57^th Soap Box for Iula

All-American Soap Box Derby general manager Jeff Iula attended his 57^th SBD today in Akron. That puts him on a soapbox more often than a politician.

Writes Jeff:

“I don't think anyone else can say that! I was lucky enough to have both GRANDKIDS in it. Zoe drove well for her first try and lost to the Fifth place champ. TRIN won her first heat, then won her 2nd heat , then lost in the 3rd round then ran for 7th, 8th, 9th and PLACED 7th!! I was happy and she got a big trophy!! IT WAS A GREAT DAY FOR POP POP!”

Jeff’s father, Ralph Iula, was Beacon Journal derby director for 20 years, beginning in 1954, when he was BJ promotions director. Ralph also oversaw the Beacon Journal Spelling Bee and the Beacon Journal Charity Fund. He died in 2006.

Said Jeff: ``He's why I got hooked on the derby.''