Patrick Murphy, 70, has been involved in the Soap Box Derby since his daughter Kristi became interested in racing after watching the 2000 Disney movie “Miracle in Lane 2.” She and her sister Kerry competed in the Cleveland local race and earned trips to the All-American world championships multiple times. Murphy was a member of the Cleveland board of directors from 2002 through 2007 while he was also local race director. He has been a member of the All-American racing commission (formerly national control board) since 2005. He has built multiple gauges and devices that are used for inspection and testing, He was involved in the recent development of the new racing wheels and is part of the team running starting line operations during race week. He also has volunteered his time on Derby Downs track maintenance and the recent design and installation of the starting line ramps.
Murphy graduated from Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio. He was a member of the U.S. Bobsled Team for the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. In 1981, he founded and is president of Lake Erie Diving, Inc., a professional commercial diving and inspection company providing emergency marine and water-plant services.
Recent Comments