Lockwood an icon of Hangtown Derby

PLACERVILLE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Sullivan (sullivanimages@sbcglobal.net)
WEBSITE: www.hangtowncops.org
 
 
It’s All About tradition; Rich “Blaze�?? Lockwood returns to flag 36th  annual derby
 
 
By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions and PPOA Media Release
 
 
PLACERVILLE, CA – This Sunday afternoon the Placerville Police Officers Association will present the 36h annual Hangtown Destruction Derby at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. As many derby veterans as well as new faces are expected to grace the roster, their will be many volunteers working to present the event that were once masters of destruction themselves. 
            Among the former drivers that will be lending a hand, will be well known former Placerville officer Rich Lockwood. Lockwood is now enjoying retirement from law enforcement and derby driving, but returns annually to act as the flagman for one of El Dorado County’s oldest and largest charitable events.
            Today, Lockwood has an important role when it comes to the annual Hangtown Destruction Derby. However, back in the day, this man was behind the wheel, mastering mechanical mayhem when he was an acting law enforcement officer.
Lockwood is icon of the Hangtown Destruction Derby, always wearing his bright red firesuit with his nickname  “Blaze�?? embroidered across it, visible to the drivers and fans as he flags each event from start to finish, watching each competitor like a mother bear spying her cubs to insure all are safe during the competition.
            Back in the early days, the Hangtown Destruction Derby was open to only law enforcement officers. If you were an officer and you were acquainted with Lockwood, there was little doubt you were destined to be in the destruction derby at least once in your career. Lockwood is responsible for recruiting many of the annual destruction derbies top names through the decades such as Steve “Bomber�?? Brown, Radar ‘Rick�?? Rodgers, Rodger ‘Mr. Abrasive Moreland�?? and many more.
            “I did the derby in 1986 and 1987 when I worked for the Woodland Police Department,�?? said Wilson. “I paid $300 for a Dodge Monaco from and old man that had to give it up because of his eyesight. I drove it for two years and later decided to derby it. I placed third in the super main and got $100 in silver dollars. The next year my car was donated by a local dealership so I didn’t have anything invested in it, yet I didn’t win anything either.�??
Lockwood is a destruction derby junkie and can go on for hours describing each hit he made in his days behind the wheel. Additionally, he knows the details of nearly every derby that has taken place in Placerville. Lockwood has only missed one Hangtown Destruction Derby during his life when. It was the year his late wife became ill Prior to moving back to California, he would fly in all the way from Arkansas to continue his tradition of flagging the event.
            “There is nothing that gives you more of an adrenaline rush that driving in a destruction derby,�?? said Lockwood.. “You’re are out there trying to eliminate the others and trying to protect yourself. It’s not as easy as it looks but it’s a whole lot of fun even if you don’t win. I’ve only missed one of these derbies. I can remember back when there were so many cars they circled the entire track for the super main.�??
            This Sunday afternoon, Lockwood will reunite at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds for the 36th running of this classic fundraiser that benefits various charities including youth sports groups, children’s charities and the annual Placerville Police Department’s Christmas event for underprivileged children. The event is fun for the entire family and all residents of El Dorado County are encouraged to come out and show their support.
The grandstands at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds will open at 1 p.m. on Sunday and the first heat race of the derby is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. following opening ceremonies and the popular parade of entrants. An early arrival to the speedway is suggested as last year the grandstands were nearly filled to capacity prior to the opening event. Adult tickets to the derby are just $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are $5, unless they attend the auto races the night before and receive a complimentary ticket to the derby.  For further information on the event, the official website of Placerville Police Officers Association can be viewed at www.hangtowncops.org and information can also be found on the speedway’s website at www.placervillespeedway.com.