Demolition Derbies in Europe

The large amounts of motor oil, gasoline, and other chemicals spilled into the ground, and unfiltered vehicle exhaust released into the air at derbies prompted several European countries to enact environmental legislation that effectively banned the events, just as the sport was beginning to establish itself there.

Great Britain has been an exception to this trend. British "banger races" (known as enduro races in the USA) differ from American derbies in that drivers actually attempt to turn laps on a race track, while also trying to knock the other competitors off the track. The events often climax with an American style derby, with the last driver whose car is still functional awarded the victory.