[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 89 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PIEDMONT AREA SOAP BOX DERBY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Piedmont Area 
Soap Box Derby on its 20th anniversary. Since June 27, 2003, Virginians 
have participated in this fun and family-friendly event that started as 
a 75th anniversary celebration of Rosson & Troilo, a family-owned and 
operated business. The inaugural race in Culpeper, Virginia began with 
a total of 35 drivers and was awarded ``Outstanding New Race City'' by 
the All-American World Championship Race.
  In 2005, the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby piloted the first-ever 
Junior Committee for a soap box derby. Members of the Junior Committee 
are between 13 and 21 years of age, and they take on the same 
responsibilities and goals as the adult committee. The Junior Committee 
operates as a mentorship program, providing members with leadership 
opportunities and allowing young derby drivers to learn from seasoned 
drivers in the community.
  By 2007, the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby was ranked ``2nd largest 
derby in the world.'' In 2008, they claimed the title of ``largest 
derby in the world.'' In 2009, with the help of the community through 
donations and volunteers, they began building a permanent track 
facility, the Paul Bates Raceway. Since 2003, Rosson & Troilo has made 
it possible for derby champions and their families to travel to Akron, 
Ohio for the All-American World Championship Race. Throughout the last 
20 years, Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby drivers have brought home many 
awards, including five world championships--Brandon Feagan (2008), Sean 
Brown (2010), Gabrielle Beville (2011), Joey Kratochvil (2014), and 
Mason Breedon (2016).
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby for 20 years of providing Virginia with a 
wonderful event that promotes community, leadership, and encourages 
young and seasoned drivers towards success. I look forward to all that 
they accomplish in the years to come.

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