The Lions have run derbies for 29 years, the past six at Budd's Creek, to raise money for various charities. Haiden figures about 20 percent of entrants in any given year are first-timers, and newbies like Vieth and Elwood have been known to win. I'll never forget it. But for Vieth and Elwood, the biggest challenge of this year's derby may be getting their Caddy to Southern Maryland. They plan to drive her down well in advance of the event and prep the car on-site.
Some derbies require replacing original gas tanks with the plastic variety used in motor boats.
Naturally, working seat belts and crash helmets are a must. Before heading south they'll paint her in a friend's East Baltimore garage, but when it comes to aesthetics the budding derby men are at odds. Elwood's mind is elsewhere. We're going to give it a nice Viking funeral.