Gene has been involved in the Bristol Soap Box Derby and the All American Soap Box Derby – at the National end since 1979. He became involved when his son Casey started to race. Not long after he became involved on the committee and shortly after became President of the Organization for 3 years. He also held the position of Race Director for 3 years and brought the Special Division into Bristol SBD and raised ten sponsors in 1 week to sponsor each of the special cars. Now, many locals in Connecticut have a Special Division Race. Very rewarding race.

In 1995 he became Assistant Regional Director for New England. The duties were to attend each of the local races in the New England area.  He assisted in running the races and is there to make sure the race is run in a safe manner. Whomever wins the local races, race in the All American Race in Akron, Ohio. He attends the All American Race in Akron every year to follow the champs there to make sure they have a very rewarding race week. In 2002 he became Regional Director for Connecticut, New York, Southern Massachusetts. Approximately 20 races. He has 2 assistants that work with him. One is his daughter, Carleigh who has won the All American Race in Akron in 1999. He felt that for all that he worked for, that was the topping on the cake. Carleigh was nominated to become an assistant and was voted in. She is the first female in the history of regional directors in Akron, Ohio. As a family, Soap Box Derby was a bond that they had and still has.

Every weekend from April til October – they were racing or now running the race.

He looks forward to the races every year. He enjoys working with the racers. Not just to work with the champs, but also teach the kids – how to loose.  It’s a tough lesson. 29 years later still going strong. He does wish Bristol’s club would be able to find a track to race – and another sponsor so they could build their club up.

Thank you for the opportunity.