Demolition racing is Looney family tradition

By OLIVIA HASELWOOD

Staff writer

Building and racing demolition derby cars is more than a hobby for one Florence family; it is a legacy.

Dustin Looney has been building demolition cars with his dad, Terry Looney, since he was 16. Now at the age of 23 he can practically put a whole car together by himself, but he still enjoys working with his dad.

It makes it fun, he said. My dad and uncle did it as kids. They passed it to my brother, Matt Druse, who passed it to me.

Several nephews and Druses son are now interested in the family hobby. Looney said his dad builds the engine and front end, family friend Keith Ottensmeier welds, and Looney does everything else.

Its something we like to pass down, he said. I have friends I build them with, its fun.

The Looneys build their cars from scratch, starting with a frame, usually from some type of Ford or Lincoln. First they tilt the front end down, to better absorb impacts from hits.

Most Ford models are built with their front end at a slight upward angle, he said.

After reinforcing the frame and axles, they gut the cars body, take out the seats, gas tank, and all the glass, and add safety bars so the car will not crush the driver when rammed during competitions.

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Demolition racing is Looney family tradition