Soap Box Derby 2024

Siblings, families bond over Soap Box Derby

Families attribute racing to strengthened dynamics

Every summer, families around Culpeper come together for an event that has become a cherished tradition: the annual Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby. This year, the excitement and anticipation are palpable as siblings, parents and grandparents work side by side to create the perfect race cars, fostering a sense of community and family bonding that goes beyond the thrill of competition.

The Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby, now in its 21st year, has grown from a modest local event into a significant community celebration. This year's derby features participants ranging from children to teenagers, each eager to race their handcrafted cars down Paul Bates Raceway on June 15.

For the Huggins family, the derby is more than just a race; it's a family affair that spans years. Sisters Brooklyn, 10, who drives Stock, and Savannah, 18, who drive Masters, have been participating for almost three years.

“They are pretty competitive,” said their mother, Kristy Huggins. "There’s a little bit of a sibling rivalry if one does better than the other.”

Huggins recalled seeing a social media post years ago about Soap Box.

“It had been something I was interested in for a long time,” she said.

Originally an activity for just Brooklyn since Savannah was going through some medical issues, as soon as Savannah saw the track, Huggins said, “she said, ‘Mama, I want to do

this too.’”

Huggins sees the derby as an opportunity to teach her children valuable skills while spending quality time together. It’s a family effort as she stays at the finish line and Dad, Kingsley McNairn, at the top.

“We enjoy doing it as a family,” Huggins said. “It gives us that extra family bonding time. It brings us closer together.”

Across town, the Davis family is also hard at work on their derby cars. Mother, Lauren Davis, views the derby as a way to strengthen their family bonds and instill a sense of accomplishment in her children, Logan, 10, and Paisley, 9.

“It’s very hands-on and it takes the whole family to participate and to get the cars going,” Davis said. “We’re

BY Maria Basileo

working together, communicating, learning how to communicate with each other.”

The pair are homeschooled and “together all the time” due to their closeness in age. They participate in other activities such as 4-H, but come together for Soap Box.

“With the Soap Box Derby, it takes all of us, to be together as a family,” Davis said. “It's’ worth it.”

Logan’s favorite part is racing and Paisley’s is working on the car.

As the race grows closer, it becomes clear that the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby is more than just a race. It's a celebration of family, community, and the joy of working together toward a common goal and creating a legacy of shared experiences and cherished traditions.

What does ‘Soap Box Derby’ mean?

As the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby hosts its 21st Annual Local Derby on June 15th, we owe a sincere debt of gratitude to the Rosson and Troilo Families who had a vision in 2003 - a vision of community,

passion, and love. In celebration of the Rosson and Troilo business’ 75-years in the Culpeper community, they hosted a Local Soap Box Derby. In typical Culpeper fashion, they received an outpouring of support

that we still feel today. Tony Troilo, Frankie Gilmore, Paul Bates, and more had a vision, and that vision became a reality. But what is Soap Box Derby? It seems like a simple question, what does “Soap Box

Derby” mean. However, in reality, it can mean something different to everyone involved.

At its heart, derby is about racing.

➤ See Soap Box Derby, Page 3

It’s about the competitive spirit of having a head-to-head matchup against a peer and determining a winner. In our eyes, all our racers are winners. They have been diligently working on their cars for months; learning about the dynamics of derby racing, collaborating with their pit crew, comparing notes with fellow racers, and showing appreciation to the volunteers who keep the races running.

Soap Box Derby is STEM learning. Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (even some art, thanks to our racers' imaginations with the designs of their shells) - these are all core tenants for derby racers. Racers have to understand torque, aerodynamics, weight, and much more to make their car successful. Oftentimes results are separated by thousandths of a second, every little adjustment matters. This year, we brought back our Gravity Racing Challenge with local schools and youth organizations, giving students a chance to learn about STEM in a fun environment.

Derby is family. We have a vast number of racers with siblings this year, but family isn’t just blood. While we see brothers and sisters following their relatives down the track, we also find that family is grown from sharing pit crews, racers building bonds, and even includes families

who join us from out of town. Derby is sportsmanship. Our racers are courteous, kind, and thoughtful. At the bottom of Paul Bates Raceway, as soon as the cars come to full stop and the brakes stop smoking the most often heard refrain between drivers is “Good race!” Racers encourage each other, hug, high- five, and fist bump. They build each other up just as well as they build their cars.

Derby is commitment. This year we have had several racers qualify to attend the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship in Akron, Ohio as Rally Champs. They have done so by earning enough Rally points - competing in Rally races held in Culpeper and other Race Cities. These racers and their families have traveled around the country, won races, and gained invaluable experience while spending quality time together. Rally races also allow us to welcome visiting families and show off Culpeper and our wonderful Piedmont region.

So what is Soap Box Derby? It’s life in a microcosm. There is joy, there is sadness, there is victory, there is defeat. At each pass down the hill, our racers deal with challenges both internal and external while testing their car and themselves. Derby builds character, it supports families and communities, and it’s wholesome All-American FUN!

Speed Engineering

Teamwork

Area racers qualify for World Championship in Akron

Five racers have qualified for the international event

In an impressive display of skill, creativity and determination, several young racers from The Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby have qualified for the prestigious All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio from July 14-20.

These local champions secured their spots at the national competition by excelling in their regional races and earning 600 points or above, seizing the opportunity to compete on the grand stage of youth racing.

Among the standout qualifiers is 18-year-old Alana Durica, whose skills and determination earned her 708 points, putting her on the track to competing on the national stage.

Alana, who is a freshman at Germanna Community College, expressed her excitement about committing to racking up rally points to advance to Akron.

“It’s definitely been one of the best

experiences,” she said.

Alana started Stock racing in 2016, but watched her brother race for many years before hopping in a car herself.

“My parents finally gave in and let me start racing,” she recalled. “I got into a car of my own and I fell in love with it.”

In her second year of racing, Alana placed first in the local annual Soap Box race in 2017 and was o to Akron.

“That was amazing,” she said. “That was really when I took the big step in falling in love with it.”

She remembers the big leap of being on the sidelines to feeling like she was “all in.”

While living at home during her first year of college, Alana decided she wanted to step into a bigger role this season by competing in Masters

rally racing to gain more experience in driving techniques and mechanical aspects of her car.

This season marks her first year in Masters and rallying, and it sent her to Akron.

Joining Alana in Akron are sisters Brooklyn, 10, and Savannah, 18, Huggins, who also clinched top point totals in local and other community’s rallies. Brooklyn totalled 783 points and Savannah 605.

“Once she (Brooklyn) went All American, her demeanor has changed about racing,” said Mom, Kristy Huggins. “She is all about the race. She’s all about improving.”

Brooklyn, who drives Stock, and Savannah, who drive Masters, have been racing for almost three years.

Johnathan Johnson and Aden Stewart are the remaining racers that have guaranteed their Rally Champ

BY Maria Basileo

status. Stewart, due to having the highest number of first place finishes of Region 8 racers in Super Stock at Rally races this year, will additionally race in the All Star Race in Akron. He is PASBD's only driver to receive this honor.

As the qualifiers prepare for the All-American Soap Box Derby, Culpeper is rallying behind them. The excitement is building as the departure date approaches.

The All-American Soap Box Derby, held annually in Akron, is the pinnacle of youth Soap Box racing. It brings together the best racers from across the United States, showcasing not only their driving skills but also their engineering expertise.

For Alana, Brooklyn and Savannah, the opportunity to compete at this level is a testament to their dedication.

Local students participated in Gravity Car Challenge

Paul Bates Raceway witnessed an exhilarating display of talent and teamwork as Culpeper and Orange county students took on the Soap Box Derby Gravity Car Challenge.

“Students and sta that participated in the Soap Box Derby were happy to see its return this year,” said Culpeper County Public Schools Math Specialist Liaison and PASBD Liaison Renee Wootten. “I attended the event that the school teams participated in and was happy to see the smiling faces of the students as they cheered on their team members. This event gives students a hands-on opportunity to see physics in action while fostering positive team collaboration.”

At Emerald Hill, Team Eagle Force and Team Eagle Squad showcased remarkable prowess. In a field of seven other stock cars, Team Eagle Force, led by driver Preston Budd and accompanied by Layla Bragg, Zachary Preston, Sadie Williams and Micah

Lacey, earned 2nd place.

Meanwhile, Team Eagle Squad, with driver Landon Coker and teammates Oliver Ferreira, Aiden Smith and Camden Cox, secured 4th place.

The Pink Panthers, CCPS's Soap Box Derby team, Samantha Joiner, piloting the stock car, clinched 5th place, while Perla Amaya, in the Super Stock division, secured 3rd place.

The team's dedication was evident as they dedicated countless hours after school every Wednesday to design, paint and test their cars.

Joiner's decision to continue her Soap Box Derby journey in the upcoming local rally in June reflects the enduring spirit of competition and camaraderie nurtured within CCPS.

Additionally, the Farmington Flyers soared to victory in the stock car division, clinching first place. Led by driver Jack Peretin and supported by Morgan Taylor, Kevin Michel, Aiden Stevens, Rhys Hurley, Iker Salas, Marvin

Guevara and Enrique Perez, the Flyers showcased exceptional teamwork. Marvin Guevara also secured 7th place in the mini-car challenge.

Meanwhile, at CCHS, Johnathan Johnson exemplified Blue Devil Pride by clinching first place in the open class division of the Soap Box Derby Gravity Racing Challenge. In addition, CCHS student Isaiah Williams took home 2nd place for BSA Troop 550.

For the first time, Orange Elementary School students took to the raceway.

“It was a great opportunity for Orange Elementary School to join the Gravity Racing Challenge this year,” said Orange Elementary School Assistant Principal and PASBD Liason Lawyer Johnson. “This event has always been more than just a race, it allows the students to be in a competitive and supportive environment to work on collaboration and teamwork, showcase their

creativity and integrate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).”

OES had over 40 students apply and write essays to be a part of the team, but only six were chosen. The group met 12 times before school two days per week to build the car and test before participating in the practice runs.

“What is great about Soap Box is it allows real-world applications of some of the things taught in class,” he continued. “The process of building a car can be challenging at times. It was a great lesson in perseverance and reading directions carefully. Learning to troubleshoot and work together the students did a fantastic job adapting and applying those same principles to the mini derby cars.”

As the engines roar and the wheels turn, CCPS and OES students continue to carve their path to success, propelled by passion, teamwork and unwavering determination.

TROPHY OWNERS

A & B Kearns Trucking & Stone 16381 Brandy Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-8810

Cherry Street Building Supply 1418 Orange Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-0397

E.S.S.

218 N Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-6660

Oak View National Bank 450 James Madison Hwy, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-2570

Brenco Solutions 16150 Dalro Road, Culpeper, VA 22701 (866) 827-3626

Clore-English Funeral Home 11190 James Monroe Hwy, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-2361

Jefferson Home Builders 118 E Piedmont St, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 812-9080

P W Stilwell Plumbing & Heating, Inc (540) 825-0025

Caliber Collision Center 15388 Bradford Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-0261

Country Chevrolet 11 E Lee Hwy, Warrenton, VA 20186 (540) 905-4553

Cedar Mountain Stone 10496 Quarry Dr, Mitchells, VA 22729 (540) 825-3370

Culpeper Eagles Aerie 4551 16000 Brandy Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 321-4207

Kid Central 1401 Old Fredericksburg Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 829-2124

Weavers Automotive 1127 N Seminole Trail, Madison, VA 22727 (540) 948-6762

Merchants Grocery Co. 800 Maddox Dr, Culpeper, VA 22701 (877) 897-9893

Wise Services & Recycling 745 N Commerce St, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-0996

SpORTSMANSHIP

Chrysler of Culpeper

11030 James Monroe Hwy, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 547-3900

Culpeper Times (540) 812-2282

K&M Equipment Rental 801 Germanna Hwy, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 829-9600

Rosson & Troilo 15252 Rosson Troilo Circle, Brandy Station (540) 825-9100

RACE DAY SPONSORS

A. Wayne Breeden Jr, D.D.S.

Orange Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 829-1129

RACE DAY SPONSORS

EdDIE’s Awards & Engraving

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Gilmore

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Motors

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&

Gilmore’s Auto Service

1025 S Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-4456

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N Main St Culpeper VA 22701 (540) 825-1100

Community

2130 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508 (540) 423-9030 (540) 825-3530

Funeral Chapels 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-3530

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Marshall Farms Dairy

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RACE DAY SPONSORS

Orange Tire, Inc

160 Caroline St, Orange, VA 22960 (540) 672-2788 Pepper’s Grill 791 Madison Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-1037

Rice Tire

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Inc. 8559 White Shop Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 547-4553

Signs 40 Performance Way, Ruckersville, VA 22968 (434) 985-7446

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative 13252 Cedar Run Church Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825-8373

Sturgeon Transport

Sturgeon Transport, Inc.

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of Culpeper 400 S Main St #105, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 829-8240

Heavy Truck Repair

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Health Culpeper Medical Center 501 Sunset Ln, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 829-4100