Danny Leetch Drives the 2-20 into the Finals at the Firefighter's Demolition Derby

Del Mar-

With a strong entry, and a pit crew made up of family and firefighters, Danny Leetch drove the 2-20 into the finals at the 2013 Farmers Insurance Fire Expo and Demolition Derby. This event is conducted every year in support of the Burn Institute.

Danny Leetch, and wife Rory (on right) poses with neighbors (and pit crew) Nichole, Joe and Robert.

After a strong showing in the second heat Danny drove to the pits with significant mechanical problems. Crews were given four hours to make the repairs before the finals. With a pit crew composed of family members, and Lakeside firefighters, repairs to the body and a radiator swap was done expeditiously.

Lakeside firefighters Jose Corona, Carl Chiodo, and John Hisaw (L to R) swap out the radiator.

During the second heat Danny took a blow to the front of the vehicle that ruptured the radiator and drove metal into a rear tire. But even with those problems the rest of the car was in "competition shape", and a hopeful to take the finish flag.

Lakeside's John Hisaw works to repair bodywork that was rubbing on the rear tire.

As the flag dropped for the final event the 2-20 was looking strong. But the 2-20's time in the arena would come to an end with a crushing blow that would drive the car into a safety berm and ultimately kill the engine. In the end the Bonita Firefighter's "#38 Car" would win the event....congratulations!

We wanted everyone the have the opportunity to see the event, so the video link below has all three heat races and the finals.

Thank you for your support Lakeside.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District