Pictured is Compact Class Figure 8 winner Andy Mercer of Waterloo and passenger Dani Conrad of Columbia with Monroe County Fair Queen Jessica Neary. (Judy Brinkmann photo)

Friday’s auto demolition derby remains the grand spectacle of all events at the annual Monroe County Fair in Waterloo, but Wednesday’s Figure 8 race certainly comes close in terms of audience attraction.

This year’s event was no different, as thousands packed the grandstand bleachers to watch 1990s-era stock cars whirl around the muddy main track and will themselves to victory.

When all the smoke had cleared and fallen-off car parts had been removed, trophies were handed out to winners of the compact and full-size classes and truck demo derby.

Pictured are Full-Size Class winners Ryan Gummersheimer and passenger Randy Gummersheimer of Columbia with Monroe County Fair Queen Jessica Neary. (Judy Brinkmann photo)

This year’s compact class winner was Andy Mercer of Waterloo with passenger Dani Conrad of Columbia. Mercer placed third in this class at last year’s event.

The full-size class winner was Ryan Gummersheimer with passenger Randy Gummersheimer, both of Columbia.

Longtime demo derby participant Vince Allscheid won the truck demo derby.

For the second straight year, children of Figure 8 contestants were invited to run their own “Power Wheels Figure 8” event on the track, offering an extra level of fun for all involved.