Pilot of a small home built experimental aircraft reported cowling damage after an intentional runway excursion to avoid another aircraft which had unexpectedly stopped on the runway after landing at a fly-in.

Narrative

While attending a fly in air show they organized a tomato bombing competition. The target was an inner tube placed in the middle of a pond parallel to the runway. There were twelve participants split into two groups of six. I was in the second group. First group finished their bombing run and immediately landed and taxied into parking area tightening the formation. The second group took off in single file formation (I was number three in the flight). We maintained separation; did our tomato drop and proceeded to the landing. The first aircraft landed and taxied off while the second aircraft landed and taxied part-way down the runway. As I landed my aircraft and started to roll out to my surprise the aircraft in front of me stopped in the middle of the runway I considered applying full power to go around but decided the consequences would have been severe if it did not work. I opted for applying brakes and when it seemed like that was not enough I veered to left into the pond avoiding the aircraft in the center of the runway and the tree line directly to the right. If the aircraft in front of me would have continued taxing as the previous participants had there would not have been an incident. If the pond or trees were not a factor there would not have been an incident. The amount of damage to my air-craft; an eighth inch crack in the lower cowling fiberglass. Cost of repairs ten dollars and my labor. Next time I will not trust the pilot in front of me to do what was expected (taxi off the run way like all the other pilots participating did). I will make a longer approach next time and wait till all aircraft are clear of the runway.