Octorara Student Races To Success In Soap Box Derby

by Lynn Rankin

Although Rusty Philipp had earned about 30 trophies in previous races, his biggest thrill came when he crossed the finish line first in the 2004 All-American Soap Box Derby held recently in York. His win made him eligible to participate in the World Championship race being held in Akron, Ohio, at the end of July - the 66th All American Soap Box Derby.

The love of soap box derby racing was instilled in Rusty, who will be a sophomore at Octorara Area High School this fall, by his father, Russ Philipp.

“I got interested in the soap box derby after I got married and was living in Media (Delaware County),” Russ said. “The Media Rotary Club ran a soap box derby every year and I went and watched one year.”

Russ said he was so enthusiastic about the event he could not wait until his son grew up and became old enough for them to participate. Father and son teams work on the cars together, providing a good experience for both.

Russ said they began participating about seven years ago when Rusty was 9 years old.

“Basically, there are three different classes of cars,” Russ explained.

The beginners start with stock cars that are built from kits.

“These are for the smaller kids,” he said. “You buy a kit, bolt it together and race.”

The next step up is a super stock race car, also put together from a kit.

“The super stock are bigger cars,” Russ said, noting youngsters can race until they are 21.

The top class is the master’s car with the father and son partners buying the parts and building the cars from scratch.

“The stock and super cars can be assembled from kits in just one day,” Russ said, “but the masters car required much more time to complete.

“That (the masters) is the one that Rusty just won,” he added.

There are four things that affect the ability and speed of the car, he explained. These include weight distribution: aerodynamics, reducing wind resistance; craftsmanship in building the vehicle, including alignment; and the driver.

“The driver is the number one factor,” Russ stressed.

There is a rally circuit in eastern Pennsylvania in which the Philipp family participates, including York, Pottstown, Emmaus, Conshohocken, Harrisburg, Frederick, Md., and other sites. Beginning in August each year there are eight weeks of rallies held on Saturdays and Sundays. Rusty’s busy schedule took him from Frederick, Md., to Harrisburg, Pa., and on to Conshohocken, Pottsville, York, Lehigh Valley, Souderton and other locations so far this year.

“In spring, they hold the All American race and All American rallies,” Russ said. “Actually, you can race from mid April through Christmas if you want.”

They race most weeks, he added, participating now in the super stock and masters.

“Rusty probably has 30 trophies for first through tenth place,” Russ said. “He has been number three in points on the rally circuit in the country.”

That honor was earned in 2003, Russ added.

Soap box derby racers do not have the luxury of honing their skills on a local track. Rusty practices in the driveway at his home or on the street in front of his house. While the race tracks are straight, neither of the practice sites are.

“The kids make a lot of friends on the rally circuit,” Russ said “Even when they lose they congratulate the winner. They learn a lot about sportsmanship in racing.”

On his Web site Rusty notes that Soapbox Derby racing is a family sport. In addition to his racing and his dad’s help in constructing the cars, his mother and sisters serve as his pit crew.

“Since I have been racing, I have participated in events at about 16 different tracks,” he said.

In addition to racing in the derbies, Rusty used his knowledge of vehicles to compete in Pinewood Derbies, a soapbox on a smaller scale. He won most original for his Kleenex box car and has also taken fastest and best of show. In addition, he used his experience for a science project in school.

Rusty will also race “just for fun” in the upcoming Soap Box Derby that will be held in Christiana in August.

Rusty met the Christiana Soap Box Derby organizers while attending the All American race in York. Jim Groff of Christiana, who will serve as race marshall and spearheaded the project of bringing the derby to Christiana, attended the York race to observe the official charting and time keeping process.

According to Groff, “the Soap Box Derby is a dynamic and interactive model that promotes learning and community in a very constructive environment. It nurtures children to become solid community citizens through teaching basic construction skills, teamwork, perseverance and family values.

“With growing National interest and NASCAR signing on as a national sponsor,” he added, “the sport is increasing in popularity.”

7/28/04