Tyler Williams’ ride at this year’s demolition derby is a 1973 Buick Electra.
Submitted photos
Tyler Williams dusts off the chess-and-checkers analogy when describing the driving styles of him and the man who introduced him to demolition derby life.
In derby circles, it’s important to know that local fan favorite Chris Williams, 47, who’s been derbying on and off since 1995, is most definitely checkers.
“My dad doesn’t know what the brake pedal looks like. He goes for the biggest crash every time,” 20-year-old Tyler, a 2021 Franklin graduate, said with a laugh.
“My dad has not tamed down at all.”
Meanwhile, Tyler Williams, who made his derby debut at the Johnson County 4-H Fair as a 12-year-old in a youth class event, opts for a more calculated approach. He’s been known to bide his time, wait things out and, if possible, display a bumper-first aggression at the most opportune times.
In short, there’s more than one way to cave in a passenger-side door, loosen a front fender and inflict other sorts of vehicular damage.
The discrepancy in styles that the Williamses present will be on display July 22 at 7 p.m. as the fair concludes two days of derby competition.
Both are taking part in the demolition derby for full-size stock cars. Chris Williams will be behind the wheel of a 1977 Cadillac, while Tyler’s ride is a 1973 Buick Electra.
In the same event at the fairgrounds last summer, Chris drove a 1975 Oldsmobile 98 to place third; Tyler placed sixth in 1993 Buick Roadmaster Wagon. That marked the highest Chris has ever placed at the Johnson County 4-H Fair.
That, coupled with his hard-charging style, are the primary reasons that fans would love to see him take home the big trophy a week from today.
“I’m out there more to have fun and get the crowd into it,” Chris said. “I get full-track shots, and my engine is a 383 stroker, so it’s very loud.”
The increasing scarcity of the sturdy full-sized cars of bygone eras could, in time, significantly alter the derby landscape.
For the time being, Chris and Tyler are still able to get their hands on such cars.
“My first derby I drove a 1974 Buick, which is almost the same car I’m running this year,” Tyler said. “That’s almost full circle, I guess.
“In the derby world, we call them boats. They’re really big. It’s nothing compared to what people drive now. Bigger can be better when derbying, but it depends on the track. Hopefully, it works out for me.”
If not Tyler, than at least the man he grew up cheering for at past derbies.
Rest assured, family really does matter. When taking part in the same event, Chris and Tyler have each other’s backs, unless there are no more backs to protect.
Not an easy task when there are other drivers determined to put your car out of the running.
“I keep an eye on Tyler as much as I can,” Chris said. “Tyler is more focused. He analyzes and studies. I’d much rather him do better than me.”
Should it come down to father and son driving the last two cars, Tyler, as much as he wants to see Chris get that elusive first victory, isn’t wild about the idea of it being at his expense.
“We try to work together if we can, but I get a sense of comfort knowing he’s out there. It feels like I have another set of eyes on the track,” Tyler said.
“But if it gets down to me and Dad, it’s war.”
IF YOU GO
Johnson County Fair demolition derby
When: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.
Schedule: Friday – Power Wheels, Youth Compacts, MWFA, Mini Gut-N-Go, Pro Stock. Saturday – Power Wheels, Youth Compacts, Mini Gut-N-Go, MiniVan Madness, Full-Size Stock, Pro Stock
