Firefighters help derby drivers
By Kevin Allen
Three Rappahannock County volunteer fire companies have taken on some extra responsibilities this spring. In addition to fighting fires and assisting injured persons, squads from Castleton, Flint Hill and Sperryville have stepped up to help some local boys and girls compete in the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper.Kayla Robey, 8, and Dana Settle, 11, are building their derby cars at the Castleton Community Volunteer Fire Company.
Donald Armel, 11, is constructing his racer at the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
Seth Wayland, 13, is putting his together at the Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department.
The derby is for boys and girls, ages 8 to 17. The program is designed to reinforce the importance of setting and completing goals while developing traits such as self confidence, perseverance, craftsmanship, leadership and sportsmanship.
"It allows a young person to take on a challenge, and we're giving that young person full authority," said Thom Pellikaan, a Rappahannock resident and committee member of the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby Foundation. "Here they are required to follow detailed instructions. They have to make that car so it will pass a detailed inspection."
Each driver receives a kit with all the car parts and directions for assembly. Every car must be made the same way, Pellikaan said. Adults supervise the assembly process, but only the drivers physically work on the car, he added.
None of the four derby drivers' families have had to pay for the car kits. Several anonymous donors contributed a total of $2,500 to pay for the cars.
Pellikaan collected the donations. He said no single person or business donated more than $100, so it was a true community-wide effort. Donations are still being accepted; anyone interested in giving should contact Pellikaan at 987-8447.
The derby
In 2007, 119 drivers raced in the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper, making it the second-largest derby in the world.
Rosson and Troilo Motors has sponsored the Culpeper derby since 2003. The company takes division champions from Culpeper to Akron, Ohio, each year to compete in the All-American World Championship Race of the Soap Box Derby.
Culpeper will soon be the only community that has a permanent soap box derby track, which will be available year-round. Pellikaan said the track will allow children to practice more often without the need to close roads to auto traffic.
The registration deadline for the derby is May 2. The derby races are scheduled for June 21.
Volunteers are still needed for the derby. Anyone interested should call 540-272-1848.
E-mail the reporter at kallen@timespapers.com.