Spring brings fresh energy to the track as we welcome both new and returning racers from nearby counties to Paul Bates Raceway in Culpeper County!
Several of our returning racers haven’t competed here since our Fall Rally Races while others haven’t raced since last year’s Local Derby, making the season’s return even more exciting. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community groups, and families of former racers, we are fortunate to o er loaner cars, helping ensure that every interested youth can experience the thrill of the hill.
In preparation, racers and their pit crews attend Racer Clinics where they are matched with cars, learn essential skills and earn
Ready, set, race!
their driver’s license. Many also participate in Spring Rally Races and our Test & Tune Day, key steps in getting ready for the biggest event of the season: the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby’s 22nd Annual Local Derby, happening Saturday, June 14 at Paul Bates Raceway.
This exciting day coincides with Flag Day, and we’re proud that this year’s event shirts, designed annually by Tony Rozwadowski, feature the American flag alongside the iconic Soap Box Derby cars.
A Tradition Born from Celebration
What began in 2003 as a onetime celebration of Rosson & Troilo’s 75th anniversary has
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 14
Opening Ceremony: 9 a.m.
Location: Paul Bates Raceway, Culpeper
Admission: Free! Bring a chair and cheer on the racers!
become a cherished tradition. Interest from young racers, support from their families, and enthusiasm from the community transformed that first race into an annual event. It grew so much that it outgrew its original location near Yowell Meadow Park. Today, thanks to that growth, we now race on a dedicated track: Paul Bates Raceway, a facility
It’s Derby Time!
BY Sheila Rutherford
that also hosts Rally Races, Test & Tune Days, and Racer Clinics. While Rally Races bring in competitors from across the East Coast, the Local Derby is a special showcase for area youth aged 7 to 20. It’s a celebration of community spirit, sportsmanship, the excitement of racing, and All-American wholesome fun.
Come out and support our local champions in the making. Four winners will earn the honor of representing PASBD at the 2025 World Championship Race in Akron, Ohio, on Saturday, July 19th.
We can’t wait to see you at the track!
Sheila Rutherford is race director for the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby
BY Rob Morris
One bitterly cold day in March, a friend arranged for my 7-year-old son and I to meet a guy at an auto body shop in Culpeper. Ronnie had gotten a soap box derby car for his son and this guy named Paul had some more for sale. We converged on an old white box truck that might have been parked for more years than it was driven. As we shivered outside, Paul threw open the back door of the truck turned storage shed.
Inside was an impressive tangle of soap box derby cars and parts. Luke clamored around, over and through the heap. He found a blue one he liked. It was covered in a thick layer of dust and the axles were scaled with brown rust. Our journey in Derby had begun.
I’d be willing to bet that almost every parent has been told “Time flies and kids grow up fast!” After hearing it enough, it just becomes something acknowledged (“They sure do!”) but not really pondered. There’s so much to do! School and sports and science fair projects. Pets
and sleep overs and vacations. And for the really blessed ones, Soap Box Derby.
Turns out that guy named Paul with the heap of cars had done so much for the derby that there’s a race track named after him. And under that layer of dust on that old blue stock car was a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a sleek shark. And those rusty old axles got a whole heaping of elbow grease from a 7-year-old boy. They eventually got their chance to shine one sunny day on a famous hill in Akron, Ohio.
A few years after Luke started racing, his little sister Sophie got to race on her 7th birthday. Then Ava joined the fray, forcing a runo with her big sis for the coveted trip to Akron during one particularly stressful heat at Paul Bates Raceway. And now, our youngest, Zac, is eager to make his mark on the derby.
Our family has reaped so many lessons and memories from derby. At a time when it is SO easy to pick up a device and
tune out everything and everyone around us, derby has kept us in the present. It gave us something tangible to work on with our hands. It forced us to think and experiment and research. It introduced us to amazing people who became our friends.
We have sweated on the smallest and seemingly most insignifi cant details. We’ve stayed up late and got up early. We’ve driven all night. We’ve bent and re-bent and re-bent and re-bent spindles to get them perfectly aligned. We’ve wondered what derby tricks are just superstition and which ones actually matter. My derby friend Jody Rohrbaugh once lamented that there is going to be a special old folks home for derby dads who have gone crazy from trying to discern the answer to that last question.
We’ve crashed cars and watched cars bounce o of trailers as they came to the top of the hill. At one race, I was astonished to see the empty trailer that was supposed to be connected to the truck we were driving go speeding past us to the bottom of the hill. Thankfully the truck won the B phase of that heat and double phased the trailer for the rest of the day.
and snow. We worked on derby cars in garages, trailers, kitchens, basements and hotel conference rooms. We competed in 6 states from Connecticut to Florida. We raced on birthdays, Mothers Days, Fathers Days and New Year’s Day. We watched our friend Joey race on national TV on the streets of New York City.
Derby taught us how to lose gracefully when we wanted to win so very much. And it taught us to win respectfully because we understood what an honor it was to take home the trophy.
Derby scared our 7-year-olds to the edge of tears (and sometimes over that edge) at the top of the hill. And it rewarded them with the thrill of a lifetime at the finish line.
And through it all, we did it together.
A person much wiser than I once told me that kids spell the word “LOVE” like this: T – I – M – E. It is the time that we spend with our kids that show them how important they are to us and how much we love them. Our presence in their lives and ours in theirs is how we love. Derby has given us so much but it is this opportunity to love that is the most important.
Time flies. Kids grow up fast. See you on the hill.
Robbie Morris lives in
Culpeper’s own Paul Bates inducted into Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame
BY Cameron Delean
Culpeper resident Paul Bates is privy to all things Soap Box Derby.
This year, Bates along with two others were named to the International Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes contributions and e orts of individuals who have made it possible for the Soap Box Derby program to have a positive impact on the lives of young people throughout the country.
The Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame was established in 1997 to honor individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Soap Box Derby racing by promoting the betterment of the sport and its participants or by enhancing the youth racing program through significant financial or sponsorship support.
Bates first became involved when his grandson, Treavor Bates, raced in the 2003 Local Derby in Stock with Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby in Culpeper.
"My grandson started racing in
2003 and that's how I got into it,"
Bates said. "I liked it. I enjoyed being around the kids."
Bates traveled with his grandson and family to Ohio that July for Worlds, where he immersed himself in all things derby.
He has been at every World Championship since 2003. During the time leading up to race week, you will find Bates inspecting cars as they arrive, checking wheels and helping calibrate the ramps.
During Race Week, he is in the Blue Building, transporting people in golf carts, further inspecting cars, working on the bridge and anywhere else he may be of assistance. During all that time he can be seen encouraging racers and sharing Soap Box Derby tips.
International Soap Box Derby received multiple nominations putting Bates forward for this honor, including one from Sheila Rutherford. Rutherford's own son began racing
when he was 7 in 2013, had no experience and limited knowledge of the derby at the time. She said in her nomination it was Bates who answered countless questions and guided them, teaching the family about the car set-ups for each division.
"What don't I do?" Bates said. "My favorite part is helping the kids get their car right, so it gives them a better chance to win. You know, we could do a few little things and make it faster."
In 2003, Bates started as a local volunteer for the derby. In 2004, he became a committee member, Director of Inspection and Impoundment and treasurer for the board. In 2007, Bates became an All-American A-Team member and in 2009, he became a race commissioner.
Rutherford said Bates' dedication to Soap Box Derby is a guiding beacon to others. He has helped establish the event's track, building, scales, ramps and timers. He has also worked with racers in group settings and one-on-one instilling the love of Soap Box Derby racing and STEM curriculum.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Paul Bates drops by the starting gate during heat racing at the 2023 Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby.
Alana Durica receives 2025 Youth Volunteer Service Award
BY Cameron Delean
Alana Durica has been announced as a recipient of the International Soap Box Derby's 2025 President's Youth Volunteer Service Award.
The President’s Youth Volunteer Service Award was established in 2015, to recognize youth under the age of 21 who have made a positive impact on Soap Box Derby by volunteering, and mentoring on the local or national level.
Alana has raced in nine Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby (PASBD) Local races. Durica first raced with the PASBD in 2016 in the Stock Division. She won the Local Derby in 2017 in Stock and represented Culpeper at Worlds that year. She raced in Super Stock at the Local Derby from 2018-2023 excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
During the 2023-2024 Rally season she earned over 600 points to guarantee her spot as a Rally Champion, but she went on to win
Masters Division. She has continued racing in Rally Races in the Masters Division during this race season while attending James Madison University (JMU).
She has been a member of the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby Junior Committee since 2017. Durica received the PASBD 2023 Carol Anne Brown and Andrew Windland Scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating senior who has raced in the PASBD Local, made a substantial contribution to PASBD, and exemplifies PASBD's mission.
Durica also received PASBD's 2024 Carol Anne Brown Sportsmanship Trophy which is awarded to a Local Racer who demonstrates leadership, respect, and integrity.
"Why do I volunteer?" Durica said. "I want to give back to the organization that has given me so much."
to PASBD, volunteering countless hours both before and since being invited to join our Junior Committee in 2017,” Sheila Rutherford, PASBD President and Race Director, wrote in her nomination of Durica for the award. “Her willingness to assist and her kind, helpful nature has made her a beloved figure among adults, fellow racers, and potential future racers."
Durica has volunteered at school STEM Nights, presented on behalf of PASBD to Culpeper County Board of Supervisors to help secure funding, and assisted at Racer Clinics and Races. During Impoundment of cars for the Local Derby in 2023 and 2024, Durica took pictures of each racer with their car and supplied a print to the racers ensuring that they have a photo keepsake. Also in 2024, she was a pilot for the all-inclusive Super Kids Division.
the 2024 Local Masters Division. In 2024, Durica once again competed in Worlds and placed 3rd in the Local
Durica also volunteered during the 2024 Worlds helping with weighing in racers and sorting Good Luck Messages.
"Alana is an invaluable asset
Durica intends to stay involved with Soap Box Derby and continue to be an ambassador for the program as she finishes her education in Business at JMU.
LUKE CHRISTOPHER/FOR THE CULPEPER TIMES
Alana Durica accepts the first place trophy for the Masters Division in June 2024.
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD Competitors and friends ensuring safety before a championship heat.
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD A racer clinic at Paul Bates Raceway.
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD
PASBD takes part in the in Sheri ’s 2024 Christmas Parade
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD Alana Durica is ready to race in 2017.
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD STEM Night at Sycamore Park Elementary School
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD The April 2024 Rally Masters Division awards
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD End of the 2024 Parade of Racers.
SHEILA RUTHERFORD/PASBD Remi Robson waiting to race
How the Culpeper Soap Box Derby began
A local business wanted to give back to the community, and the rest is race history
In the summer of 2002, Tony Troilo and his sister, Frankie, were trying to decide what to do for the 75th anniversary of Rosson & Troilo's, a family-owned business in Culpeper that began as a service station in 1928.
Tony wanted to do something for the community to give back for the years of patronage to his business.
Instead of a big anniversary sale, he dreamed up a community event involving families – and the local Soap Box Derby was born.
After many meetings with regional and area directors, the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper was planned for the last Saturday in June 2003. Thirty-five drivers participated in a double elimination race that took the town by storm. With the help of other area businesses, the Town of Culpeper, and many volunteers, the race was a huge success.
That year, the Culpeper Soap Box Derby was awarded "Outstanding New Race City" in Akron, Ohio at the All-American World Championship Race in July.
In 2005, the Culpeper Soap Box Derby Committee piloted the firstever Junior Committee of the derby, a program that has now been duplicated worldwide.
Members of the Junior Committee are between the ages of 13 and 21, and take on the same responsibilities and goals as the adult committee. The Junior Committee is a mentorship program similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
These young adults help bridge the gap between our younger drivers and the rest of the Derby community. The Junior Committee helps run our Driver's Clinics, and takes a responsible leadership role in all derby activities.
By 2007, the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby had increased participation to 119 drivers, and is
Piedmont Area World Champions
• Brandon Feagan - Rally Masters World Champion 2008
• Sean Brown - Rally Super Stock World Champion 2010
• Gabrielle Beville - Rally Stock World Champion 2011
• Mason Breeden - Local Stock World Champion 2014
• Joey Kratochvil - Local Stock World Champion 2016
• Aden Stewart - Rally Super Stock World Champion 2024
BY InsideNoVa sta
now ranked as the second largest derby in the world.
That year, Paul Bates, chairman of SBD Inspection/Clinic committee, was asked to join the elite group of o cials at the 2007 All-American World Championship Race in Akron; better known as the "A-Team."
Once in Akron, Paul helped inspect, weigh cars, help with construction adjustments, and then help o ciate and run the World Championship Race. He has since been named to the National Race Commission of the International Soap Box Derby, Inc.
Every year since 2003, all three (or four) champions of each local division and their families are awarded travel expenses for the race week in Akron for the All-American World Championship Race complements of area sponsors.
Starting in 2009, through donations and volunteer hours, work began on the permanent derby track facility adjacent to the Culpeper County Transfer Station o of Laurel Valley Road. It opened in the spring of 2012 and was named the Paul Bates Raceway.
Since its inception, the Piedmont Soap Box Derby has continued to bring home national accolades and awards from the International Soap Box Derby during the World Championship Races, including six World Champions.
Soap box derbies began in Ohio in 1934, a year after a local newsman came across neighborhood kids racing their homemade cars.
The first winners
Dustin Olinger and Treavor Bates, now in their 30s, remember the fond times they had racing in the Soap Box Derby and have the trophies to prove it.
Olinger was 13 years old when he learned from his dad about this new opportunity to build and race cars.
“It was a little project for us to do together for some bonding time,” he said. “We just ran with it.”
Olinger, who now works as a mechanic, remembers he wasn’t nervous on race day, but recalls things getting more exciting as the final runs began.
When all was said and done, he earned the first ever Super Stock race award.
Alongside him in another category was Treavor Bates, who was 10 years old and the grandson of Paul Bates, who later became the namesake of the Derby’s o cial track. Bates was competing in the smaller car races known as the Stock division.
“As a 10-year-old, getting to build your own car and race it, it sounded like a dream come true,” he said.
Bates remembers feeling nervous but also excited. He didn’t feel as though he was competing against the other kids until they met at the starting line. The nerves paid o for Bates when he won his division.
Following their wins, Olinger and Bates headed to the world championship in Akron, Ohio.
“Akron was pretty cool and pretty exciting,” Olinger said.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Culpeper Soap Box Derby began in 2003 as a way for the owners of Culpeper’s Rosson & Troilo to give back to the community.
PHOTO COURTESY INTERNATIONAL SOAP BOX DERBY
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