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Race cars in storage for Saturday's event
By Bill Lilley
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Thursday, Jul 24, 2008
Wednesday was the last chance that racers had to see their cars before Saturday's 71st running of the All-American Soap Box Derby.
Each racer got one trial run down the hill to help get a feel for the 9891/2-foot track at Derby Downs in Akron.
They then returned to the pit area and had 30 minutes to make final adjustments to their cars.
''Mostly they check the spindles and align the car,'' said Stow resident and derby official Ed Del Ferraro, who is in charge of parts quality. ''Then they do whatever final adjustments they can make to make their car go faster.''
That included waxing and dusting. Then the car was taken to another area where the racers picked up new wheels.
Once the new wheels were on, each car was stored in its assigned spot in the barn next to the other two cars it will be racing against in the first round Saturday.
The racers had the option of covering their new wheels with plastic food bags.
''Acme provides 3,000 bags,'' Del Ferraro said. ''It's mostly to keep dust out, but it's also for peace of mind — the racers know that their car hasn't been touched.''
Derby activities today and Friday focus on having fun.
''The kids get a chance to get away from the pressure of the race and just have a good time,'' Del Ferraro said.
Formula for success
Alvin Staples believes he knows the secret to success in running the biggest local soap box derby race in the country.
''You've got to have a down-home feeling, so we take things back to the 1950s and make everything about families,'' said Staples, director of the derby in Fredericksburg, Va. ''In fact, our races are a lot like a circus.''
The Fredericksburg race had 158 racers this year. The local in Culpeper, Va., 30 miles down the road, ranked second-largest with 125 racers. Akron ranked 12th this year with about 70 racers.
''People ask me how we're so big and I just tell them that you've got to have a race director who wants to run a big race or you won't have one,'' Staples said.
''You also have to have a lot of great people who will work their butts off to make it happen for the kids.''
Paul Bates Sr., race director in Culpeper, said preparation is another key factor in growth.
''We're in Akron this week,'' Bates said, ''but as soon as we get home, we'll start planning for next year's race.''
Bill Lilley can be reached at 330-996-3811 or blilley@thebeaconjournal.com.
Wednesday was the last chance that racers had to see their cars before Saturday's 71st running of the All-American Soap Box Derby.
Get the full article here.
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