Q: Congratulations on competing in your fortieth year of the demolition derby, Todd!  That’s quite a run! Looking back, what can you tell me about the first time you did this?
 
A: Thanks, Pete.  For me it all started in our familiy service station.  Some of the older guys at Gierachs would build cars for the Ozaukee County Derby and it was crazy fun watching them frantically get ready. I couldn’t wait to enter a car. I was fifteen years old the first time I ran and had to sign up under someone else’s name because the minimum was eighteen. Unfortunately, I didn’t hook up the fuel line correctly and barely made it out onto the track!

Q: You just competed in the super stock class. Please explain and tell us what type of car you look for?

A: Super stocks are highly modified, and it’s the only heat where original drivetrains are not required. You’re allowed to fortify specific parts of the car, such as door posts and bummers. The go-to vehicles are full frame, rear-wheel drive sedans, or station wagons. We’re talking old Crown Vics, Lincoln Town Cars, and Chevy Caprices. Rust-free makes a huge difference.


Q: Without giving away any trade secrets, what major modifications do you make?

A: For safety and protection, the fuel tank, transmission cooler, and battery are all put inside the car. I weld the rear end differential gears to make it Positraction, double up the tires by mounting one inside of another, and install electric fans on the radiator. Often, prep work involves replacing the engine. I prefer certain older GM V8s because they’re built looser and perform better under extreme heat.


Q: Any demolition derby car is only as strong as the weakest link.  What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever had fail?

A: As mentioned earlier, that fuel line issue in my first run was a heartbreaker. A properly tightened hose clamp would have prevented that.


Q: The rules for modifying cars have changed over the years. I remember when barrels of water were allowed in the back seat for cooling. It was a very creative solution to overheating, but eventually they were banned. How did you feel about that change?


A: The cars would run a long time with all of that coolant, but eventually the water boils and fifty-five-gallon drums don’t hold up well on impact. From a safety perspective, it was the right call.

Q: Any other major changes you liked or disliked?

A: They’ve added many new classes, such as pickups, minivans, compacts, even school busses. The variety is great. And over the years, there have been changes to what cars qualify. For example, old Chrysler Imperials are no longer allowed because they were built with I-beam frames and are virtually indestructible! Like any sport, it’s evolving. I think most drivers are ok with that as long as demolition derbies continue to take place.


Q: What is the furthest you’ve travelled to pick up a competition car?

A: I once travelled to Houston, Texas, to pick up a car with my wife and one-year-old in tow. It was a rust-free 1976 Oldsmobile my brother Mark found.


Q: You qualified for the final round this year, but came up short in the championship. Have you ever taken the grand prize?

A: I’ve placed many times in the super stock class, but only took the grand prize once, with that invincible Olds from Texas. It was awesome, and afterwards it was hard to believe that car could still move. There’s not a lot of money to win, maybe $200, but the trophy and bragging rights are invaluable!

Q: There seems to be some team action taking place in competition.  Have you ever saved or been saved by a teammate?

A: Teammates are huge! The times I’ve done well, it was because we had numbers on our side. The year I won the grand prize was the year my brother Mat took out the intimidating “Batman” car.


Q: Have other teams ever ganged up on you?

A: It happens. Our team is smaller now, and it’s harder to qualify when they’re coming from all angles!
 

Q: What’s the dirtiest trick another competitor has pulled?

A: One year, my car was all set to go and we were just waiting for them to call our heat. I crawled into the driver’s seat and realized that some dirtbag had swiped the keys from my ignition. Thanks to some last-minute magic performed by teammate Dick Lemke, we got it hot-wired just in time. It’s the type of mistake you only make once!


Q: Despite the competitive nature, there seems to be a good-natured camaraderie amongst drivers, track officials, and pit crew members. What’s the common goal uniting you all?

A: It’s really all about having a fun weekend with friends and family. It’s a package deal.

Q: Getting hit by four thousand pounds of metal looks like it hurts. Are you sore afterwards? What’s the worst injury you’ve suffered over the years?

A: You definitely feel it the next day, but thankfully, no serious injuries.

Q: Getting a car ready for this event requires an enormous investment of time and money, and the derby itself takes a toll on the body. The question on many people’s minds: What motivates you to do this year after year?

A: I ran stock cars at Hales Corners and liked the competition, but it was a huge time commitment. Demos are an exciting way to compete once a year.


Q: The next generation of competitors is taking on a big tradition and it’s great to see mentoring in the pits. What advice can you give to the young men and women doing this for the first time or thinking of giving it a go?

A: Don’t rush in setting up the car. Many newcomers are making modifications right up until the flag drops. Most cars fail because of sloppy setup.


Q: I know it’s early to ask, but is Todd Zeller thinking of stretching his competitive streak to forty-one years?

A: I may drop down a class in the competition, but still hope to participate!
 

Q: Thanks for your time, Todd, and your perspective on this most interesting sport. Any final thoughts?

A: Some of my best derby memories are times off the track. Hanging out with the guys, setting up the cars, getting everything ready the night before, grilling out in the pits, and working together to get the cars back on Saturday. Everybody needs a hobby, and I feel very fortunate to have landed on one that is both engaging and entertaining.