Ceres’ Greg Mathews earned bragging rights while battling younger brother Bryce at the Stanislaus County Fair’s Demolition Derby on July 16.

Greg and Bryce placed first and second, respectively, in the Motor Home Class.

Greg was awarded $1,500.

Bryce pocketed $750.

“It was nice to be able to get a win while he was driving,” Greg said. “I was able to outlast him.”

Greg, 58, piloted a 1979 Dodge Midas.

Bryce, 54, of Gridley, piloted a 1984 Ford Jamboree.

Bryce filled in for Oakdale’s Richard Gleaves, who was unable to compete due to another commitment.

Lloyd Gleaves, Richard’s father and a Ceres resident, finished fourth overall.

He claimed $250.

“Once I popped my brother’s tires, it slowed him up,” Greg said. “His radiator got hot and he had trouble starting his RV. I was able to finish him.”

Greg forgot to reinstall a seatbelt in his Motor Home for the Turlock event.

He was forced to compete with a makeshift restraint.

“When I was hitting people and getting hit, it was really scary,” Greg said. “I was flying around in the cab. I was like a pinball. It was crazy.”

Bryce and Greg took 1-2 at the Colusa County Fair in June.

Teryn, Bryce’s daughter, placed third.

“It’s always nice to win closer to home,” Greg said.  “It was a lot of fun. I was able to beat up on my brother. I’ll have bragging rights for a little bit.”

Family members and friends watched from the stands in Turlock.

Greg’s daughters Karlie and Kinsey visited from Southern California and Hawaii, respectively.

Wife Kathy was also there.

“It’s a lot of fun to be able to look at the video and review the hits afterwards,” Greg said. 

Mathews built two motorhomes for the Stanislaus County Fair Destruction Derby.

“Finding and building them is fun,” said Greg, who claimed $250 after piloting his 1976 Dodge Sportsman to a fourth-place finish on July 17. “You can’t count the hours. It’s way too many. Once you get to race them, that’s the icing on the cake.”

Lloyd took third while driving a 1977 Dodge Jamboree during the second night.

He took home $500.

Greg had a sore neck, right hand and left thumb at the conclusion of the derby.

“You get aches and pains everywhere in your body,” he said. “As long as I’m healthy, I’m going to keep doing it.”