TALLINN - When destructive-minded Estonian boys grow up, they either join the army or, in case they don't like hurting others, they join the Romu Ralli (demolition derby) club.
But since both the army and the Romu Ralli have relatively few sign ups, this amply illustrates just how peaceable and friendly this Northern European nation is.
The lo-cal tradition of demolition derbies turns 10 years old this year, and the Romu Ralli people will celebrate it in an original manner - for the first time in Estonia's history the show will take place in a closed arena, Tallinn's Saku Suurhall.
Mart Muuk, one of the organizers from Tempo Meedia OU, said 22 teams had already registered as of Feb. 13. Five teams come from Finland, making the event almost international. One of the cars will be driven by a female participant (gender equality, you know) and one by an adolescent male (parents' permission granted).
"But we could accept a couple more teams," said Muuk.
The derby's conditions are pretty straightforward. Each participant must have a vehicle with safety arcs that protect the driver from all sides. Apart from the driver, the team must have three me-chanics. No diesel cars are allowed, and fuel tanks may only contain five liters of gas.
And the competition itself is as simple as a doorknob. Participants start ramming and smashing into each other in an arena surrounded by concrete blocks. In 10 minutes the first round is over and the mechanics have 20 minutes to fix the cars. Any car that cannot move after this procedure is out of the contest.
The last car standing wins 5,000 kroons (320 euros), while there are smaller awards for second and third places and numerous prizes from sponsors. The organizers promise at least a four-hour show.
Muuk said this challenging U.S.-born sport has found its biggest fan base in southern Estonia.
On the safety side of things, Muuk was quick to point out that all was good to go. "We have carried out thorough tests, and the ventilation system of Saku Suurhall will handle the exhausts of the cars. An ambulance and a fire brigade will also be present," he said. During a decade of the Romu Ralli there have only been a couple of minor injuries, Muuk added.
In terms of what cars can be used in the derby, it's open season. "Usually people buy some old car, partly rebuild it and drive it to death," said Muuk.
Over the years the best cars for the Romu Ralli have been the Soviet-built Volga, namely the models GAZ 21 and GAZ 24, and also the GAZ M20 Pobeda. Once the best cars available for Soviet consumers, these golden oldies have such sturdy bodies that they crush their Japanese-made rivals like Coke cans.
The URL for Romu Ralli and other extreme leisure fans looks frightening - ("surm" is Estonian for death). One of the latest pieces of news on the Web site reads: "I've recently bought an armored vehicle. Will try it in spring."
The overall tone of these texts and the list of adrenaline entertainment services on offer leads us to suspect that these could be the very same mysterious characters who arrange Kalashnikov shooting at stag parties.
Romu Ralli
Saku Suurhall
Feb. 28, Tallinn
Tickets 8 euros - 12 euros, free for children under 6 years of age.
