fuel cells, fuel lines—to make sure it’s safe for both the driver and competitors,” Cioppa explained.

Prizes and National Recognition

Competitors aren’t just smashing cars for fun—there’s prize money at stake. The big car class winner takes home $1,500, while the “Most Wanted” and small car winners each receive $1,000. Additionally, winning a qualifying event can open doors to bigger competitions. Florida’s own Billy Benoit recently secured a spot in the prestigious Wheel Man Nationals in South Dakota, where he will compete for a grand prize of $50,000.

The Future of Demolition Derby

As the sport continues to grow, organizers encourage fans to attend local derbies and support county fairs. “It’s the best adrenaline rush you’ll ever experience, even as a fan. When the derby starts, everyone’s on their feet,” Cioppa said.

So, if you’ve ever considered entering a demolition derby or simply want to witness the mayhem firsthand, find an event near you and prepare for an unforgettable experience of roaring engines, crunching metal, and pure excitement.

Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©, South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider

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Coach, Kevin Willse

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

Events

Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2025

McKaela Lulic

From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.

June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

: Papi Swim

: Pia Bolt

: Slay Swimwear

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

: Caroline Derpienski

: Love For Upcycling

: David Tupaz

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.