NASCAR intern Wesley Ramey waves the checkered flag at the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron. Credit: Contributed Photo

Intern has special time during Soap Box Derby

Every summer hundreds of derby dreamers descend upon Akron, Ohio. These children and their families literally travel from around the world for a chance to make their Soap Box Derby dreams come true.

This year, families from 42 states and six countries attended hoping to achieve their goal of becoming a world champion of the All-American Soap Box Derby.

As a NASCAR intern, I was lucky enough to be invited to attend this event. What made my trip to Akron even sweeter was the fact that I was returning for the first time since I raced in the 1994 running of the All-American Soap Box Derby Championships. Although that was more than 12 years ago, I still remember the special feelings I had during my stay in Akron.

The All-American Soap Box Derby staff does an excellent job of making each child feel like he or she is the star driver of the week. I remember my time in Akron like it was yesterday, and was thrilled with the opportunity to return.

Although I was unable to race down the Derby Downs track for a second time, the memories I had of the All-American flooded back to my mind. The look of excitement on every face reminded me of the excitement I experienced at every Soap Box Derby race in which I participated.

I believe my experiences as a Soap Box Derby driver are part of the reason why I am a NASCAR intern today. The responsibility, sportsmanship, humility and other life-lessons I learned while racing have helped me reach many goals I have set for myself.

I am also thankful for the Soap Box Derby's family oriented environment.

I remember many happy times spent with my family building my cars, traveling to events and competing on race day and feel that this is why I am still close to my family today. The friendships that my family and I made at the track are also some of my greatest childhood memories.

To me the Soap Box Derby was special because the field of competitors is equal. As a child, I never excelled at "stick-and-ball" sports. However, when I was in my car, everyone was the same. No one is big or small, short or tall, gender and race don't matter. The only thing that matters is working hard, trying your best, and making it to the bottom of the hill.

I have not raced down a hill in 10 years, but I do have some advice for today's racers. No one will remember every win or every loss, but the memories, friendships and lessons learned will be remembered for a lifetime.

I am proud that world-class organizations like NASCAR, Levi Strauss Signature, Goodyear, Toyota and Dodge have realized the significance of the All-American Soap Box Derby in positively shaping future generations. Without their support, this sport would not exist, and I doubt many of the achievements in my life would have been met.

To all of the sponsors, derby staff, parents and volunteers, thank you for making 518 derby dreams come true on July 22, 2006. Actually, make that 519.

Even though I didn't get to drive the track again, having the opportunity to experience the All-American Soap Box Derby as a NASCAR intern was another derby dream come true.