Demolition Derby is a family affair

Ever feel like ramming into your boss’ car at 50 miles per hour? Well that’s the opportunity Jason Savoy of Lake Panamoka has Saturday night at Riverhead Raceway. Savoy will compete for his first National Championship Demolition Derby, but to win it he’ll have to dethrone the defending champion Bob “The Killer Bee” Benison, his boss at Benison’s Albin Avenue Auto Salvage in Lindenhurst.

The rivalry between Savoy and Benison, though, developed out of camaraderie and competitive drive. Savoy says the derby gives him a chance to connect with his boss as a friend and a co-worker, especially when the two prepare their cars together with friends and family “at the office” before each event. “We laugh and joke about competing, and this is what we do for bonding,” Savoy said. “We do this instead of going to a baseball game.”

Savoy knows, however, that he’ll have a target on his car. Benison’s nephew and brother-in-law, Jamie and Tom “The Madhatter” Kilkenny, respectively, also will be on the track and are perennial championship contenders. Tim Mulqueen and his sons Matt and Daniel are always threats to take home the title as well, and all are likely to go after Savoy before crashing into their own flesh and blood.

“If it comes down to any of the four of us, I know I’m the odd man out because they’re all related,” Savoy said. “We all know each other, though, so anywhere you turn it’s someone you know or are friends with. When you’re done, you get off the track you have a soda and everything’s fine.“

Savoy has proved he can take a few hits if it comes down to it. He’s won a Car Rollover Championship before and at the Fourth of July Derby this year he broke his nose in the opening minutes but continued driving despite his bloodied face. It wasn’t until his car was flipped on its roof later in the event that he finally retired for the day. To knock him out of Saturday’s championship however, might take even more than that.

“If you win this one it makes a name for yourself. This is the one everyone really tries for,” Savoy said. “My boss has won it twice, guys in his family have won it, this is where the best of the best come to play. All year long we practice for .”