A BIG Thank You to Paul Bates

BY Tony Troilo & Frankie Gilmore

As we prepare for our 20th Annual Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby this June, we filled with such gratitude for all that make the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby a success each year. Twenty years ago, we both thought that we would be hosting ‘a’ Derby - just 1 for the 75th Anniversary of Rosson & Troilo. However, many individuals told us after that first race, ‘this is not just about building a car and then racing it . . . it is so much more!’

That year, we realized it brings the Family Unit closer, with parents realizing that their son or daughter CAN use power tools, and CAN work with their hands. It’s children realizing that their parents/guardians CAN successfully work beside them to finish the project. Together, creating meaningful experiences through collaboration that will last a lifetime. . . Developing Life Skills, Self- Confidence, and the Courage to tackle the most intimidating hill at speeds of over 30 mph, while traveling inches o the pavement. No, it’s not just building and racing a race car, it is learning how to work with other drivers and adults, embracing the true meaning of Sportsmanship - win or lose, helping a competitor change a brake pad, or helping them switch their wheels before racing. Over the 20 years, as we’ve watch young lives change, and in many cases, the adult’s perspective too, there has been one individual that has been the Center of it all.

Paul Bates, Big Paul as we call him at Paul Bates Raceway, has been there for the children, adults, and volunteers (and YES, it is named after him for the reasons you are about to hear!)

Paul is always there to lend a hand when the driver and pit crew (adult) need a little guidance, or to calm down an overanxious mind while trying to build the race car (that’s usually the adult since there are over 700 parts!). He nurtures the young minds and pushes them to new limits and never underestimated their potential - ANY time of the year!

Even though we host a couple of rallies each spring and fall, along with our Annual Local Derby in June, chances are that you will find Paul at the track on any given day, helping the families of local drivers work on their cars to hopefully better their time by a few thousands of a second.

Over the years, Paul has taken so many individuals under his wing. Whether it be a young driver developing the courage to try the hill, or he may be the calming e ect on the parent, to let their child try. Paul encourages them to move forward, and the results are always astonishing. Hearing that young driver jump out of their car the first time down the track, and exclaim, “I DID IT - DID YOU SEE THAT - I DID IT!” is what keeps all of us motivated to work harder for the next race.

Paul Bates, knows the excitement and pride that comes with Soap Box Derby Racing firsthand, from watching his own grandchildren race years ago. He knows that those memories will last a lifetime; and if he can help another child and/ or family realize their potential, you better believe he will make it happen.

It was after our Local Race in 2008, we realized that we had outgrown our track in the Town of Culpeper on Blue Ridge Avenue. We knew we could do so much more if we had our own permanent track facility, but how were we going to do that? We remember sitting in a room with Paul and he told us both, “you find me the land and a little spending money, and I’ll make it happen.” By the spring of 2009 we found a portion of land in the county, and for the next 3 years, 7 days a week, Paul Bates moved dirt, moved more dirt and then moved it again, until he had the perfect 1250-foot sloped track. With his dedication and the help of many in our community (plus a little help from our dear friend Corbin Bernsen), the asphalt was laid in the fall of 2011. That following spring we christened our new facility, Paul Bates Raceway, to his surprise. Since that day, Paul has continued to make improvements to the building and grounds, giving us a state-of-the-art racing facility. Building our starting ramps, designing, and building measuring tools for all car divisions, setting up our inground scales, building storage racks to house over 250 race cars, the list goes on and on. Always keeping the kids in mind and their excitement when racing. To this day, it is one of the few places where the only cell phone you’ll see is a parent, grandparent or relative taking pictures of their driver.

For our local organization, Paul continues to be a mentor to our Junior Committee members, helping them to learn how to mentor our first-time drivers and their families, he is the HUB of Soap Box Derby Racing, no matter where he happens to be - giving of his talent, time, and e orts to improve the sport. In our area, due to his e orts, we now have the means to provide educational activities to any child, helping them learn Life Lessons, STEM concepts and gaining selfconfidence, all while enjoying the All-American Wholesome Fun of Soap Box Derby Racing. Paul Bates creates meaningful experiences that truly last a lifetime. The mark he has left on many drivers will be felt years to come. He not only helps them believe in themselves but teaches them to share what they have learned with others - passing it forward.

We at the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby and in our Region are so grateful for his tremendous contributions growing the sport of Soap Box Derby Racing.

It is with such Gratitude that we say THANK YOU Paul, for helping us make the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby one of the BEST Derbies in the Country WORLD.

For keeping us all under his wings, giving us the knowledge to become better, then sitting back and watching us soar.

Thank You Paul!

Our Sincere Gratitude, Tony Troilo & Frankie Gilmore