Mark Packard

Mark Packard, 57, won the local Soap Box Derby in Bay City, Mich., in 1971. His experience in Akron at the All-American Soap Box Derby that year turned into a lifetime passion for the Derby program. He served as a volunteer with the nearby Saginaw race, where he helped design and build the ramp and timing system at the permanent track. He later helped organize the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby in 1986, and was its race director for five years. After moving to Rockford, he started the local Derby racing program there and was its first director. Packard also was part of the team that developed the Stock Car in 1992. He is national sales manager for a Michigan-based tool company.