Paul Bates, 83, has been instrumental in the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby in Culpeper for more than 20 years. He has served on the local organization’s board of trustees since 2003 and promotes participation of youngsters and their families through school seminars and construction clinics. On land donated by the county, Paul Bates organized and managed the project to build a dedicated racetrack and support facilities for Soap Box Derby competition. The racing complex is named in his honor.
He also is a member of the International Soap Box Derby’s racing commission, which manages the program’s racing rules and construction requirements. During the world championships in Akron, he is the lead inspector for the Stock Division.
He is a retired operator of automotive parts and used car dealerships.