Americaês Longstanding Tradition Rolls Again In DC With Longstanding Dealer Support
In an era of indoor, video game addicted kids, it is a joy to report on the annual gathering of highly enthusiastic, motivated and competitive youngsters who take over Capitol Hill for a great American tradition. Weêre speaking, of course, about the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby (GWSBD), which ran last Saturday for the 66th time in Washington under blue skies and moderate late spring temperatures, yielding an action packed Saturday for all concerned.
For the past 26 years, WANADA has been the lead sponsor of this consummate All-American event. It was moved to Capitol Hill 17 years ago thanks to an Act of Congress, introduced at WANADAês behest by Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD). Every year since, it takes another Act of Congress, which House Majority Leader Hoyer has masterfully ensured in the post 9/11 world.
It may not get headlines like NASCAR, but for sure itês the most important Capitol Hill car race of the year for the kids, who use their skill and tenacity to compete in brightly decorated, hand-crafted, motorless racing cars down a quarter-mile course. They compete in three divisions: Stock Car with ready-to-assemble kits for the youngest group; Super Stock, slightly larger cars for older kids; and Masters, where sleek, custom-designed race carts must meet rigid standards.
Among the nearly 60 racers at this yearês event, half were rookie drivers who had never driven a Derby racer before. These competitors are allowed to run down the hill one at a time, which delayed the start of the matched races. Once underway, however, the racing was as always highly charged, with American flags waving as parents, friends, and a growing audience of unattached spectators cheered wildly.
And the 2007 winners are: Patrick Danahy, 12, Rockville, MD, Stock Division; Heather De Young, 15, Stevensville MD, Super Stock Division; and Kacie Rader, 17, Mechanicsville, MD, Masters Division. These Greater Washington winners are now eligible to compete for scholarships and prizes at the 70th All-American Soap Box Derby, reputably the greatest amateur racing event in the world, in Akron, Ohio, Saturday, July 21, 2007.
WANADAês hardiest congratulations go to the 2007 winners and sponsors. For full photo coverage of the 2007 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby and a virtual ride with a racer, visit the GWSBD website, www.dcsoapboxderby.org.
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