Justin Ross Yoder (November 9, 1986 – September 15, 2024) was an American soapbox racer. He was the first child with a disability to drive a soapbox in the All American Soapbox Derby. In 1996, he challenged the regulations to allow children with disabilities to use a hand brake instead of the required foot brake. Thanks to him, regulations were changed. The hand brake is now called the Justin Brake in his honor.[1]
Yoder was involved in a serious car collision on September 14, 2024, after another driver being pursued by police at high speed struck the vehicle in which Yoder was riding. He died the following day from his injuries, at the age of 37.[4][5]
References
↑Gagnon, Dawn (1998-06-12). "Bucksport boy gears up for Soap Box Derby. Special brake lets 11-year-old compete". Bangor Daily News (Maine).
↑"Three Disney Channel Shows Receive Nominations for 2001 Humanitas Prize". Business Wire. 2001-06-15.