Neighborly kindness took a backseat during last Thursday’s Warren County Fair demolition derby.The stock car division came down to a pair of father-son combinations battling for top honors. By the end of the night, the families had kept the derby title in the community.“I don’t think we let a nickel out of the county tonight,” quipped J.R. Ricker.After surrendering first place to his father during last year’s event, it was finally Trey Ricker’s turn to shine. He outlasted the field, driving his 1975 LTD to victory, while J.R. finished fourth in his 1984 Crown Victoria.“Since I’ve been running the stock class, this is my third win,” said Trey. “It was really an aggressive race tonight.”The Warrenton native found his neighbors, Robbie and Greg Bax, standing between him and the $1,000 first-place prize. He maneuvered around the track relentlessly, also claiming the Mad Dog Award for most aggressive driver.“Robbie ran a real good race tonight,” said Trey. “Greg did too, but luckily I could put him over the wall.”Robbie may have escaped victorious if not for the generosity of J.R., who rescued his son from a predicament. Trey’s car was wedged in the corner of the arena, but his father managed to dislodge the vehicle.Shortly after, J.R.’s drive shaft failed and Trey persevered. But credit was given where it was due among a tight-knit family.“If dad wouldn’t have gotten me loose out of that corner, I would have never pulled the win off,” said Trey. “I would have sitting there the rest of the night.”Greg says he tried to assist his son as long as possible, but was limited after his steering went out.“If I wouldn’t have lost my steering, I could have helped him out a lot more,” said Greg. “So I was just making as many hits as I could going backward and forward.”Robbie says battling it out to the finish with neighbors amplified the experience.“We’re great friends, and we know them very well,” said Robbie. “We share information and work each other’s shops all the time. It’s great for us to come out 1-2-3-4.”For Greg, competing in derbies is also a way to display his patriotic pride. His cars are consistently painted in a red, white and blue theme.“I’ve been running the same No. 76 forever,” said Greg. “The fair is always around the fourth of July, and I like to come up here and support my colors.”In terms of keeping it local, this year’s finish could not have been more appropriate.“It’s such a rush to get on the track and do that,” said J.R. “This was a pretty hard race tonight. It was aggressive with a lot of good cars.”This year’s derby also included two other heats.In the modified division, Chad Rhodes defeated Guido Dreisewerd for top honors.Mike Zerr won the mini car competition, besting Jake Hey.

The demo derby will be one of the more popular events at the Warren County Fair Saturday.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.