Events
Revved Up & Ready to Smash: Demolition Derby Unleashed
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.
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©, South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Demolition Derby. ©,South Florida Insider
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Luli Fama celebrates its Paradise Found Cruise ’27 swimwear and resortwear collection with a luxury Miami launch at its Dadeland Mall boutique.
August 20, 2026
Miami swimwear favorite Luli Fama is stepping into Cruise ’27 with Paradise Found, a new swimwear and resortwear collection inspired by tropical escapes, exotic prints and effortless vacation glamour.
South Florida Insider has already taken a closer look at the Luli Fama Paradise Found collection, and it feels made for Miami.
The new Cruise ’27 collection combines the bold, body-confident swimwear Luli Fama is known for with elevated resort pieces designed to move effortlessly from the beach and pool to cocktails and dinner.
On Thursday, August 20, Luli Fama will celebrate Paradise Found with an exclusive evening at its newest Dadeland Mall boutique in Miami, complete with fashion, light bites, personalized surprises, and a luxe espresso martini bar.
Inside Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Collection
Paradise Found is inspired by the feeling of discovering a hidden tropical retreat.
Think lush landscapes, warm golden hour light, exotic patterns, and silhouettes made for somewhere beautiful.
The collection features Luli Fama signatures, including flattering ruched details, seamless construction, adjustable fits, and statement swimwear, alongside an expanded selection of resortwear.
We especially love the pieces that blur the line between swim and ready-to-wear.
Flowing dresses, sleek coverups, and body-skimming silhouettes make it easy to transition from a sun-drenched afternoon to an evening out without losing that relaxed resort feeling.
It is sensual, polished, and unmistakably Miami.
Luli Fama Brings Luxury Resort Style to Miami
There is a reason Paradise Found feels so natural in South Florida.
In Miami, resortwear is not reserved for vacation.
A swimsuit can become part of an outfit. A coverup can take you to lunch. A flowing resort dress can carry you from an afternoon by the water straight into cocktails and dinner.
Luli Fama has always understood that lifestyle.
Paradise Found takes it a step further, creating a Cruise ’27 wardrobe that feels as appropriate for a tropical getaway as it does for a weekend in Miami.
The campaign captures that mood beautifully, pairing the collection with palms, lush greenery, tropical architecture and the kind of sun soaked setting that makes you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.
Paradise Found Comes to Luli Fama at Dadeland Mall
Luli Fama will bring the world of Paradise Found to life on Thursday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its newest boutique at Dadeland Mall in Miami.
The intimate celebration will bring together invited guests, influencers, celebrities and media for an early look at Cruise ’27.
Luli Fama is also dressing invited guests in pieces from the brand, allowing the new collection to be experienced the way it was designed to be worn: in motion, styled and out for the evening.
Luli After Hours Espresso Martini Bar
Fashion is only part of the experience.
For the Paradise Found celebration, Luli Fama is introducing Luli After Hours, an Espresso Martini Bar inspired by the glamour of the collection.
Guests will be able to sip three specialty espresso martinis created for the evening.
The Luli Babe puts a polished spin on the classic espresso martini, while Golden Hour pairs salted caramel with edible gold shimmer. Miami After Dark takes a richer approach with chocolate hazelnut and a cocoa dust finish.
Along with cocktails, guests can expect light bites, curated details and a special personalized surprise.
The result feels less like a traditional retail event and more like checking into a private resort for the evening.
A Miami Swimwear Brand Celebrates at Home
For a brand with such a strong connection to South Florida, launching Paradise Found in Miami feels especially fitting.
Luli Fama has built its identity around colorful, confident swimwear and resort fashion with a distinctly tropical point of view.
Paradise Found carries that identity into Cruise ’27 while giving it a more elevated, escapist mood.
And with Luli Fama’s newest boutique now at Dadeland Mall, Miami shoppers have another destination to experience the brand in person.
After getting our own closer look at Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 collection, we can safely say the name fits.
Paradise has officially been found, and this time, it is in Miami.
Check out the collection HERE
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