Derby can teach us life lessons

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 6/20/2011

Where can you find art, engineering, leadership, personal achievement, family, and community all rolled into one program? I have been watching the Soap Box Derby on Blue Ridge Avenue grow every year. As I watched in the earlier years I was struck with the “Norman Rockwell” aspect of having a Soap Box Derby in our Town. The Soap Box Derby gives us a small town feel, something that defines Culpeper as a special place, a great community.

However, as the years progressed, the Derby has evolved and grown to be much more than the Derby of the early decade. It has produced winners, and not just those who have risen to National Soap Box Derby Achievement. It has produced a winning combination for families to join together. Father – Daughter teams, Father - Son teams, Mother – Daughter teams, And Mother- Son teams, and so on. The entire family gets involved. In today’s world of TV, video games, and other multi-media distractions, our families are challenged to find time to develop relationships that are so essential. The Soap Box Derby provides an opportunity for time to work together within a fun and meaningful mission.

In addition, I have taken notice of the collaboration and participation of the local business community. The cars are sponsored by many of the local businesses. They are carefully and artistically designed. Seeing the cars and the amazing artwork as the driver’s race is one of my favorite parts of the race. The colors are bright. Some have an almost iridescent glow as the sun reflects from their finish. As young adults, the drivers are able to gain a sense of pride in representing their sponsor as they drive for victory.

The drivers are also taught aspects of engineering that are determined by Soap Box Derby rules. From rotating wheels from race to race, to using weight in keeping the derby cars within regulations, the drivers are faced with understanding cause and effect. Like NASCAR drivers, the Soap Box Derby drivers must know their vehicle in order to race it to its best performance. I have watched as family teams have analyzed the track to access the best path to take during the short sprint. Everything counts in the race.

Racing a Derby car takes great confidence. The drivers are young and the crowds along Blue Ridge Avenue have grown every year. As the race proceeds, the names of the drivers are announced by the MC. The drivers are all local heroes by the end of the day. Their names etched in the hearts and minds of the community as winners for their effort.

The lessons of victory and defeat are real. The clock tells the story with each race. One driver will ultimately be faster than the other. The leadership learned in being gracious in victory serves as a lifelong lesson. The lessons learned in defeat, figuring out how to win the next race, are equally important in forming character for leadership.

I look forward to the race next Saturday. Drivers, start your engines!!!!

Jim Charapich, president/CEO Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce