PHOTO GALLERY: Patient approach pays off for Demolition Derby competitor

July 25, 2012 | 10:53 p.m. CDT

Ashley Elam, of Columbia, was the only woman of 25 competitors at the 2012 Boone County Demolition Derby. She won the compact division and took the $600 prize.

Ashley Elam, 23, poses in front of her car Wednesday evening at the Boone County Fair. Elam won the compact car competition at the Boone County Fair Demolition Derby.
| Robert Swain

Eddie Chick backs up his 1972 Buick on Wednesday afternoon at the Boone County Fair. | Robert Swain

Ashley Elam’s 1996 Grand Prix waits to compete in the Boone County Fair Demolition Derby on Wednesday evening at the Boone County Fair.
| Robert Swain

Demolition Derby participants start speeding after a collision Wednesday evening at the Boone County Fair. | Pinar Istek

Co-pilot Darrel Bond, left, and driver Ashley Elam talk before the race starts during Demolition Derby on Wednesday evening at the Boone County Fair. | Pinar Istek

Demolition Derby participants wait to start the race again after a short break Wednesday evening at the Boone County Fair. | Pinar Istek