Lane Totland places second out of 161 cars

Contributed photo
The demo derby team of Brian Totland, Randy Higgins, John French, and Lane Totland took part in the Guinness Book of World Records-setting derby in Farmington at the end of September. The event featured 161 drives, up from the prior high mark of 125, set in Canada.

By Robert Williams

Editor

A group of four area demo derby drivers were part of setting a new record in Farmington last week at the fourth annual Minnesota Throwdown Demolition Derby at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington on Saturday, Sept. 27.  ¶  This was the third attempt at the record for most cars in one MWFA heat, previously set in Canada at 125 vehicles. The Most Wanted Fine Art (MWFA) Stock Class allows any car from 1980 or newer to participate with minimal modifications.  ¶  A 2024 attempt at breaking the record came up just two drivers short.  ¶  This year, the third try was the charm as drivers blew by the world record with 161 cars, including the two driven by the father-son duo from Frazee Brian and Lane Totland.  ¶  Amazingly, both of the Totlands finished in the top 30. Randy Higgins and John French of Bertha joined the Frazee pair as teammates in the melee.

The Guinness Book of World Records-breaking heat lasted a little more than an hour making the heat as much about endurance as it was survival.

“It’s more survival than anything—find a friend,” Brian Totalnd said.

Brian placed 28th, while his son Lane nearly won the crazy event placing second overall.

“It was a new experience to be with that many cars—kind of antagonizing,” Totland said. “But we went in there with a game plan of keep your cool, pick your shots and see how far we can make it.”

It is hard to imagine for the average demo derby fan how cars can maneuver when surrounded by so many others.

“A lot of people said it would be tight, but there was actually room to move,” Totland said.

That being said, there was plenty of damage to create and avoid.

“There was a lot of carnage,” said Totland.

So much so that the usual paybacks available to derby drivers in an average setting were unavailable.

“Usually when you get hit by somebody you kind of pick that person out and pick your battle with him,” Totland said. “With 161 other people, you don’t know who is hitting you. You just got hit so many times you didn’t know which way to turn.”

Shawn Shelstad of Kenyon, Minn., was the eventual champion.

The Totlands are already looking forward to returning to Farmington to do battle again in 2026.

“It was definitely an experience; we’re definitely going to head back next year for another event; it’ll be just as fun,” said Totland.