Automotive Students Win 4th Place in Demolition Derby

Students from the Wayne Public School District’s Automotive Technology Program built an award-winning demolition derby car they entered into a competition last month.

The program is a joint effort between Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley high schools. Students from both schools are enrolled in the program.

The students hoped to complete a project this year with real-world application. Students had to completely take part the inside of a car and rebuild it to requirements established by the Nationwide Demolition Derby Association.

Students upgraded the vehicle’s fuel, electrical, and suspension systems, modified the vehicle’s structure for safety, and worked on the tires.

Students were taught about the modifications they’d have to make in class first before they attempted to make them.

The students took over more responsibility of making the modifications as the project progressed.

Ken Bergen, the program’s instructor, drove the vehicle in a demolition derby sponsored by the Branchville Fire Department June 14.

The team finished in fourth place.

“There was no Wayne Hills or Wayne Valley that night, there were just [kids in the program],” Bergen said. “This type of accomplishment was long overdue for more of these kids. They absolutely deserved it.”

Students also attended a career fair sponsored by the National Hot Rod Association earlier this year and watched races.

Two students this year received scholarships to continue their automotive education careers.

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