Team Brazil Billies will be honoring the United States Army during the event. Self-proclaimed "red neck" team members include (in no particular order) George Scott, Max Sanders, Frank Bowles, Sharon Bowles, Derrick Bowles, Brittany Bowles, Phillip Bowles, Nikki Bledsoe and Brandon Berrong. Anthony Bledsoe was unavailable for the picture. Ivy Jackson Photo.

Whoever has the last vehicle that can still operate under its own power is awarded the victory.

It might sound familiar, but this isn't a normal demolition derby.

Welcome to the bizarre "red neck" world of lawnmower demolition derby.

On Sunday, the second Redneck Riding Mower Demolition Derby will be held in Clay County at 10548 North County Road 200 West.

Event organizers and self-proclaimed "red necks" Steve Stanford, George Scott, Bob Freeman and Max Sanders talked to The Brazil Times about the unique event Friday.

Originating in Vigo County in 2007, Stanford and Sanders said this is the second lawnmower demolition derby event organized in Clay County.

"We had nearly 500 spectators at the first one held in the Staunton area in June," Sanders said.

Drivers can enter an unaltered stock lawnmower with rims smaller than 13 inches.

Once on the field, the action is fast and furious as drivers must make contact with another lawnmower within 90 seconds, but safety is key. No one but officials and the drivers are allowed on the track, and medical personnel are always on standby.

"Safety is important," Scott said.

After visiting a derby organized by Stanford in rural Vigo County, Team Brazil Billies was organized to do friendly battle with Team Terre Haute.

Local Brazil Billies Scott, Sanders, Frank Bowles, Sharon Bowles, Derrick Bowles, Brittany Bowles, Phillip Bowles, Nikki Bledsoe, Anthony Bledsoe and Brandon Berrong are honoring the Army during this derby event, and hoping to bring home the Best of Show Trophy.

"We're a team in name's sake and for fun, but when we hit the field it's each driver for himself," Scott said. "It adds to the spirit of the event. We are all out there to have a good time."

"It's all good friendly fun. We put on a great show for the crowd," Freeman said. "We have even had Country Music Television at an event and we're all over YouTube.com."

The team rivalry is for show, but the friendship between the two teams is lasting.

"We like being red necks," Freeman said. "And we love getting together for a lawnmower derby."

Organizers said the free event is a time for families and strangers to get together and have some fun because there is a lot of audience participation and entertainment between the heats.

"Rednecks don't have friends, we have family," Sanders said. "Stanford here, although he's from Terre Haute, he's family now. That's what rednecks do when we get together, we meet new family members."

For more information about the Redneck Riding Mower Demolition Derby, contact Steve Stanford at 812-251-2760.

Derby information

WHAT: Redneck Riding Mower Demolition Derby themed "In support of our military"

* Entertainment will be provided by local vocalist Cassie Scott, who will perform the National Anthem.

* Event organizers recommend people bring lawn chairs for seating while watching the men's and the powder-puff events.

WHEN: Sunday, 11 a.m. driver registration begins with the derby heats beginning at 1 p.m.

* Drivers of all ages are welcome (under 18 must have parent present) to register a stock class lawnmower (with the mowing deck removed) on the day of the event for $25. Powder-puff drivers can enter for free. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded during the event.

WHERE: The vacant field located near 10548 N CR 200 W. Parking is free.

* Admission is free and coolers are allowed. Refreshments will be available for a low cost and raffle tickets for a reconditioned lawn mover ready for derby use will also be sold during the event.