No Soap in the Eyes at Derby, but There Were Tears Anyway

Tired of all the turmoil in the world? Fed up with traffic, negativity and political bickering around town?

You should've checked out the Menifee Soap Box Derby on Saturday. It's amazing what a few little kids, homemade race cars and adults with memories of their "Little Rascals" childhood can do for one's attitude.

For about four hours Saturday morning, a few hundred folks forgot about their troubles and lined the downhill stretch of Menifee Road heading north toward Holland Road. The street was closed to through traffic, hay bales lined the roadway for safety, and 27 race teams focused on one thing -- good, clean fun.

Oh sure, there was competition. Seated in the wooden race cars they had made themselves with support from the sponsoring Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks District, drivers paired off in double-elimination brackets in three age divisions. Released from a starting gate at the top of the hill near Craig Avenue, drivers coasted down to a finish line just past Legacy Way. Some races were very close -- others not so much. But at least no one got hurt.

William Kries, 13 (left), narrowly crossed the finish line ahead of Jacob Colleasure to win the Big Wheels Division (ages 13-17). Tony Shumaker -- a bit older than 13 -- held off Jason DeBie to win the Limo Wheels Division (all ages).

But it was what happened in the Training Wheels Division (ages 8-12) that really tugged at the heartstrings of those in attendance.


Noah Davis, age 10 (below right), hit his brake a little too hard after crossing the finish line in his first race of the day and ran into the curb, breaking two wheels on his "White Lightning" racer. With no replacement wheels on hand, it appeared Noah and his family were through for the day.

But the family of one of Noah's competitors stepped up to help. Although they were there to cheer for their step grandson Gavin Perryman, grandpa Mike Rose and his son Brian took time away from Gavin's racer with a generous offer.

Stocked with an extra race car, the Rose family swapped wheels throughout the day, making sure Noah could continue to race while keeping Gavin's car running in top shape as well. Gavin's stepbrother, Gavin Rose, won last year's race with the same car -- one first built by his grandfather 40 years ago -- defeating the same Noah Davis. This time, in their third run down the hill, Gavin Perryman and Noah Davis found themselves side by side in the finals.

Using the wheels the Rose family loaned him, Noah narrowly beat Gavin Perryman for the championship. On the victory stand, Noah handed his first-place trophy over to Gavin (left).

As so many said at the time, that's what Menifee is supposed to be about -- unselfishness, generosity and friendship.

For the sights and sounds of Saturday's Soap Box Derby and more of the story, check out our video report.