SHAWANO, WI- A special tribute car was featured in the 2021 Shawano County Fair Demolition Derby on Monday. The 13S car was driven by 2021 Shawano High School Graduate Griffin Guetschow.
19-year-old Guetschow’s car got the attention of thousands of spectators as it came out to the track with patriotic colors and 13 well respected names painted on the passenger quarter panel.
“It was originally going to be Army themed, but when I heard about the 13 soldiers , I knew I had to do something for that.”
The 13 soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan recently. They have been a focus of many tributes nation wide.
The tribute and sponsorship held extra meaning for Guetschow because he chose to enlist in the WI Army National Guard.
“It is really emotional this week for me, leaving my family and my girlfriend,” Guetschow said. Griffin will leave for basic training later this week.
Griffin was selected to be part of the opening ceremonies and said the response was breathtaking.
“Those stands can fit between 4,000 and 5,000 people and every single person stood up.”
He said he got a similar response when he was knocked out of the competition.
“When my car was taken out and I had to break by stick, I heard the crowd and I could tell they were disappointed.” He said he forgot to take his damage sensors out and once it was hit hard enough, it was over.
For Guetschow, it was a long awaited first time in the demo derby.
“My buddy had a demo already set, but did not have time to run a motor this year,” so I said I would do it,” Guetschow said. “I have loved demos ever since I was a kind, in fact, I remember doing demolition derby’s with my hot wheels all the time.”
Monday’s derby may have been a first for Guetschow, but he says it won’t be the last. “This was pretty much a test of what I am going to do when I retire.” Guetschow says his plan is to active until he is about 45-years old and then retire. He plans to return to track for a hobby.”
“It was between racing and demos and after this weekend, I think demos is the answer.”
He said it was an experience he will never forget and it all came from having a love and respect for his country and said he learned you should never be shy to show that.
“If you are going to support the military, a president or a political side, go right ahead, there is nothing wrong with that and fans loved it, I learned that.”
Click Below To Listen To Griffin Talk About His Car and the Experience
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