Way back in 2008, Illinois entrepreneur and demolition derby driver Keith Gray launched a campaign for Illinois State Senate against Terry Link. Under the theme “Demolish Politicians” Gray drove his 1990 Volvo 240 DL station wagon in the Lake County Fair Demolition Derby in July of 2008.

From Team America’s 10th District Blog:

“I’ve raced in the derby seven times, but this year it’s different,” Gray said. “I’m in the middle of my campaign for state senate, and I saw an opportunity to utilize my derby racing tradition to spread the message that I’m not doing this as a career politician or to gain political clout. I’m a normal guy who is sick of being taken advantage of by the Illinois political machine.”

He placed 3rd after busting the steering system and losing the ability to turn. His chariot lived to race another day, however, as the block, tranny and chassis went relatively unscathed. As for Keith Gray’s dreams of the Illinois Senate? He was defeated by Terry Link, who is now running for the office of Lt. Governor of Illinois.

BONUS: Anyone care to interpret the text written on the windshield in this photo?