Zach Dunakey picked a perfect time to unleash his best performance.One year after curiously venturing into the lawn mower derby craze at the Warren County Fair, the Warrenton native earned his first trophy in the sport — on the very same track.Dunakey finished third among a field of nine drivers during last Thursday’s competition, which provided an opener for the car derby that followed. “It was a lot of fun out there,” said Zach. “Dad and I kind of switched places this year.”Success at the fair is nothing new to Dunakey, who made a name for himself by winning multiple Grand Champion Steer awards over past years.But his commitment to the livestock shows and auction kept him isolated and unable to experience other areas of the fair at the level he desired.“For years, the family showed steers, but this gives us something else to do together,” said Gary Dunakey. “It’s an inexpensive hobby.”So, Zach and his father decided to build mowers equipped to withstand heavy contact.“It was a big learning curve,” said Gary.“I just got out there and started having fun. It’s kind of addictive, I guess.”Last summer the two entered the fair derby, with Gary placing third.Since then, they have embraced the sport, competing in several more events along the way.The Dunakeys pride themselves on building durable steel frames for their mowers, which are often purchased through Craigslist transactions or at garage sales.Sellers are often befuddled when they find out their old mowers are going to be used for demolition instead of trimming the grass.“They usually ask, ‘is that a small-town thing,’” quips Gary.The Dunakeys chose lawn mower derby for the thrill it provides, as well as the relatively cheap costs compared to car derbies. Competitors gain an advantage by either having the sturdiest frames or most powerful engines.“After a derby, you go back through what you did and get a strategy in your mind,” said Gary. “The more you do, the more you get acclimated to it.”Family friend Jacob Brunkhorst decided to make his debut at this year’s fair derby, joining the Dunakeys trio of John Deere green mowers.“It’s a good time,” said Brunkhorst. “It was better than I expected.”While it may be considered derby on a lesser scale, lawn mowers crashing for cash can actually be more dangerous. Drivers have foot guards, but are not enclosed and can often tip over, exposing themselves to other mowers.“There’s been some times when I’ve rolled over, looked up and here comes a mower right by my face,” recalled Dunakey. “Most of the time they shut everything until they get you back going.”Still, Brunkhorst prefers mowers over cars.“I’d much rather get hit on one of those than on a mower,” said Brunkhorst. “It’s a lot less impact.”The Dunakeys plan to continue building mowers and competing, eventually becoming regulars in the sport.“It’s a thrill and a rush,” said Zach. “It’s like 15 minutes of fame.”

Zach Dunakey gets backed into a corner during the lawn mower demolition derby held last Thursday during the Warren County Fair.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.