About Us

How It Started

In the summer of 2002, Tony Troilo and his sister, Frankie, were trying to decide what to do for Rosson & Troilo's 75th Anniversary; a family owned & operated business. Tony wanted to do something for the community; something that would give back for all the patronage the community had shown the family for the past 75 years. Instead of a big anniversary sale, the Soap Box Derby came to mind. He decided that a community event involving families would be the climax of their Anniversary Celebration. After many meetings with regional and area directors, the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper was planned for the last Saturday in June of 2003. Thirty five drivers participated in a double elimination race that took the town by storm! With the help of other area businesses, the Town of Culpeper, and many volunteers, the race was a huge success.

That year, the Culpeper Soap Box Derby was awarded "Outstanding New Race City" in Akron, OH at the All-American World Championship Race in 2003. 

In 2004, our Local Race Director won "Outstanding Director" at the All-American World Championship Race.

In 2005, the Culpeper Soap Box Derby Committee piloted a Junior Committee of the SBD.These members are between the ages of 13 and 21, and take on the same responsibilities and goals as the main SBD Committee. The Junior Committee is a Mentorship similar to Big Brother/Big Sister program. These young adults help bridge the gap between our younger drivers and the rest of the Derby community. Our Junior Committee helps run our Driver's Clinics, and takes a responsible role in all derby activities. They learn Leadership and how to handle themselves in a respectable manner that we all are proud of, while our younger drivers learn from them. Our program is a big success and has become a major part of our Derby Program.

In 2006, the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper was ranked 4th Largest Derby in the World.

A year later, the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper increased participation to 119 drivers, and was ranked "2nd Largest Derby in the World."

In 2007, our very own Paul Bates, Chairman of SBD Inspection/Clinic Committee, was asked to join the elite group of officials at the 2007 All-American World Championship Race in Akron; better known as the "A-Team." Once in Akron, Paul helped inspect, weigh cars, help with construction adjustments, and then helped officiate and run the World Championship Race.

Every year since 2003, the champions of each division, and their families, are awarded travel expenses for the race week in Akron, Ohio for the All-American World Championship Race compliments of Rosson & Troilo Motor Co., Inc.

Download our brochure here.