Only In America

Derby folks all over the West Coast are eagerly anticipating the Tuesday February 14, 2011, airing of Only in America, the History Channel show hosted by Larry the Cable Guy will feature a segment filmed at Salem Soap Box Derby's 15th Annual Best in the West Classic race. The race was held Memorial Day Weekend May 29 & 30 2010 and Larry & Crew spent the weekend racing with us cracking jokes and more importantly learning all about Soap Box Derby.

Larry wanted to be involved with every aspect of the race, and helped Jared Sjolin get his Master car set up. He assisted Jarritt Youngers in the starting gates and even raced an oil can car against Hanna Welzbacker (Hannah won). Of course he had everyone laughing from the moment he arrived. But he was also a gracious celebrity guest, taking time to sign autographs on cars, helmets, t-shirts, etc. posing for pictures and joking with everyone. At the end of the day Larry had learned what Derby is all about, friends, family, fun, tough competition and good sportsmanship.

It was a great thrill for all of us at Salem Soap Box Derby to host Larry the Cable Guy and so to Larry and the entire cast and crew of Only in America, Thank You! Come race with us again!

For more information about racing with us at Salem Soap Box Derby, please visit our website:

http://salemsbd.org

More pictures from the day here:

http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/2010/06/best-in-west-wrap-up.html

Akron, 2010

All year long kids race in hopes of earning their way to Akron and the All American Soap Box Derby World Championships. This year Salem sent three Local Champs, Aubrey McClaran in Stock, Tucker McClaran in Super Stock and Ryan Wixson in Masters. Two Region One Rally Champs from Salem also qualified, Jarritt Youngers and Cullen Tucker, both in Stock Rally.

But before our Champs could head out, the cars had to be crated, shipped and funds had to be raised at the Salem Art Fair where the SSBDA operates a food booth with kids and families volunteering their time.

The Champs made their way to Akron arriving in time for Wes Foster's annual Sunday night dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Akron where our kids and families met their friends from Washington, Alaska and California.

Monday morning all the Champs from around the country and world lined up in downtown Akron and traded buttons before getting their ceremonial chauffeur driven, police escorted tour of Akron, arriving to cheers in front of the Akron Aero's stadium, where the Champs signed in, tossed out souvenirs and checked for their lane / heat draw.

An extra practice run was added this year on Tuesday, giving all the Champs an extra trial run down the big hill. All the final alignment and adjustments were made after the Wednesday practice run and then the Champs crossed their fingers, held their best good luck charm and chose what they hoped would be the fast set of wheels. Time for fun, meeting up with old and new friends. Even some of the grownups got a trip down the big hill.

The weather was very hot and humid on race day. The day started out well for Region One Champs with Cullen, Anthony, Danielle and Tucker all winning their opening heats. And at the end of the day Anthony Poggi from Poulsbo had won 8th Place in Stock, our friend from California Maddie Quinn won 2nd place in masters Rally and Salem's Tucker McClaran was the Super Stock World Champion.

It was a fantastic week of racing fun. Most importantly we can be proud of all of our kids for the way they represented Salem and the Northwest demonstrating to the rest of the country our core values of good sportsmanship.

Best in the West Wrap Up

So much cool stuff happened at last weekend's Best in the West Classic, I'm not sure where to start. First of all there was the weather. In one of the rainiest Mays in recent history, we had 36 hours of dry weather, while it rained all around us, it never rained on the track until the final race Sunday, when it began to sprinkle ever so slightly. Thanks Weather Gods!

We had large field of racers from as far north as Stanwood Washington and as far south as Tuolumne California. The first Masters field of the season also took to the track. It was great to see the sleek master cars back.

The BBQ on Saturday evening was delayed due to a faulty grill but the crew improvised and fed a group of hungry and tired racers and families.

On Sunday former Salem Champ (1976) and founder of our Legacy Sponorship Program Robert Mossbrucker Jr. stopped by to cheer for the Legacy racers, Anna and Faith. Mr. Mossbrucker brought his Dad, Robert Mossbrucker Sr. with him. Robert Sr. raced in the original Salem Soap Box Derby back in 1952, and wearing his original helmet he challenged his son to an oil can race. You can probably guess who won, but let's just say that Jr. may be a former Champ, but he still needs to go faster to catch up with his Dad.

Robert Mossbrucker Sr.
Robert Mossbrucker Jr.

Oh, and then there was Larry. Larry the Cable Guy came to the Salem track to film a episode for his upcoming History Channel show, tentatively titled "Only in America". In addition to keeping the whole crowd in stitches of laughter, Larry got involved in every aspect of the race, from helping out pit crews, starting, announcing, and racing a oil can car. Larry should have known he didn't stand a chance against Hannah Welzbacker's Watermelon Car. But the kids showed him all day long that being a good sport is more important than winning and at the end of the day Larry was awarded a special Sportsmanship medal.


Larry and Jared preparing the change a brake pad

Larry kisses Jill's "Kiss This" sticker


Larry shows himself to be a good sport after being defeated by Hannah

Then there was actual racing, the final AA Rally of the 2010 season from Region One, helping decide who will represent the Northwest region in Akron as Rally Champs this July. Congrats to Saturday's winners, Isaac Naschke, Edward Hodge and Maddie Quinn, as well as Sunday's winners Aubrey McClaran, Tucker McClaran and Betsy Smith. Complete race results are available on the SSBDA website here: http://salemsbd.org/results.html

A big thanks to all who worked hard to make the 15th Annual Best in the West Classic a spectacular success. And Thanks to all the racers who traveled, across the west coast or just across town, to make the race exciting and fun for all.

Next up, the 59th Annual Salem Soap Box Derby Local Championship, June 13th.

Drew Carney to return to the Salem Soap Box Derby

Next Wednesday Morning, from May 26 from 4:45 am to 7:00 am, Drew Carney from KGW Channel 8 will film a segment on the Salem Soap Box Derby. Drew shot a segment on us a couple of years ago and had a great time, so now he wants to come back.

We're asking for a few volunteers to come down very early Wednesday for a chance to take a run down the track on television. Drew will do a few interviews and is also planning on racing on of our newly refurbished Oil Can Cars. If you get out of bed super early next Wednesday, come on down, it should be a lot of fun.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Saturday May 15, 2010 – Local Championship Pre-Inspection & Practice for all cars that will compete in the June 13th Local Championship. Pre-Inspection is mandatory. If you are unable to be at the pre-inspection please contact: Race Director Jim Youngers, salemsoapboxderby@gmail.com Inspections from 8:00 am – 11:30 am. You must be in line for inspection by 10:30am. After inspections the track will be open for practice and trial runs.

Saturday May 29 & Sunday May 30, 2010 – The 15th Annual Best In The West Classic, AA RALLY

One double elimination race each day, all three divisions, Stock, Super Stock and AA Masters. Plus Oil Can Races for adults. BBQ at the track after the race on Saturday.

Saturday June 12, 2010 – Local Championship – Final Inspection & Pre-Race Banquet.

Final Inspection and weigh in will be held at Bush Park beginning at 9:00 am. All cars will be impounded once they pass inspection for the race on Sunday. Map and info for the banquet will be available at final inspection.

Sunday June 13, 2010 – The 59th Annual Gravity Gran Prix - Salem Soap Box Derby Local Championship.

Final weigh in begins at 8:00 am. Past Champs will lead the Driver’s Parade at 10:00, racing to follow. Championship Awards and Trophies will be presented following the races. Winners in each division will represent Salem and Oregon at the All American Soap Box Derby World Championships in Akron Ohio, July 24, 2010.

Poulsbo Race Results, April 17 & 18, Kitsap SBD

April 17, 2010
Stock Division
1. Cameron Russell
2. Jarritt Youngers
3. Emma Jones
4. Alex Lemke
5. Alaina Marcotte
6. Ryan Mottner
7. Tajha Goodwin
8. Ston Van Bynum

Super Stock Division
1. Tucker McClaran
2. Josh Monette
3. Ryan Wixson
4. Hannah Welzbacker
5. Tommy Walters
6. Lisa Cooper
7. Samantha Marcotte
8. Andrew Tufts

Sportsmanship Award: Tommy Walters

April 18, 2010
Stock Division
1. Cameron Russell
2. Jarritt Youngers
3. Emma Jones
4. Ryan Mottner
5. Aubrey McClaran
6. Alex Lemke
7. Tajha Goodwin
8. Stone Van Beynum

Super Stock Division
1. Ryan Wixson
2. Tucker McClaran
3. Josh Monette
4. Tommy Walters
5. Hannah Welzbacker
6. Lisa Cooper
7. Robert Miyoshi
8. Gage Mayer

Sportsmanship Award: Jarritt Youngers

Race Season is Here! Important Dates.

The race schedule is heating up. Kitsap SBD is hosting their first rally of 2010 this weekend and the first ever Olympia Rally on May 1 & 2.

Pre-Inspection for the Salem Local is May 15 from 9am - noon at Bush Park in the pits area. This is a shell off inspection for all racers who will be participating in the Local. We'll also be offering practice runs on the hill and set up and tuning help. Please contact us for any questions. Pre registration forms for the local will be going out soon.

The 15th Annual Best in the West is May 29 and 30. We're planning on a large field including all three divisions (yes, Masters cars are coming back!). There will be a barbeque dinner after the race on Saturday at the track, oil can racing for grown ups and lot's of fun for everyone. Please mark your calendar and plan on coming to compete for West Coast bragging rights. Pre-registration forms will be going out soon but in the meantime shoot us an email and let us know if you plan on attending.

The 59th annual Salem Soap Box Derby Local Championship Race, The Gravity Gran Prix is Sunday June 13. Final inspections on Saturday and once passed inspection all cars will be impounded for the race. A banquet will be held Saturday night and historic photos will be on exhibit, past champs will be celebrated, awards for best car construction and design will be chosen and heat / lane drawings for the race will be held. Come be a part of Salem's grand racing tradition.

One final note, our race posters are now available for purchase. They are printed in a limited edition on high quality paper. Small posters (8 &1/2 x 11 ") are $7.50 and large (11 x 17") are $15. Custom orders are available in larger sizes. If you are interested in purchasing one of these collector's items please let us know. All proceeds support the Derby.