Ready to race
BY: Jessica Marshall, Managing Editor
Thursday, August 23, 2007 9:20 AM CDT

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Almost a decade of competing in soap box races has paid off for Scott Richardson.

Scott, 16, Shawnee, captured first place in the Super Stock Division at the 31st Annual National Derby Rallies Championship Race held July 27 in Muncie, Ind. More than 150 racers competed.

“It was a long week, getting ready, taking trials down hill,” Scott said. “It was a lot more challenging having not known the hill before that week. I had to get used to it, finding out where to drive. It was almost like starting from scratch.”

The week before his national win, Scott represented the All American Soap Box Derby Region at the annual World Championship Race in Akron, Ohio. Scott has collected numerous local and regional first-place trophies over the years, but taking first at nationals is a big deal, he said.

“I knew I won when I got down to bottom of the hill. I was really excited, thinking of the glory of winning nationals,” he said. “I tried to think positive. I didn't know I'd get as far as I did. I figured I'd at least end up in the top 12, but I hadn't thought I could win it. I just kept going race by race, farther and farther, until I won.”

Scott received a six-foot-tall blue trophy with his name engraved on bottom.

“Yeah, it's a little taller than me. I keep it in my living room next to the TV for everybody to see. … My friends were excited for me, and maybe kind of jealous of the big trophy and all,” he said, laughing.

Scott's father, Dave, could not attend the national race, but his business partner Terry Henry accompanied Scott in his place.

“I found out (Scott won) when they called me on the phone as soon as he got down the hill,” Dave said. “I was happy for him and really proud. He's won several races this year, but this was the first big one.”

Henry's children have competed in soap box racing and helped inspire Scott to do the same. Henry helped Scott build his car with the name Scottie the Rocket printed on the side.

“Terry really got me interested in racing,” Scott said. “(Building the car) was fairly hard. It took a long time, like a couple weeks. The most challenging part was getting everything put together and in the right place.

“Terry came up with the name. It always gets me pumped up right before a race. Whenever they walk up to me, they'll say, 'Rocket man, are you ready?' It really gets me ready to race.”

Scott, who attends Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, said he enjoys soap box racing because of the fun and adrenaline and getting to meet new people.

“At first, I liked all the fun of going down the hill and I made a lot of friends,” he said. “Then I started winning a lot of races and that got me all excited to just keep going and going.

“I'll keep racing as long as I can fit in the car, so hopefully another year or two. I would like to defend my title next year.”
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