Bill Speeg

Former Region 2 Director Bill Speeg was inducted into the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame during the post-race awards ceremony for the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby on the evening of Saturday, July 16.

BILL SPEEG, OCEANSIDE, CALIF. (POSTHUMOUSLY)
Bill Speeg was 46, when he died in 2014. His involvement with the Soap Box Derby began in 1999, when his daughter Ashley began to race. Speeg quickly became involved in local Oceanside and the statewide Soap Box Derby activities, serving as a board member and in other official capacities. The Speeg family traveled to races throughout the country where he offered technical support, financial assistance and mentoring to many young racers. He had served as a Regional Director for nearly 10 years at the time of his death. He was vice president of his family’s metal fabricating business. 

 Paul Gale

Paul Gale has helped so many kids and families with Soap Box Derby that he doesn’t even know how many there are any more.  Paul continues to help the Soap Box Derby with his knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for seeing kids learn and grow.  Thank you Paul for your many contributions!

Veronica Harris

The President’s Youth Volunteer Service Award recognizes volunteers under the age of 21 who have made a positive impact on the Soap Box Derby through their leadership on the local or national level.

Harris, 19, raced in the local Silicon Valley Soap Box Derby and rally competition in Stock, Super Stock and Masters divisions over a seven-year period beginning in 2007. She has represented her area in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron five times. As a volunteer, she serves her local and statewide California Derby programs as a mentor to younger racers by teaching them driving skills; motivates participants to persevere in difficult times; visits area schools and community events to promote awareness of Derby racing, and has taught a class of middle school students how to build, prepare and race Derby cars as part of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education program. She also is a driver for the SuperKids race for children special needs children and coordinates the run-out area at her local races.

Nominations for the youth award come from local, regional and national Soap Box Derby officials.

The award was presented as part of the 79th  FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby race day awards program at E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, July 16.