A series documenting demolition derbies by photographer Michael Dean Lemon. Known for capturing dynamic images of daily life, “Old Iron” is a collection of eight images taken from a larger body of work. The demolition derby is an enduring, yet often overlooked subculture, once central to midwestern county fairs and true Americana. In the summer of 2025, Lemon spent 3 months traveling across the Midwest, attending a total of 14 demolition derbies in 4 states and becoming well acquainted with many of the participants. Lemon plans to continue the project this summer.
“Immersing myself in this circuit allowed me to move beyond the spectacle of the events and into the lives of the drivers and their families. Through conversations and shared time, I began to understand what draws them to this sport: tradition, resilience, community, and the preservation of a way of life passed down through generations. Demolition derbies, like many forms of motorsport, are frequently reduced to stereotypes associated with working-class or ‘redneck’ culture. While I often found myself at odds with the political views expressed within these spaces, the project resists caricature. Instead, it seeks to portray the complexity of the people involved—individuals who are hardworking, generous, deeply committed to family, and proud of their communal bonds. By focusing on moments both within and beyond the arena, this series explores themes of identity, class, and belonging, challenging preconceived notions of Americana and inviting a more nuanced understanding of a subculture shaped by grit, care, and connection.”
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