Demolition derby legend Jim Garner has been celebrated for his spectacular display of automotive mayhem spanning five decades.
Hailing from Millicent, Garner has been inducted into the Australia Demolition Derby Association’s (ADDA) inaugural Hall of Fame.
Open to retired drivers only, he is one of five inducted from South Australia, with a further 10 from other parts of Australia, including New South Wales and Queensland.
The ADDA announced the establishment of the Australian Demolition Derby Hall of Fame this year.
This prestigious honour celebrates the extraordinary talents and contributions of the sport’s most iconic drivers and sportsmen.
For those unfamiliar with the spectacle, demolition derby is a thrilling combat sport where drivers compete in a high-octane contest of skill and strategy.
Participants steer vehicles into each other, aiming to disable their opponents’ cars while keeping their own running.
It’s a test of endurance, ingenuity, and sheer determination, culminating in a spectacular display of automotive mayhem.
Garner has been part of the demolition derby scene in Australia for five decades, running in his first demo in the 1974/75 season at the Borderline Speedway.

The retired driver immediately showed an appetite for the sport, named the most entertaining driver the following year.
From there he spent decades filling his trophy cabinet with local, state and national victories.
His first car cost $15 and he bought it from a police officer.
By 1977, he was showcasing his skills at South Australia’s premier speedway venue Rowley Park.
It was here Garner won his first demo, pocketing $1000.
At the tail end of the 1970s he was becoming known to all in the demo derby circle as ‘Demo King of Australia’.
“There were so many times when people could not believe I could keep the car going,” Garner said.
He had many impressive runs throughout his career, bringing home silverware from New South Wales, Victoria and his home state.
Garner was not just a star of the sport, he was also a pioneer of entertainment firsts.
He was chief organiser of the first indoor demolition derby in South Australia at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where he was also the headline act.
“I then started running indoor events Australia wide – Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and then back to Sydney,” he said.
Garner dominated almost every event he entered from the 1970s through to the 2000s, clocking up 189 in his storied career.
This included Australian Championship winner three years in a row, in 1995-97.
In fact, Jim’s son Joe followed in his footsteps and won the warm-up event three consecutive years as well.

He was also part of the World’s Largest Demo held at Murray Bridge where 116 cars were in the field.
Jim’s biggest pay day was $10,000 at a Wayville Showgrounds event but much of his prizemoney ended up back in the sport.
“I used to give prizemoney I won at one speedway to another speedway. I always gave it to a different speedway to where I won so everything remained above board,” he said.
“I did not need the money and wanted to put it back into the sport.”
An opportunity presented itself in the late 1990s when Ron Thompson approached Garner about putting on a demo at the Millicent Show – an event in his own backyard.
He was thrilled to lend his expertise, doing everything from drumming up nominations to securing affordable insurance for the event.
The Demolition Derby was first run in 1999 and quickly became one of the show’s biggest drawcards.
This year the Demolition Derby was set to hit a significant milestone at the Millicent Show.
However, insurance and compliance issues led to the cancellation of the spill and thrill spectacle which was set to celebrate 25 years of entertainment.
It had seen Millicent become a key event in the demo circuit with at 30 pre-registered prior to announcement of its cancellation.
With the support of the Millicent Show Society his family, the event had built up an eclectic history.
“People loved the way we presented it and find it a well-run and fun demo to be a part of,” Garner said.
“One time I actually took the car to Glencoe Primary and let the kids paint it – they had so much fun.
“We have had a 16-year-old kid win it, a woman has won it, a police officer has won it.”
Prizes on offer included the usual first three placegetters, but to add to the frivolity of the event novelty prizes were also up for grabs.
Teams could also take home a trinket for best-looking team, the best-looking car and most entertaining driver and a special prize to the first team eliminated.
Garner is also a past Millicent Show Society president and was awarded life membership in 2017.
All of Garner’s work on and off the demo derby arena saw him top the nomination poll as the first inductee in the Hall of Fame to represent South Australia.
Garner topped the list of 11 South Australian nominees with 47% votes.
A total of 233 votes were received with the other South Australian inductees being Channon Secker, Colin Webber, Lawrie Rosenburg and John Michelson.
An Australia Demolition Derby Association spokesperson said these individuals have not only entertained thousands but have also shaped the sport into what it is today.
“For decades, demolition derby has captivated audiences with its raw power, adrenaline-pumping action, and fearless competitors,” the spokesperson said.
“The Hall of Fame will serve as a lasting tribute to the legends who have left an indelible mark on the demolition derby landscape.
“It honours their courage, skill, and unwavering dedication to the sport, celebrating the remarkable achievements of these demolition derby pioneers.
“These exceptional individuals have made significant contributions to the sport, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations.
“These drivers have demonstrated exceptional skill, courage, and sportsmanship throughout their careers. “Their achievements have elevated the sport of demolition derby and have captivated audiences across Australia.”