Team Jared at the Tioga County Fair

Team Jared at the Tioga County FairPictured, in the demolition derby arena at the Tioga County Fair on Aug. 9, are Trevor Shedden, Jared Lamb, and Jared’s mom, Julie. Jared was recognized for his Olympic Journey, prior to the start of the demolition derby that night. Shedden built the car, dubbed “Team Jared,” in Jared’s honor. (Photo by Wendy Post)

The final night of the Tioga County Fair’s demolition derby, on Aug. 9, was packed full of action, and welcomed a special guest to the track before the first heat. Jared Lamb, Special Olympian and Tioga Central student that traveled to Abu Dhabi to compete internationally, made his was to the fair to support his friend, Trevor Shedden, who designed his 6-cylinder 2000 Mercury Sable with a patriotic theme – and did so in honor of Jared.

On the hood of Shedden’s demo car, painted lettering read, “First Seattle and then Abu Dhabi – what’s next?” The rear of the car had an American flag hanging off of a post that was integrated in to the demo car.

Team Jared at the Tioga County Fair
Pictured, from left, are Trevor Shedden and Jared Lamb, Special Olympian from Tioga that has made it around the world in competition. Shedden built the car, dubbed “Team Jared,” in honor of his friend. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Shedden, along with other classmates, friends, and fans of Jared Lamb, all greeted him when he arrived that Friday in the derby pits, and with his mom, Julie. Some of them were wearing Team Jared shirts as they surrounded the car.

The Power Wheels, for the younger drivers, took place on the track for about a half an hour, and then an introduction of Team Jared and the car took to the track.

Lamb, in the passengers seat and next to his friend Trevor, came into the arena and the announcer introduced Jared, giving a brief history of his Special Olympic journey. The fans in the grandstand roared, many standing to honor this hometown hero. Lamb’s determination during the International Special Olympics in the spring was a shining example to all of the drivers that worked tirelessly throughout the year on their derby cars.

For Trevor Shedden, he stated that he started working on the “Team Jared” car about six months ago. Shedden was also running a second car that night, a 4-cylinder Hyundai Elantra. 

Team Jared at the Tioga County Fair
The new arena worked out well for the demolition derby at the Tioga County Fair. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Shedden is also a fourth-generation derby driver. He explained that his great grandfather, John Green, Sr.; his grandfather, John Green, Jr.; and John’s son and Trevor’s uncle, Jim Green were all drivers. 

When asked why he designed the car to honor Jared, Trevor stated, “To let him know he has support. We’re all very proud of him; having someone like him – it’s pretty cool.” The two grew up together in Tioga, and have been friends ever since. 

Jared’s mom, Julie Lamb, accompanied Jared to the derby that night to support him as well. According to Julie, it was Jared’s first time at a demolition derby.

Team Jared at the Tioga County Fair
Charlie Truman, longtime Agricultural Fair Board member, tends to the arena prior to the final demolition derby event on Aug. 9, and at the Tioga County Fair. (Photo by Wendy Post)

While there, Julie was overcome by the amount of support and love that Jared was receiving. “It’s heartwarming to see how accepting the community is,” said Julie, adding, “He’s been all over doing things; these are his classmates.”

To learn more about Jared Lamb, you can find “Jared’s Olympic Journey” on Facebook. And as the car’s hood questioned, “What’s next?”

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