direction of derby for future

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Aug. 28, 2000 10 PM

The Troy Soap Box Association is conducting a survey to determine much interest was generated by Pike County’s involvement in the All-American Soap Box Derby program this year.

Troy’s first ever Soap Box Derby was held on the Elm Street "track" June 17 with eight cars entered in the super stock division and 10 in the stock division.

Austin Bennett took the checkered flag in the super stock division and Ellen Dragsten took the black-and-white in the stock division. Both drivers competed in the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio in July and were outstanding representatives for Troy and Pike County.

Roger Dragsten, association member, said Nancy Brooks, derby director, is promoting the survey to determine how much interest has been generated and in what areas.

"Nancy is hoping that we will have enough interest to add a master’s division to our derby," Dragsten said. "The master’s division is one step higher than the super stock and provides opportunities for kids who are still in the age range, from 9 to 16, but have outgrown the smaller stock and super stock cars."

Dragsten said the master’s cars are a little bigger and the older kids, especially, like the challenge of the greater degree of construction necessary to put them together and also expertise in driving that the bigger cars require.

"And, too, the master’s cars are pretty spectacular looking," Dragsten said. "You only see the eyes and the helmet of the drivers. It’s almost like they are wearing the car. The master’s division is an exciting progression from the super stock or stock divisions."

A tentative date of March 31 has been set for the Troy Soap Box Derby 2001 and it is important to get an idea how many cars might be entered and who would like to be a part of the race in any capacity.

The survey questions are:

___

I am interested in buying a car kit.

___

I am interested in sponsoring a child to race.

___

I am interested in being a department director.

___

I would like to assist a director.

___

I have facilities suitable to build several cars.

___

I want to help the day of the race.

___

I would help if we had more than one race a year.

___

I could donate funds to help operate a race.

___

I have facilities suitable to paint the cars.

Anyone who answers "yes" to one or more of these survey questions is asked to contact Nancy Brooks at 566-1563 or clip this survey form and mail it to Nancy Brooks, 1120 Brundidge Blvd. Troy, AL 36081. The forms may also be returned to The Messenger

office or WTBF Radio Station.