Passing it along

Former champ helping his young nephews in 2004 Soapbox Derby

By Norm Haney, nhaney@bgdailynews.com — 270-783-3271

Saturday, May 22, 2004

Over 30 years ago, Doug Froedge felt the excitement of soapbox racing firsthand. Now, far removed from his racing days, Froedge is passing along the sport to his nephews Casey Pruden, 14, and Jordan Pruden, 8. In 1971 Froedge screamed down Big Red Way in his home-built car and won the Bowling Green Soap Box Derby title, earning a trip to the nationals in Akron, Ohio. The family tradition will be going strong this weekend as Casey and Jordan prepare to race in the BB&T All-American Soapbox Derby at a new track at Phil Moore Park on Scottsville Road. I have memories of when I built my car and my dad helped me, Froedge said. Winning and getting to go to Akron I have memories of all of that. I tried to get the kids into it and theyve enjoyed it. Enjoy it they have. Last year Casey took third place in the Masters division. This year he thinks he can improve, especially because the new track looks faster. The 1,400-foot-run was tabbed Murphs Miracle at Kiwanis Derby Downs and has both Casey and his brother eager to give it their best. This is a lot bigger than the other one we raced before, Casey said. You get to go faster than (on) the other track. Running in the Red Diamond Express, Jordan thinks the track represents what everyone in the sport endures hard work and a dedication to excellence. I think its going to be nicer than the other one because it looks like theyve worked on it more, Jordan said. I cant wait. Having a chance to rub elbows with his nephews has been reward enough for Froedge, but seeing them go down the new track will complete the experience. I think its great for the kids and parents or adults to get involved together, he said. I think this is great. That seems to be the sentiment from everyone from the racers to the many people that helped bring about the new track. Kiwanis president Kevin Laughlin is nearly as giddy as the racers themselves. Seven years ago, Kiwanis brought soapbox racing back to Bowling Green. In that time, with help from primary sponsor BB&T, the annual race has grown into the worlds third-largest. I am more than excited, Laughlin said. I cant imagine what its going to be like (today), with all the kids and the cars. Our goal is to be the No. 1 race. Were a long ways off right now, but we think its an obtainable goal now that weve got this track. Action will be hectic today, starting at 7 a.m., with over 350 heats planned a race every two minutes. The tempo would have been impossible in the past, but racers can now be caddied back to the top via a pickup truck shuttle. Other improvements include better parking, a picnic area and food venues. Bleachers along the track is one of the many other upgrades planned for the future. This is a big day when we can control everything, Kiwanis spokesman Doug Gorman said. We can have our own track, our own facility. Its been a long time in the making. Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700