Steve Heller and the Derby

Excerpted from "FIRST AMONG WINNERS"   By Lei Isaacs

In 1998, Artists's Soapbox Derby history was rewritten when Steve Heller of Shokan combined speed, artistic inspiration and the contents of several large tool chests in "Wrenchosaurus" an entry that brought the ever-growing audience screaming to their feet. Heller successfully negotiated the course without hitting any of them!

There are those who witnessed the Sixth Annual Artists, Soapbox Derby in 2000 who will swear that the winner was Steve Heller again with his "Fintasia", sculpted from the remains of a classic car that blew fire out of tailpipe. However, the winner that year (one might say) flew in under the radar--Keith Hoyt's whimsically lyrical "This Is Not A Flying Machine."

Those who thought that Steve Heller was robbed in 2000 and that "Fintasia" should have won first place, savored the sweet nectar of delayed triumph, as Heller clanked his way to a unprecedented two wins in a row - in 2002 with "Bubble Car" and in 2003 with "Wrenchosaurus II." Perhaps in response to critics who thought "Fintasia's" flaming tailpipe was a bit over the top, 2002's "Bubble Car" wafted clouds of soap bubbles from its ingeniously designed chassis. In 2003, Heller brought back a bigger, bolder, more blazing "Wrenchosaurus II." It was more complex by 400 more wrenches, Heller had added paint - and the dynamic dino shot fire!

Heller's unprecedented third win last year gave race officials an inspiration - why not have previous winners like Heller serve as judges in 2004? Heller accepted the challenge and the new responsibilities of judging, meaning that it is possible none of the 2004 entries will breath fire, (although nothing is ever certain on race day.)