MIRANDA GILBERT/The GDH — Brent Herland, at right, delivers a hard hit battling Kelly Lampe for first place in the final demo derby round Saturday.

By MIRANDA GILBERT
Managing Editor
Crash out Cancer? That was a question that hit home for many recently.
Derby fans and drivers from four states answered the call to help raise money to find a cure for cancer, as well as help locals battling the disease.
The Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena stands were packed Saturday, Sept. 26, as well as the parking lot and streets lining the arena and adjacent streets with fans and supporters waiting for the show and those just showing support.
According to an event coordinator, "We raised $14,558 dollars in tickets and t-shirts, but that's before we pay all the expenses."
Expenses include the renting of the arena, cost to put it on, advertising, merchandising fundraisers, wristbands and of course the award money which was set high to appeal to competitors in hopes of a higher turnout. 
The derby boasted a $1,000 prize to the the best hitter dubbed the "Mad Dog Award" to encourage a great show for fans. Casey Reeder took home that award.
First place winner was the highest cash award, however, with $2,500 going to Brent Herland of Ellsworth, Kan. Second place went to Kelly Lampe of Eddison, Neb., and third to Jake Ronne of Guymon.
"We awarded $50 to all heat winners, and there's three heat winners that move on so that's $150 a heat total awarded," said Bob Fajen, another event coordinator. "We are paying out for up to 10th place."
Overall, the stands cheered, several hard hits had people roaring and in the end, Herland who mirrored other's said, "It was a great derby. I'll be back next year."
After expenses are paid and award money subtracted, Team Pink looks to have raised around $6,000 to donate to locals with medical expenses from cancer treatments, as well as cancer research organizations.