A step in the right direction

After more than three years of planning, the Soap Box Derby of Culpeper is finally ready to begin construction on its permanent track, and Derby Director Frankie Gilmore couldn’t be more excited.

“It’s hard to explain how surreal it is that we’re finally here,” Gilmore said. “It’s been a long road.”

Mere months after Culpeper hosted the world’s largest Soap Box Derby, the local committee will hold a ground breaking ceremony today at 5 p.m. at the site of the permanent track on Laurel Valley Rd. near the old SPCA building.

To get to the site, take Rt. 522 North and turn right onto Cherry Hill Rd. Then make an immediate left into the Transfer Station/landfill and look for the checkered flags past the old SPCA building.

The permanent track will offer Culpeper and surrounding counties opportunities to hold rally races throughout the year and, according to Gilmore, could be completed by next year’s annual Soap Box race, which is held in June.

“That’s the goal,” she said. “If everything stays as is, the track should be functioning by then.”

Gilmore also said today’s event will be more than just a ceremony, it will also be a chance to thank everyone who has made what was once just a dream into a reality.

“It’s very humbling to see where we are and how far we’ve come,” Gilmore said. “We are incredibly blessed to have this community and we just want to say thank you.”

Want to be there?

What: Soap Box Derby of Culpeper’s groundbreaking ceremony for permanent track

When: Today at 5 p.m.

Where: Laurel Valley Rd near the old SPCA building. Look for the checkered flags.