Local Boy Brings Home World Champion Soap Box Trophy
08-15-09
Local Boy Brings Home World Champion Soap Box Trophy
By Leah Morgan | Contributing Writer
Tribune Photo / Fred Poese
From left: Andrew (Father) Christian (son) and Roy Fortner (grandfather) pose with Christian’s trophy and prize winning box car
Ten year old Christian Fortner of Lee’s Summit brought home a 6th place trophy from the World Championship Soap Box Derby races that were held in Akron, OH on July 25th. Christian won the KC All American Local races that qualified him to move on to Akron. Of 146 participants in his division, Christian took home 6th place, which is a real accomplishment. The Akron World Championships have been held since 1936.
Christian says that winning is about, “How low you can get and your wheels. Most if it depends on that. Oh! And your driving.”
Soap Box racing runs in the family. Christian’s grandfather, Roy Fortner, started his two sons in Soap Box racing when they were young. Roy says, “We built six of them when our kids were little.” Christian’s father, Andrew, enjoyed the sport so much he wanted Christian to join in the fun. Christian’s father and uncle were both champs winning a spot in the race several years ago; they, however, did not come home with a trophy. Andrew is also a Pastor at the Networks Church in Lee’s Summit.
Andrew says, “[Soap Box Racing] is a good family sport. The family is like the pit crew. It’s something we can all do together.”
Christian also noted that the race had special meaning for him because he dedicated it to his other grandfather, ‘Grandpa Joe’, who was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago. Christian says, “I wanted to race for him because we don’t know how long he’ll live. So I did it for him.”
As far as plans for the future, Christian plans to continue racing and hopes that his younger siblings will get in on the act. His dream is that someday they will all race together in Akron. If you would like more information on how to get started with Soap Box Derby Racing, visit Kansas City Soap Box Derby’s web site at www.kcsbd.com.
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