VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The first ever Brady Larson Memorial Demolition Derby is scheduled for September 6 and 7 at the North Dakota Winter Show grounds, commemorating the life of Brady Larson, a Valley City native who passed away last August.

Organizer Zach Ponzer said, “It was an idea that we talked about a long time ago that Brady thought of to have a derby there (at the ND Winter Show).”

Larson was widely known for his participation in demolition derbies nationwide. His Facebook profile even listed his occupation as a “full-time derby driver.” He spent countless hours working on cars with his father, and his passion for the sport was evident from a young age. On the day he turned 15, he obtained his driver’s license, and the following Saturday, he competed in his first demolition derby in Hope, North Dakota. There, he secured his first of many championships and earned the Mad Dog award for the hardest, most aggressive hits.

Ponzer said that as of right now there are 76 cars preregistered for the derby. He said, “This is going to be the biggest show ND has seen in years.”

The event will feature showtimes at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 6, and 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, September 7. The derby will offer a significant payout, with over $25,000 in winnings up for grabs. Ponzer also said the derby will feature the biggest payout in the history of ND demolition derbies.

I3G Media has partnered with the Sheyenne Valley Derby Association to enhance the event by hosting a special concert on Friday night. Hairball will perform live following the first day of derby action. I3G Media General Manager Erin Tombarge expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “i3G Media is very excited to partner with the Sheyenne Valley Derby Association for this event as they honor the memory of their friend Brady Larson. We’re looking forward to adding to the fun and excitement of their 1st annual event by providing an outdoor concert featuring the well-known entertainers, Hairball.”

Hairball is described as a “bombastic celebration of arena rock”.  They bring a two-hour high-energy show that pays tribute to some of the biggest arena acts in the world.  According to their website, it is “like 20 concerts in one night”.

Tombarge said it is an all-ages show that promises to attract a lively crowd of derby-goers, community members, and visitors from surrounding areas.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.