Kansas City 82-Year-Old Dominates Demolition Derby Scene with Unmatched Spirit and Adventure

Kansas City: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Adventure

In the heart of Kansas City, where vibrant streets echo with the sounds of laughter and lively chatter, an 82-year-old man named Ron Pine is redefining what it means to be a spirited competitor. This year, he took part in the 161st edition of the Platte County Fair, not just as a spectator but as a driver in the demolition derby, proudly sporting the number 40 spray-painted in bright orange on his aging 1963 Ford.

A Derby Veteran

With the roar of engines and the thrill of destruction all around him, Pine is undoubtedly one of the oldest derby drivers in the country, possibly the oldest! But don’t let his age fool you—“I think everybody wants to get in the car now and then and just smash something,” he says, his eyes twinkling with excitement. He raced in the 50 and older stock car class, a stark contrast to the youngest driver who was just a mere 10 years old, making them a whopping 72 years apart!

However exhilarating it is, demolition derby driving comes with its fair share of concerns, especially for his family. They worry about his safety as the events can get intense and rough. When he’s not behind the wheel, Pine runs a barber shop in downtown Platte City. He opened it in the ’60s, cutting hair for generations of families. “The difference between barbering and demolition derbies is pretty simple,” he chuckles. “I don’t hit too many people in the barber shop.”

A Labor of Love

Preparing his car is part of the thrill, too! Pine spends about 40 hours getting his vehicle ready at the garage of his longtime buddy, Troy Jones. “Everybody has their own hobbies,” Jones mentioned. “We might as well just play with cars and tear them up.” Their bond spans decades, and they’ve been tinkering with derby cars together for just as long.

The demolition derby at the Platte County Fair has gained a reputation for being a must-see spectacle, attracting enormous crowds and skilled drivers year after year. Pine even clinched a victory at the fair the previous year, so the stakes were high.

Challenges Ahead

As the day of the derby approached, Pine faced a hiccup; the transmission in his car broke down just hours before the event was set to begin. But thanks to some determination—and of course, the trusty support from Troy—Pine had his car running again in just five short hours, back on the track alongside friends and fellow drivers, all eager to take a shot at beating the “old guy”!

Marcus Carr, a derby official, had faith in Pine and remarked, “He knows what he’s doing. This isn’t his first rodeo!” With the sun setting and excitement building in the air, Pine strapped on his helmet, climbed through the window, and maneuvered to the starting line.

The Race Begins

Pine’s strategy? It sounds simple yet effective: “You see somebody in front of you, you’d better get out of there because he’s aiming for your front end. You’ve got to protect that radiator and the front end as much as anything.” Unfortunately, moments into the race, Pine’s wise words came back to haunt him—instead of a collision, a faulty hose caused his radiator to fail, forcing him out of the competition.

Reflecting on the Future

As he strolled down Main Street a few weeks later, Pine reflected on his experience. Despite the setback, he found himself questioning whether he was truly done racing. “I just hate to go out that way,” he mused. So, will he be back at 83? Only time will tell, but for many, seeing Pine back on the track would certainly be a sight worth celebrating!

After all, Kansas City—often dubbed the “Paris of the Plains”—is a place where passions run deep, traditions are cherished, and adventures like Pine’s continue to inspire people of all ages.