The Cloverdale Rodeo demolition derby community is mourning the loss of a well-known competitor who died the same day he returned to the track where his racing story began nearly four decades ago.
A tribute show was held at the Cloverdale Rodeo on Sunday (May 17) in honour of derby legend ‘Mad Mike’ Wilkins, #17 of Screaming Eagle Racing. He died Saturday evening following the Cloverdale Rodeo demoltition derby event.
Wilkins’ stepdaughter, Crystal Crowe, told Peace Arch News that Wilkins had spent the day doing what he loved most, which was entertaining crowds behind the wheel.
“He’s going to be deeply missed, and it has been very hard for all of us,” shared Crowe.
For many in the community, Wilkins was more than just a competitor.
“He’s a legend. He helped everybody out no matter night or day, he didn’t care,” said Crowe.
Crowe said Wilkins began competing in demolition derby events around 1988, starting at the Cloverdale Rodeo before eventually becoming known across the province and beyond. Over the years, he competed at venues including the PNE, BC Place and the Tacoma Dome, earning multiple rollover championships and building a reputation for his fearless driving style.
Wilkins and his best friend, Glenn George, had spent decades side by side in the demolition derby scene, becoming part of what Crowe described as one large family.
“He’s a legend in the demolition derby. Everybody loved him and he was loved by lots of people,” said Crowe.
According to Crowe, Wilkins had recently come out of retirement to compete at this year’s Cloverdale Rodeo – returning to the place where his derby journey first began.
“He’s coming out of retirement to run Cloverdale and finish it off where he started. And that is what he did,” she said. “He left an imprint on everybody in this sport.”
Crowe believes Wilkins may have known something was going on that morning. “He called my mom and just told her he loved her.”
Before the event, Wilkins sat in the pits taking in the atmosphere.
“He just sat in the pits in his chair with a drink in his hand, looking at the derby field with a huge smile on his face,” recounted Crowe.
During Saturday’s 4:30 p.m. show on May 16, Crowe said Wilkins asked fellow driver Dave Knoller to push his vehicle so he could perform his famous rolls one more time.
Wilkins died around 10:30 p.m. that same evening.
The loss quickly spread through the derby community, prompting organizers, Wilkins’ family and drivers to honour him during Sunday’s Cloverdale Rodeo events.
“On Sunday, we went out there and put on a show for him,” said Crowe.
Donna Robertson, secretary of the Northern Lights Motorsport Society, said Wilkins’ death deeply impacted the drivers and families involved in the event.
“Many of the drivers with us this weekend are from families that have participated in demolition derby going back to when they held it at the PNE. We are like one big family, so his passing affected many of our families participating in our event this weekend, so it was important for us to acknowledge him, and do a little tribute in a fashion that would honour him,” Robertson said in an emailed statement.
Crowe said the tribute demonstrated just how deeply Wilkins was loved.
“I’m glad we had it because it shows how much he was loved and cared for by everyone,” she said.
Wilkins had lived with Crowe and her family for the past 13 years and was a major part of their lives.
“He’s been a great dad to me, a great dad to his daughter, a great uncle to Glenn’s kids and a great grandpa to my kids,” explained Crowe.
One of Crowe’s daughters wrote a letter to Wilkins following his death, remembering the many ways he supported and encouraged their family over the years.
“Mike, you will be so greatly missed,” the letter reads.
“Most people called you Mad Mike or Mikey. I called you my house hobo, with love, of course. From building a pool with me to teach me how to weld. Never taught me the safety of welding. That was all on my own. But that’s just who you were.”
The letter continues by recalling Wilkins helping with welding projects, fixing vehicles and caring for the family cat while they were away.
“You’re always my safety net at home, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me, Nova, and everyone else. You got your wish. You rolled one more time,” finished the letter.
The demolition derby community plans to continue honouring Wilkins’ legacy moving forward.
Crowe says Wilkins’ car will return to the Cloverdale Rodeo next year, and organizers are renaming the rollover competition in his memory. “Next year we’re naming the rollover ‘Screaming Eagle Rolls’ in honor of Mikey,” she said.
For those who knew him, Wilkins leaves behind not only decades of memories at the track, but a lasting impact on the people around him.
“He’s been there for me no matter what,” shared Crowe.
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