BLOOMSBURG, Pa. — Kevin Weaver's engagement to Karen Slusser got off to a smashing start.

Weaver painted his marriage proposal on a demolition derby car.

"Every woman I know says she wants to announce it to the world when she gets engaged," he said later. "I figured I'd announce it for her and make it well noted."

Slusser, 47, of Mifflinville, knew Weaver was entering the derby. She saw him paint the car white and light blue, then top it with a stuffed bunny to advertise her rabbit-breeding business.

But earlier this week, Weaver, 34, of Danville, moved the car to a friend's garage, saying he needed to keep it out of the rain. He then added the words "Karen Slusser will u marry me?" sprawling from the hood, down the driver's side and up the trunk.

Just before the derby on Saturday, he attached a large stuffed ring — complete with fabric diamond — to the bunny's hands.

When the car appeared in the derby arena, Slusser, sitting with relatives, read the message and broke into a smile. Her family cheered.

Weaver, who finished third, met Slusser afterward at the gate to the drivers' pit.

"So what's your answer to what I asked you on the car?" he asked, smiling.

"Yes!" she said with a laugh.

And with that, Weaver handed her a real diamond ring.