Let the cars go at it: Beech Ridge Motor Speedway

Watching cars chase each other on an oval track is swell and all, but doesn't a solid crash here and there make the average automobile a bit more innerestin'?

Now I'm not wishing ill on unsuspecting motorists on 295 (not even the ones that are about to exit - then don't - then do, sending you into the breakdown lane). And I'm not encouraging drivers to go ahead and ram empty cars in the Hannaford parking lot (even though it would really improve your spirit after that sour run-in with the boss).

But a little controlled smashing - in an approved environment - can be cathartic.

And smashing is aplenty during Day of Destruction at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway in Scarborough. The seasonal event kicked off on Sunday with pristine weather, packed stands and a stream of feisty autos.

The races began tamely. Two street-legal cars, driving in a circle. It's an activity my horsepower-loving brother would appreciate (he was born with higher levels of testosterone and motor oil), but one that's dang near lost on me.

After a few go-arounds, one duo ends up in the sand. Not bad, but really, haven't we all beached a car once or twice?

Then - a noble fellow decides to take the races to the next level and purposely slams his car into his opponent. A perfectly useful, fully functioning car is now destroyed. I suppose the move wasn't so much noble as it was entirely crazed.

But he seemed to be proud of himself. Perhaps, as a friend noted, the car truly belonged to his soon-to-be-ex.

The trucks came through next. There were big trucks, little trucks, fast trucks and, uh, less-fast trucks.

And there were SUVs that really didn't like each other. This white Blazer raced and won against what looked to be a spanking-new Jeep. Even still, the hostile gentleman turned himself around and drove head-long in the Jeep's side.

Why the feller did it, I couldn't say. I also struggle to reason how the Jeep's owner thought risking those shiny new rims in an amateur drag race was worth the $500 pot.

Whatever the motivation, I suspect there may have been fisticuffs in the pit after the race.

But it wasn't all tragedy and "good Jeeps gone bad."

Once the spectator races were over, the junk cars came running.

There'd be no spent tears on these old beauties. They've lived full, happy lives and were rearing for one last hurrah before they were permanently put out to pasture (aka, sent to play with other cars on a peaceful farm in central Illinois).

The attention to detail during the decorating process - also impressive. (Think plastic Santa's, spray paint, stuffed animals and a blow-up doll).

The junkers raced three at a time backwards - and a few ended up in unexpected places. Number 149 needed to be forklifted back to the ground, but drove away without a problem.

Some cars met their end during the race around the donut. Those fancy blinking lights won't help you now, my friend.

Others kissed this world goodbye during the final backwards race. With thirty or so speeding vehicles clamoring for space on the track, fenders are going to get hurt. Axels are going to snap and a car might find it's engine aflame.

But let's not weep for these fallen cars. Let's be thankful that they were able to live out their automobile destiny.

Day of Destruction only happens twice this year - the next time on Sept 18.

On Thursdays from mid-June to mid-August, catch some racing entertainment during Thursday Night Thunder.

On Fridays, it's Car Wars.