[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO COURTNEY RAYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2008

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to offer my congratulations to 
Courtney Rayle, the winner of the Masters Division of the 67th Greater 
Washington Soap Box Derby held in our Nation's Capital on June 22.
  I am very pleased that Miss Rayle, who is a resident of 
Mechanicsville, Maryland and my constituent, has now earned the right 
to compete in the 71st Annual All-American Soap Box Derby national 
championship on July 26 in Akron, Ohio. Courtney has worked tirelessly 
to earn such a noteworthy win; due to her hard work, the victory marks 
the seventh time someone from the Rayle family has won the Greater 
Washington Soap Box race. This year will be the 19th time a member of 
the Rayle family will race in Akron. Courtney joins Jimmy Rayle Sr., 
Billy Rayle, Jimmy Rayle Jr., and Jeff Rayle in a long tradition of 
excellence in this sport. As Courtney now looks to compete for the 
national soap box title, I, along with the people of Maryland, wish her 
the best of luck.
  The origin of soap box derby racing dates back to 1934 when a 
photographer for the Dayton Daily News in Ohio, Myron E. Scott, saw 
boys racing engineless cars down a hill, inspiring him to organize a 
race and award the winner with a ``loving cup.'' The venue was later 
moved to Akron--the site of today's national derby championship--on 
account of the numerous hills. With the hard work of countless civic 
organizations, a permanent track site for the youth racing classic was 
created in Akron with the assistance of the Works Progress 
Administration (WPA).
  The All-American Soap Box Derby is the second-oldest racing event in 
the Nation--second only to the Indianapolis 500. This event has been 
called the greatest amateur racing competition in the world, and it is 
an excellent opportunity for contestants from all around the country to 
learn building skills while gaining a real sense of accomplishment. 
Congratulations to all of this year's competitors, and congratulations 
once again to Miss Courtney Rayle.

                          ____________________