All American Soap Box Derby
Akron, OH - 7/26/03

DON: This is not your fathers soap box. These aerodynamic cars have come a long way from the early days of soap box racing. I never realized all the science and skill that went into a fast soap box. The cars are a study in perfect wheel alignment and the drivers in how to find the fastest line down the track. I had a great time documenting this great American event.

BEVERLY: I have heard of the soap box derby but had never participated. I've never even known a participant. Now I think I must have been living under a rock! Derby Downs was THE place to be this weekend. There were so many people there but still plenty of seating which was nice. Lots of the families camped on the grass with lawn chairs to watch their young ones race.

The thing that touched me most was seeing these families working together and cheering their kids on. Every adult there was smiling even when their kid lost because they had still made it to the finals! We saw some of the kids break down in tears at the finish line when they lost. I had to cry too. But it was good to see these kids want something and work for it. Today so many of our youth want to win without the work. But you could tell these kids were committed to doing their best and it was fantastic!

Now as shown in the highlights, I did meet Jeff Hammond and I was thrilled. To me he is as much a celebrity as Tony Stewart so when I saw him taking a little break, I took a deep breath and walked right over to him and introduced myself. He was friendly and as down to earth as anybody there. Then he got the word that the NASCAR drivers had arrived and he was off again. Which brings me to another exciting part of the day and that was being just a few feet from Joe Nemechek, Ricky Craven and Tony Stewart. I was waiting at the finish line when they ran their soapbox race. Joe and Ricky hung around and signed autographs all the way back to the tower. Hats off to all 3 of them for making that appearance. Everyone really enjoyed it!

Weekend highlights:

• Bev introducing herself to Jeff Hammond.
• Watching Nascar racers Tony Stewart, Joe Nemechek and Ricky Craven race soap boxes.

More at: www.allamericansoapboxderby.com

Nervous Dads wait to be called	Cleared to line up for race	Staging area	Jeff Hammond interviews racer	What an event!
Chuckie and Tommy go for a ride	A great paint job	Nice car	Blinders? Kids are easily distracted I guess	What a ham! Posed when I walked by
The cute pirate?	Cross your fingers and hope to win	Pray	OK, Someone forgot to pray for this kid	You killed Kenny !!! You bastards!!!
Sticker on inside of car	NOS?	Last minute advice	Dad and official help driver get ready	Form fitting helmet
Check out the x-ray paint job	Typical race, hurry up and wait	Pick your line	Drivers you have three seconds, two, one	GO!
Out of the gate	Stick your head up just enough to see	Inside lane has early lead	Mid track	Another close finish
"Champ Support" helps drivers	These three won first round	Winning cars taken back up the hill	Stand still while they check the weight	"Ducky Downs"
Tony Stewart scopes out the starting line	Ricky Craven	Joe Nemechek and son	Tony was the center of attention	Joe and son are ready
Ricky getting some advice	Nascar drivers are ready	Some bumping took place after the finish	A 2003 Champ!	Another Champion!
	They even had the Goodyear Blimp	Bev with her press pass on her hat	Don acting like a real photographer

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