With mud flying everywhere, hundreds of people gathered for the Delaware County Fair's demolition derby.
Men, women and teenagers put time, money and sweat into their cars for the chance to win the grand prize of $1,000.
Muncie resident David Smith said he bought his car body for $500, but his most prized possession — his engine — cost $5,000.
Luckily, he can re-use his engine to continue his derby craze.
Smith said he usually wins one or two derbies a year by traveling to races around the state.
"I've been doing this since I was 15, and before that, my dad did it," he said. " It's hard to stop."
Also feeling the need for adrenaline was driver Mike Fredricks, who has been derbying for 21 years.
Last year, Fredricks was struck in the driver side door, which injured his foot and broke his ribs, but that didn't stop him from getting back in the driver seat and competing again this year.
J.R. Rouse with Rouse Promotions has helped set up the fair's derby for the past two years.
He said he expected a good turnout this year and that is what he got with about 25 cars participating.
Most of the vehicles that participate are from the 80s and 90s, he said.
Smith said he starts prettying up his old, banged up cars around November.
Bringing some excitement to the arena, driver Kevin Rabenstein had the announcer help him make the night even more special.
Getting down on one knee on top of his car, Rabenstein proposed to his girlfriend of seven years.
After coming in second, Rabenstein's new fiancé Laura Murphey was thrilled her soon-to-be husband almost won.
"I'm so happy," she said. "Second is still really good."
The grand winner of the night was Troy Whitaker, who is friends with the couple.
"I'm glad he won," Murphey said.
Past derby driver Casey ‘Crazy' Smiten wasn't as pleased with the results at the end of the night.
"He sandbagged it the whole night," Smiten said. "He barely even hit any cars."
Smiten rooted for Rabenstein to win to make the evening a perfect night and perfect way for them to start off their engagement.
"I think his proposal was the best part of the whole thing," he said.
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