Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 13, 1990 TAG: 9004130101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK LAYMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In recent years, the local soap box derby has been held at the old Starkey drag strip. But there are problems with that site, according to John Chambliss, the county's assistant administrator for human services.
The track is in disrepair. Instead of a paved run-out area, there's a sand pit. And it's on private property that might be sold and developed.
In fact, according to soap box derby booster Diane Crow, this summer's All-American race July 7 might have to be held on a street instead of at the drag strip.
Derby boosters want to build a track that could be used year-round for racing and testing cars.
They considered a site at the county's Green Hill Park in Glenvar, but the topography wasn't suitable, Crow said. Less grading would be needed at Walrond Park.
The county Board of Supervisors delayed action on the request this week after expressing concern about scheduling conflicts between soap box derby races and other sporting events at Walrond Park. But Chambliss said it should not be difficult to work out any conflicts.
A new track would be a big boost for soap box derby racing in the Roanoke Valley, Crow said.
Now there is only one race each year. The winners in its two divisions go on to national competition in Akron, Ohio.
But the All-American racing division also sanctions rallies at which young drivers can earn points and a shot at the championship race in Akron.
And there's another racing division, National Derby Rallies, which also sanctions local rallies leading up to national competition in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Local racers now go to West Virginia and North Carolina to compete in these events. "In this part of the country, you can race anytime between Easter and Thanksgiving," Crow said. "There's a rally going on every weekend."
If a new track is built, Chambliss said, the Roanoke Valley might have a half-dozen rallies each year, each attracting 35 or so drivers.
And Crow would like to schedule a week-long event sanctioned by R.G. Canning, a Los Angeles soap box derby booster who also puts on what's billed as "the world's biggest flea market" at the Rose Bowl. That event would not have an entry fee, which would allow more drivers to participate, she said.
There also could be rallies for handicapped drivers who use dual-control race cars.
When not being used for soap box derby races, the track could be used by remote-control airplane enthusiasts or for uphill foot and bicycle races, Chambliss said.
Derby boosters are seeking contributions to pay for the track. A Virginia Tech engineering professor and his students might design the track for a class project, which would help keep costs down, Crow said.
by CNB