Movie star comes to Culpeper to support derby

Is there any better place to promote a movie about the All-American Soap Box Derby than Culpeper?

Home of three recent World Champions, Culpeper will serve as one of the sites of the grassroots première of “25 Hill,” starring Corbin Bernsen. Bernsen will visit Culpeper next Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. at Culpeper County High School and will host a world première of the movie at 7 p.m. that night at CCHS’s auditorium.

Bernsen, star of such films as Major League and television shows such as L.A. Law, contacted Soap Box Derby of Culpeper director Frankie Gilmore about screening the film here in Culpeper.

“He actually called me,” an extremely excited Gilmore said. “The Soap Box Derby is a wholesome family experience, especially in rural areas. Culpeper has really shown support to show what the derby is all about.”

The movie, which chronicles the tale of a young man who begins building a derby car with his father before his father is called off to Afghanistan and killed in action, has parallels to a storyline that Culpeper Soap Box fans are familiar with.

Local racer Sean Brown honored the memory of his sister Carol Anne, one of the original drivers in Culpeper who committed suicide due to bipolar disorder, by winning the All-American Derby two years ago.

“Sean did his whole script in real life,” Gilmore said. “It literally parallels with the movie.”

Gilmore, whose passion for the derby has helped fuel many drivers’ dreams, says that the organization is using this opportunity to try to attract new drivers.

She’s inviting out children, ages 8-16, to CCHS on Nov. 6 to meet Bernsen and get an opportunity to drive a derby car.

“It gives them an opportunity to see what its like to race in the Soap Box Derby,” she said.

Not only is she hoping Bernsen’s visit raises awareness about the derby, but she is hoping it also raises some funds for the new track being built along Route 522 N., off Cherry Hill Road.

For every DVD of the movie sold next Sunday, half of the proceeds go to the derby’s track fund.

A portion of the proceeds will also go to the All-American Derby as well.

Gilmore said advance copies can be ordered by calling 540-272-1848 or emailing ftgilmore@gmail.com.

Gilmore hopes fans turn out in force to the première, which is free to the public and is being hosted by Culpeper County High School’s Blue Crew.

Gilmore also gave an update on the new track, which she said has been at final grade for two weeks but has not been paved yet due to the recent inclement weather.

“Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated,” she said with a laugh.

But she’s hoping the weather holds out for Bernsen’s visit, so Culpeper can show their love and support of the derby.

Want to go?

What: Actor Corbin Bernsen premières his new movie ‘25 Hill’; new drivers get to go down Achievement drive

When: Nov. 6, racing starts at 11 a.m., movie at 7 p.m.

Where: Culpeper County High School

Contact: Frankie Gilmore at 540-272-1848 or ftgilmore@gmail.com.

Other info: The DVD of the movie can be pre-ordered by contacting Gilmore; proceeds benefit the Culpeper derby track and the All-American Soap Box Derby