News Summary
The annual ‘Motorhome Madness’ demolition derby drew police and fire chiefs from across Orange County to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The event featured thrilling competitions as local leaders crashed motorhomes while fostering community spirit. With nearly $30,000 raised, the derby highlights the critical role of local officials in supporting children’s healthcare and engaging with residents. The participation of local mayors added to the excitement, reinforcing the importance of charitable contributions and community involvement.
Orange County Chiefs Face Off in Demolition Derby to Raise Funds for Children’s Hospital
The annual “Motorhome Madness” demolition derby took place at the Orange County Fair, bringing together police and fire chiefs from across the region to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). This spirited event was held over two nights, attracting families and community members, all motivated by the goal of supporting a critical healthcare facility for children.
The competition featured local police and fire chiefs crashing old motorhomes in a demolition derby style, vying for bragging rights while contributing to a charitable cause. Participants included notable police chiefs such as Rick Armendariz from Anaheim, Jeff Calvert from Laguna Beach, Rodney Cox from Fountain Valley, Sean deMetropolis from Orange, Joyce LaPointe from Costa Mesa, and Jon Radus from Fullerton. Additionally, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes took part in the event, along with fire chiefs including Jeff Boyles from Newport Beach, Niko King from Laguna Beach, Adam Loeser from Fullerton, Eric McCoy from Huntington Beach, and Dan Stefano from Costa Mesa.
During the first night of competition, Jeff Boyles emerged victorious, remaining in control of his motorhome the longest, followed by Sean deMetropolis in second place and Sheriff Barnes securing third. The excitement did not stop there; local mayors and councilmembers also participated in a Figure 8 show, immersing themselves in the community spirit. Among them were Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, and Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi.
The event’s backdrop included a week-long series of demolition derby shows at the OC Fair, with other highlighted events such as the Orange Crush competition and the Damsels of Destruction. Proceeds from these events are also directed toward charitable causes, specifically benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Since its inception, Sunnyside Promotions Racing has organized these engaging shows, creating a platform for philanthropy wrapped in entertainment.
Motorhomes for the derby were generously donated by Southside Towing, which ensures that the vehicles are retrofitted with essential safety features. The owner of Southside Towing, Dave Padua, launched the event in honor of his son’s medical care experience at CHOC, aiming to give back to the institution that provided invaluable support during a challenging time.
In preparation for the event, participating chiefs visited CHOC to promote the fundraising effort, sharing their experiences on social media to encourage community support. Mayor Stapleton further drove a retrofitted BMW decorated in red, white, and blue, aimed at raising awareness for CHOC.
The derby has reported an impressive fundraising total of nearly $30,000, with all proceeds directed to CHOC, which serves as a vital resource for children’s healthcare in the region. The efforts of the chiefs highlight the importance of supporting medical programs and research for children in need.
The demolition derby not only entertains but also fosters community engagement and local officials’ involvement in philanthropy. The doors opened for the derby on July 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and attendees were able to enjoy free admission to the OC Fair along with the exhilarating competitions on display.
Overall, the spirit of competition, community, and charity intersected during the Motorhome Madness event, reinforcing the role of local leaders in championing causes that benefit children’s healthcare and wellness.
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Orange County Hosts Annual Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: OC Mayor’s First Responders Bring Mayhem to Fairgrounds
- OC Register: Police and Fire Chiefs Have Smashing Time at OC Fair
- Record Online: Orange County Fair 2025 Music and Ride Lineup
- OC Register: Events This Week at the OC Fair
- Wikipedia: Orange County Fair
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
