Tough times for national derby

Carol Biliczky, Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal
Published: July 19, 2008

Two weeks before the big race, the All-American Soap Box Derby is awash in controversy about sponsorship, management and even bologna sandwiches.

But derby Chairman Bill Evans said he and his staff are just trying to turn the organization into a business that will generate more racers and eventually more dollars.

“What I’ve tried to do is to instill a positive, futuristic view of the derby,” Evans said. “If we stayed the same organization, we would become stagnant.”

More than 600 local race and rally champions — a record — and their families will attend the 70th grand prix of gravity-powered racing in Akron on July 26 to compete for up to a $5,000 scholarship.

But disgruntled devotees worry that their beloved derby is slipping.

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Still going strong
The Soap Box Derby of Culpeper continues to grow. When the race began six years ago, 35 drivers entered. The 2008 edition featured 125 competitors. The race has gotten so big that directors Frankie Gilmore and Tony Troilo are actively seeking a permanent race site.