Original subtitles

I guess I shouldn't complain.

I mean, I have lots to be grateful for.

I have a cool dad, although he's hardly ever home because he has to work two

jobs. Teaching college and painting houses.

No,

that is not acceptable.

My mom is the greatest.

Tell me, Mr. Rifkin, how would you like your child to be treated like an

outcast? She's like a mother grizzly.

You know, the kind that will maul anything that messes with their cuffs.

Uh -huh.

No, I'm still here.

Get ready.

Mm -hmm.

Yeah.

No,

money is no excuse.

I live in a good town with friendly neighbors.

With one... major exception.

Old man Vic.

You hooligans are going to get somebody killed.

Who lives all alone and hates kids.

Seth, come on.

That's my brother, Seth.

He's awesome at everything he does. School, sports.

Mom. And worry.

Is there something bothering you again?

I hate funerals. Do I have to go?

Honey, everybody hates funerals. Who was your great -uncle?

I never even met him.

Well, ask your father, all right?

We're still done. And this would be me. If Seth is perfect, then I'm special.

Which is my all -time least favorite word.

It's how people say they don't expect much from a kid in a wheelchair.

Dad? Are you listening?

Dad?

Dad?

Who's there?

I thought you knew everything.

I don't like being tested.

Justin.

Justin Ross Yoder.

Why are you here?

I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I think when you made me, you messed up.

I don't make mistakes.

Well, somebody sure did. I mean, look at me.

You look fine.

Fine?

I'm 12 years old and already had 24 major surgeries.

My legs are linguine.

I have more stitches in my head than a baseball.

So what do you want me to do about it?

Isn't it obvious?

Fix me.

Make a miracle.

I mean, you still do miracles, don't you?

Did anyone ever tell you you look like the famous race car driver Bobby Wade?

Yeah, I get that.

Wait, wait, wait. Jonathan, can't we just have a Maserati?

What are you doing?

Oh, just thinking.

Bobby Wade's going to have to get along without you, okay? It's time to go.

That's not my house.

Where are you going?

Dad said I could stay home.

Mom!

So once again, we've established that life isn't fair.

We gather here today to pay tribute to the memory of Maynard Yoder.

Maynard was known by many as a successful farmer, but he was much, much

A loving husband, an attentive father, a longtime town councilman,

volunteer fireman, church elder.

Amateur ornithologist.

Wow, Great Uncle Maynard was one amazing guy. All those great things.

Everybody crying.

I wonder what the minister would say about me.

Furthermore... Justin Yoder.

What can I say about Justin Yoder?

He was...

12 years old.

He attended Heritage Middle School.

Yeah.

Did I mention he was 12 years old?

Come on. There has to be something you can say. This is my moment.

Give me some juice.

Oh, yes.

Justin had a wheelchair.

One that any handicapped access ramp would be proud of.

Optional offensive wings.

Custom chromoly frame.

High -pressure clincher tires.

Hard anodized push rims and a tight turning radius you just wouldn't

I think I speak for all of us when I say,

We're going to miss that chair.

Hey, what about me?

Did I say that out loud?

Guys,

I'm going to miss warm -ups.

Is there something in this family's genetic code that makes us late?

Dad, you're not coming to my game?

I'm sorry, son. I can't.

Dad, this is the conference championship.

Oh, you're not going?

I promised the humans I had a place painted by graduation open house.

Hey, listen, Mom. Have a good game, okay?

I told them I had a star. I can't let you go.

What do I need to do?

Thanks a lot, Dufus.

Me?

What the heck did I do?

always takes me for a victory lap around the field.

After a little celebration with the team, of course.

In your dreams, sweetheart.

No woman ever comes between the beastly rituals of the Yoderman.

Uh, Seth, aren't we forgetting something?

Hey, what about me?

And our final award goes to a young man who, like his father, is an outstanding

athlete. It should come as no surprise then, carrying on the family dynasty,

this year's most valuable player.

When you spend half your life in hospitals, you get used to the idea of

Life?

That I'm still working on.

And just once I can know what it feels like to be the big shot, the guy

cheers for, the guy who gets the trophy.

All right, I'll admit, there are a couple minor problems to me winning a

For starters, will I have enough time?

You see, I have this thing called hydrocephalus. It makes spinal fluid

in my head. One shunt malfunction, and unless they get me to the emergency room

right away... Well, you get the picture.

Justin, are you all right? Just a headache.

Headache?

Headache. Headache!

No!

Guys!

Start the van, okay? Sure.

I'll get the suitcase, honey. You can wrap mine. Got it. Yeah.

Guys.

Did you call the hospital?

I'm on it.

Do you have a meditation?

I'll check.

No. Hold it. Wait.

Mom, just listen to me.

All right, let's go.

Hold it, hold it. Stop.

It's not that kind of headache.

It's just a thinking too hard kind of headache.

I tried to tell you.

Really?

If you're in an elevator that's falling, all you have to do is jump before it

hits the bottom.

Okay, so how do you know when it hits?

You time the light.

How? If the cable breaks, there aren't going to be any lights.

How?

That's the other problem with winning a trophy.

How? How does a guy like me, a refugee from a family sports dynasty... Do

something spectacular enough to win a trophy.

It's possible.

Brad, it's not possible. Yes, it is.

Oh, Brad.

Oh, this is good.

Yes.

I mean, why not?

Baseball players stand around a lot.

Who says a kid in a wheelchair can't play baseball?

with the laws of physics here this is amazing but hey it's my fantasy

They say he kidnaps kids and chops them up in his shed.

I heard he robs graves and keeps the coffins in there.

Well, it's true.

There aren't any lights in the house.

Ever.

That's weird.

Justin,

what do you want? Look, I get to play in the EuroLeague this summer.

As what? The bass?

On tracker.

Did your mom have any kids that survived?

Sorry.

It was just a joke.

Are you sure about this, Justin?

I've played baseball before.

That was just t -ball. And only because mom had them change the rules for you,

remember?

This league is different.

So?

We're talking cutthroat, out for blood, take no prisoners baseball.

And that's just the parents.

I can do it.

Hey. Maybe we'll even get to be on the same team.

You'll have to play your cards right.

Wait till Mom and Dad are real relaxed.

Just follow my cue.

Yes!

This is the big brother I love and admire.

Bless Mom and Dad and Justin, and be with all the hungry people in the world.

And no matter how bad off they are, let them know that they can at least be

thankful they don't have to eat this slop that we're having for supper.

Amen.

That's not funny.

Myron, tell your son that that's not funny.

That's not funny.

What exactly is this?

It's minestrone soup.

I had three houses to show this afternoon, and two of my clients were

had to stop by the quick and go. Look at that.

It looks like an eyeball.

And I have another showing at seven.

Tonight? I need the van. I like it.

What about the truck?

Truck's still in the shop. Can't get the part till tomorrow.

More, please.

How do we get into these vines?

Good. See?

That's the spirit.

I'm glad someone shows some appreciation.

Oh, come on. He's just sucking up because he wants to play Summer League

baseball.

So much for timing.

Summer League?

Hardball? Better play my ace in the hole.

Ma Grizzly's endangered cub.

All my friends are signing up. And just because I'm stuck in a wheelchair

doesn't mean I shouldn't be allowed to play like everyone else.

Can I?

Please?

Hear ye, hear ye.

Yoder Family Court is now in session.

The Honorable, and might I add, perfect, Seth H. Yoder presiding.

Arguing against the plaintiff will be dastardly dad.

And for the defense, magnificent mom.

Begin. For those of us who understand the nuances and intricacies of this time

-honored sport, the case against the plaintiff is really quite clear.

Much as I would like my physically challenged son to participate, it's just

possible. Objection. He did great in peewee.

Overrule. Junior league is different, Mom.

Right, wrong, fair, unfair, I have nothing to do with it. You simply cannot

competitive baseball from a wheelchair.

Not even if you're Jackie Robinson.

Now, my esteemed adversary here will argue to the contrary, but her ignorance

the rules is legendary.

Perhaps I don't know all the dumb rules and what those referees do and why

everyone's always...

spitting and scratching, but I do know that this has everything to do with what

is right and wrong.

Objection. What I meant is... Objection overruled. A, that's my line.

Baseball is a game. It's about having fun, learning to get along.

And if my son wants to play, I say that's his right.

And furthermore, if this Jackie Robinson had been allowed to play in her

wheelchair, she would have been great.

The defense?

Right.

Case closed and batter up.

I don't care if I ever get back for it. Root, root for the home team. If

they don't win, it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three. Start your round at the old ball game. Nothing can

stop me now.

No.

Absolutely not.

Except maybe this.

Why not?

What if you got hurt?

What if any of the kids get hurt?

You don't understand.

Playing hardball, throwing overhand.

The insurance companies already give us grief.

So, I'll sign a release form.

If something happened, we might have to shut down the whole league.

Wouldn't it be fair to the other kids?

Uh -oh. Once again, it's... My grizzly time.

Fair.

You want to talk about fair?

How about this?

If Justin can't play, then neither can Seth. How's that for fair?

Please shoot me now. You're unbelievable, Sheila.

We already have a league for special children. Justin is not special, okay?

typical. He's, well, except for the wheelchair thing. How's he going to run

bases? Play the field?

Justin, tell him how you hit that touchdown in Pee Wee League.

Home run.

Hmm? Home run.

Yeah. Yeah, well, tell him.

He could let Justin play.

Let's face it, Mom. Justin is not typical.

If he's not peeing in his pants, he's puking all over things.

Guys, I'm not dead.

I can hear you.

So Justin can't always control his bladder or his gag reflexes. I mean,

does it take? A few minor adjustments.

Yeah, like Dad missing my games to pay off all the medical bills Justin racks

up. Seth, that's enough.

I'm tired of adjusting.

I don't want Justin to any more of my games.

If he has the right to be typical, then I have the right to be typical.

Band.

First from the field, now from the stands.

Hey, it's not the end of the world, you know.

Sure. Not for you. You live forever.

Though you had a bad day.

You've got to keep your chin up. Get back in the game. Never say die.

Is that the best you can do?

A bunch of tired old cliches?

Most people seem to prefer that.

Would you rather have the truth?

Give it a shot.

Truth is, Justin, it does not cut out for baseball.

Come to think of it, I think I'll stick with the cliches.

As you wish.

Hey, don't you worry.

Your shift will come in. Success could be right around the corner. If at first

you don't succeed, try...

Should I try again?

Absolutely.

Chess.

Chess? You don't even play chess.

Yes, I do. I've been practicing for almost three days.

For what?

Tournament at the park.

Winner gets a trophy twice the size of yours.

And you think you're going to win?

I know I'm going to win. In fact, I guarantee it.

Chess. Come on. We're late.

Come on.

Bye, hon.

What's wrong with Seth?

Hmm?

Oh, uh, nothing, why?

So where's that taking him?

Uh, uh, to the doctor's.

I thought he went to the doctor last week.

Well, it's, uh, it's a weekly appointment kind of thing. I don't know.

go.

I'm 12.

Hi. I'm Justin Yoder. Hi.

We have two flights, 7 to 11 and 12 to 15.

You're, uh, what?

About 10?

Sure, if it helps me win a trophy.

About. I hate

to crush one so young and tender.

What a guy's got to do what a guy's got to do.

Checkmate.

Beaten by an embryo.

I'm such an idiot.

Why did I promise Seth that I'd win a trophy?

Wait a minute.

Who's to say I didn't?

Excuse me.

Can I help you, son?

What's this trophy for?

Goes to the winner of our annual car show.

Is that old man Vic?

What's he doing out? It's not even a full moon.

Is that red car going to win?

Vic Sauter's Corvette.

Not likely.

The best car, hands down. And he'd give anything to win.

But people donate.

Dollar a vote.

Thick specialty isn't exactly charming the crowd, you know.

No,

but you know who would be charming?

A kid in a wheelchair.

Hello, neighbor.

What do you want?

To roll away screaming.

To help you win a trophy.

Here you go. Thank you.

Good luck, kid. Thanks.

Here you go, son.

Thanks for your vote.

All right, what's in it for you?

Your trophy.

That is outrageous.

Go away. I don't need your help.

Fine. Suit yourself.

Three, two, one.

He's mine.

Over here, folks.

Vote for the best in the show.

58 Corvettes.

All original equipment in mint condition.

283 cubic inches of raw power. V8 block with counterweight crankshaft.

Accelerates from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds flat.

Right over here, folks. Look for the best in the show.

Hey,

Dr. Kwan.

How's Seth?

I don't know. Why do you ask?

Well, didn't he just have an appointment with you?

No, not with me.

Nice car.

No appointment? That's weird.

Why would Mom say he did?

Congratulations. If

your car's so great, why

don't you just drive it?

Potholes, the counters too cheap to fix.

Bugs that eat your paint like acid.

Fool drivers on car phones when they should be keeping their dad -burned eyes

the road.

Sorry I asked.

So where's my trophy?

They said they'd be mailing it to me after they get it engraved. With my name

it?

Deal's a deal.

How long will it take?

Said about a week.

I've already waited 12 years.

Guess I can wait a little longer. I mean, it's not like I don't trust old

Vic.

Five days.

Nothing to worry about yet.

Except that.

How many doctor appointments does that kid need?

This calls for a little detective work.

An appointment slip, a bill, or a... So here's where they hid that.

Break a window or two and parents freak out.

Strawberry scented massage oil.

This is a mystery I don't even want to think about.

Yes.

Hello? Dr. Wagner's office?

Hi. I'm doing a project for school and I need to ask you some questions.

Summer school.

What exactly kind of doctor's office are you? I mean, why would people come

there?

Really?

No kidding.

Well, no more questions.

Looks like my big shot brother isn't so perfect after all.

Okay, so you having a good drainage day or a bad drainage day?

Good.

Any headaches?

Only when I do this.

Everything else normal?

Let's see. In the past week, I've barfed three times, had one bowel blunder.

Yep, I'd say pretty much right on.

Hey!

I'm looking for your brother.

The kid in the wheelchair.

Oh, uh, he's not home right now. Is there a problem?

Yep. Wasn't that old man Vic?

Yep. Did he say what he wanted?

Nope. Can you say anything but yep or no?

Yep. Was he holding anything?

Yeah, it was a box.

Justin, Justin, hold still.

I'm making your straps bind up.

Was the box short and fat or long and thin?

Yep. Short and fat?

Nope. Yes.

Justin.

Hey, hey, Justin.

Aren't you going to help me with these groceries?

All right, I admit, the right thing to do would be wait, be patient.

But this is a public road. I mean, a kid has the right to go out for a roll.

And when you're passing by, it wouldn't be right not to call on a neighbor.

He's a race car fan.

He can't be all bad.

Yes!

Trophies are made of metal!

It's mine. All mine.

No. No.

No, stop.

No.

Hear ye, hear ye.

The Yoder family court is once again in session.

Prosecuting the defendant will be the distinguished and undefeated law firm of

mom and dad.

Hey, who's going to defend me?

No takers. Begin.

Is it true that on June 17th you snuck into Victor Souder's garage without

permission? And that you intended to steal from his garage this box

this intake manifold?

I thought it was a trophy. Then to cover your tracks, you trashed the garage,

causing several hundred dollars worth of damage.

It was an accident.

Just what do you have to say for yourself, young man?

Help?

The jury will now read their verdict.

Hey, no fair.

It's supposed to be a jury of my peers, not of my parents.

We the jury.

Mine, Justin Ross Yoder, guilty as charged.

And sentenced him to be chained in a dark dungeon, tortured on the rack,

at the stake, and not allowed to keep Vic's trophy.

What? No trophy?

So shall it be.

Actually, they sentenced me to a hard time working for Vic, until I paid off

damages. All right. First, I want you to clean up all this garbage that you

made.

Put it in the dumpster behind the building.

Frankly, I would have chosen the dungeon.

Next year, fix the board on the garage and cut all the hedges.

You can fix that fence over there.

Then you can take this garbage out.

What's in the shed?

privacy. You keep out.

So, you see, nothing wrong with the fact that our son crashed Mr. Sauter's car.

No, I didn't say that.

What I said was he's just a kid.

Maybe.

I guess I'm more disappointed in his mother.

What more can you do?

I wish I knew.

You're crazy. Oh,

I'm also late.

No, no. Do you have to?

Mom, we're all alone for once in our lives.

Oh, I wish.

But I can't.

No, I have houses to show, bills to pay, you know.

Superwoman. I know.

Why does that feel more like an indictment than a compliment?

No, I didn't mean it. No, no, I know what you meant.

I just, you know, maybe that's the point.

You just want Justin to have everything other kids have.

There's nothing wrong with that.

There could be.

Maybe I'm pushing him too hard. Maybe he's just trying to live up to my

expectations. No.

clear out the shed next?

Nope. Shed is fine as it is.

You're done for the day.

What do you think's in the shed?

How should I know?

He has to be hiding something major.

Why else would he be so weird about it?

Maybe he is a mass murderer, and it's dead bodies hanging from hooks.

Go to sleep, Justin.

What now?

You lose a sock?

Boombox batteries go dead? Or did you just sprout your first zit?

Whoa. Some ziti woke up on the wrong side of his bed.

Now will you try listening to an ungrateful creature complain about his

while the world is run amok with war, famine, and injustice?

Maybe you should do something about those things, too.

Your marshmallow's on fire.

In my line of work, you gotta burn one every once in a while. You know what I

mean.

So what's on your mind?

I guess I always thought there was some kind of plan.

Some rhyme or reason for things.

You know, if I believed hard enough, things would work out.

What makes you think there's not?

What possible reason could you have for me to be stuck working at Old Man Vic's?

I mean...

I've defended you numerous times against the chaos theory.

Thank you.

But it's getting tougher.

You've got to give me something to work with.

Mark Moore?

Hot day.

Thought you could use a snack.

Thanks.

They might could use a little soaking. I had them sitting around to spell.

Spell? How do you spell petrified?

You're a hard worker.

I thought you'd be full of excuses.

I guess it's not easy being stuck in that wheelchair all day.

I don't know. What's it like walking?

What's wrong with you?

Cerebral palsy?

I knew a kid like that one time.

Spina bifida.

Spina bifida.

That some kind of disease?

Birth defect.

It's a spinal cord thing.

My nerves won't work my legs, and the water won't drain up my brain. You

I have a plastic shunt on my head.

And if it doesn't drain, it's adios, sayonara, cashing in chocolate chips.

Hmm.

That don't scare you?

I take an existential point of view that life and death are just arbitrary

states of being.

You put me on, right?

I memorized that once.

Because I get asked so often.

That's a good one.

You're quite a kid.

I got some errands to run.

Now, can I trust you to handle things here by yourself for a while?

Sure. Alright.

The Motherlode!

So Bucks Derby.

Get out!

I warned you to stay away.

I want you off my property.

But I was just... Now!

I've got an idea.

How about we take turns telling each other about our days?

great idea.

Yeah. Mom, didn't you just show some houses?

I was thinking about more unusual things.

Dad, didn't your college department just get a research grant? Something about

using fruit flies for genetic coding?

Yeah, but it's kind of technical.

Technical is good.

And don't leave out any details.

Well, the genetic code is quite complicated. I want to race soapbox

So much for subtlety. It's the coolest thing in the universe.

And it's finally something I can do. No problem. And if you say yes, I promise

I'll never ask you for anything ever again.

Sure, why not?

Really?

Well, we have to first check it out to make sure it's safe, but... No family

court? No third degree?

Parents! Just when you think you have them pegged.

Where did you get the soapbox derby idea anyway?

Uh...

Vic, sort of. That's great. Vic will show us the ropes.

Sure. Or we can figure out the ropes on our own. Why? We're busy.

And Vic could stand some human contact. We could kill two birds with one stone.

Kill being the operative word.

Perfect. Yeah.

Perfect.

Justin, you can race the dishes in. Seth, you can wash and dry.

You know what I'm in the mood for?

What's that?

Strawberries.

Why would they keep strawberries in the bedroom?

Believe me, you don't want to know.

Doesn't that stuff taste nasty?

Oh, it's all right.

How come you keep getting stomach aches?

I don't know.

Pressure.

Pressure? What pressure?

It's the summer.

You're 14 years old.

I don't know.

Things like baseball.

Really? Playing baseball stresses you out?

No, Justin, not baseball.

Things like it. Like what kind of things?

Like none of your business things.

Is that what you wanted to work?

Dress for success.

Can I bring some of these over to Vic?

Sure. About this soap thing.

Soap box.

Hmm? Soap box.

Oh, yeah. Um, you don't have to, you know.

I mean, I'm okay either way.

You know.

Justin.

What do you want?

To apologize.

I'm sorry for sneaking in your shed.

I had no right.

What's done is done.

Is there something else?

I want you to teach me about soapbox racing.

No. Why not?

Why should I?

Because you're the only one that can.

And because this might be the only chance I ever have to be good at

You don't know what you're asking.

All I'm asking... asking is for you to help me get started.

Will you?

I'll think about it.

And that's the best I can do. Go on home.

Hey, hey.

You can leave the cookies.

This is just a practice run, but you can get the gist.

No, I mean, that's all you have to do?

Sit in a pretend car and roll down a hill?

He has fear.

Yeah, well, so does a kid in a tricycle. At least he's pedaling.

So Fox Derby isn't a sport, it's gravity.

Shut up, Seth.

Come on, let's check out the pits.

I mean, who did he put on the posters?

Sir Isaac Newton.

Seth, tell Seth he's not funny. Seth, you're not funny.

So what makes this competitive?

Well, the students will run.

Every tiny swerve creates friction, which wastes precious time.

The best drivers learn to check the bumps and rolls in a road just like a

golfing green.

Why are they weighing the cars?

Keep things fair.

Total weight of the car plus driver must be exactly the same thing.

How much do you weigh?

72 pounds.

Eh, it's not good for football, but it's an advantage for a soapbox derby

driver. Why?

Well... Each car and driver must weigh exactly 250 pounds.

Typical car weighs 80 pounds, add his 70, gives you about 100 pounds of

to play around with.

Play around with?

Yeah, where you place the metal weights in these cars can help shave off a

couple of hundredths of a second.

Yeah, but how much difference could it make?

Well, a lot when the average margin of victory is less than a tenth of a

These are the tricks you learn as you go along.

You know, some people swear that a black nose cone will help make the car go

faster.

Looking at somebody else's car is a definite no -no.

You know, I'd like to check out this... Nice

car. I'm not allowed to talk to the other drivers.

I'm not a driver.

I guess not.

Well, at least not yet.

But I'm going to be.

Really? Good luck.

Thanks.

So, do you have any special advice, you know, on how to win?

Yeah. Don't get matched up against me.

What's with that?

They're keeping the ball burns warm by spinning the wheels. Saves a millisecond

in time. Some races allow it, some don't.

Eat well.

Drive it. Are you ready?

Can we go check out the finish line?

Yeah. I'll walk him down.

What a bunch of losers, huh, Dad?

This is great. We're going to have fun.

Dad.

Dad.

Whoa!

This is so cool!

What do we do next?

What do you mean, we?

You.

But... Hey, I kept my promise. I got you started.

I don't just want to start. I want to win.

You have to win.

I can't do this.

Not again.

Why?

It's personal.

This has something to do with your daughter, right?

That was her racer in the shed.

That's none of your business.

Why? Why can't you just tell me?

I can't because I can't.

Look, kid, I'm telling you the way life is.

I won't help you because I can't.

Will you just go on and let me be, please?

Let me be.

There's supposed to be four of them. No, but what is he? It's a lock nut.

What does he need a lock nut for?

I won't lie to you. Building a racer isn't easy.

It's sort of a cross between the Manhattan Fragics, the Three Stooges,

Titanic.

Turn right.

Turn left.

Turn right.

Turn left.

It works.

What's next?

The rear axle.

I was, uh, just returning your cookie tin.

You can stay if you want to.

Yeah, we could use your help.

No, I can't. I've got things to do.

Oh, okay. Uh, well, rear axle. This time you drill, okay? Okay.

Hey, what you doing?

You can't drill holes till you check for squares.

But the instructions didn't say that. The instructions for slackers are

wannabes. If you don't square the axle, your car will be in a constant bind.

You'll find yourself looking at your opponent's backside.

Here.

Let me show you how.

Care to talk about it?

Suddenly Dad can postpone all his painting jobs?

Stinks, Mom.

Honey, you've been winning championships forever.

Baseball, basketball, soccer.

And this is your brother's opportunity to shine.

What if he doesn't win?

We don't expect Justin to win.

Just to have fun.

You can understand that, can't you?

What, not working on the racer?

Actually, I am.

Oh. But maybe you can help me with this.

Since Justin can't use the standard foot brake to stop this thing, I have to

figure out a way for him to stop his car.

Any ideas?

Dynamite?

That could work. It might be a little messy, though.

Dad, you don't have to work tonight, right?

Right. So you're coming to my game no problem?

No problem.

Dad, this is big.

Both teams are undefeated, and I'm pitching. I really want you to come.

I promise I'll be there, okay? I promise.

Johnson's are here.

You guys ready to go?

You take the boys. I'll bring the van, okay?

Honey. Look, if I don't figure out this break thing, Justin's going to miss his

first race.

He's counting on me.

So is Seth.

Okay, I'll be there. Scouts on her, okay?

Huh?

Go, Seth!

Get out of here!

Hit a big one!

Make it a rounder!

Go, Seth!

Mom,

it's just batting practice.

Saves him for the game.

Can't. Yell him for two.

Shoot it off!

That's it.

That should be tight enough.

That'll work.

I dub thee the Justin Break.

Now, just high -five. Yeah.

That's the whole run.

Where's Seth?

Garage.

You think I should go out there?

I think you should explain why you missed another one of his games, because

knows I can't.

By the way, he pitched a no -hitter.

Congratulations. You know, I don't know what would be harder, being a kid in a

wheelchair or being that kid's brother.

You know, when your mom and I got married, I had this dream that

I would have a family that did all the things that I loved to do when I was a

child.

Playing ball, riding bikes, hiking down to the Grand Canyon.

But everything changed the day Justin was born.

Well, not everything.

I still want to be the greatest dad in the whole universe, but it was all new

territory to me.

And when it came to sports, I don't know.

Something deep inside of me said that if I couldn't cheer for both of my sons,

I shouldn't cheer for either.

So basically it all comes down to the same old thing.

You miss my games because of Justin.

All clear?

Ready, Justin?

Let's do it.

One!

his entire life in a wheelchair and not be able to steer.

Myron, he feels bad enough.

No wonder he can't steer.

Harness wires got crossed.

You turn the steering wheel to the left, the wheels go right.

What could that be?

You did it!

Did what?

I didn't touch your stupid racer, Justin.

Yes, you did. You made me wreck.

You wrecked. It was your own fault.

Matt, Justin, why would he mess up your racer? Because he's jealous that Dad

helped me build it. Oh, that is such a crock.

You're afraid I'll win.

You couldn't win if you wanted.

Says who?

Everybody. Mom and Dad are only going along because they feel sorry for you.

Yeah? I may be crippled. At least I'm not crazy.

I'm not crazy. No?

Then how can we see a shrink?

That's right.

My brother, the Big Shot, nuts, cuckoo, completely wacko.

That's one.

Go on, Big Shot, hit me. Just once.

Just once. I wish I could beat you up like a regular brother.

But I can't because you're special.

Am not.

Because of you, we can't go on vacations like real families.

Because of you, we're always broke.

Shut up.

You want to know why I go to therapy, Justin?

Because I'm sick of all the hassle.

And I'm sick of you.

So get a lobotomy.

I hate you. I wish you were dead.

Beth.

All right.

So Seth is never going to speak to me again.

At least there's somebody I can talk to.

I feel even worse about what I said to Seth.

How was I supposed to know Dad crossed the harness wires by accident?

No.

There's nothing like being wrong to shake a guy's confidence.

Oh, man.

I love you.

I love you. Come on, now.

Focus.

All right, now. This is not a disco, so don't be moving in there and dancing.

to make directions.

So much more.

All right.

This is it. I can feel it.

You realize if we win today that we qualify for the Nationals in Akron,

you? Mm -hmm.

You know, I think it's really great that you're into this soapbox thing.

What? Do I hear a butt coming?

But I think your expectations might be too...

Too high.

It would be great. Vick has showed me a better way to place the weights. Whoa,

whoa, whoa.

Reality check.

Justin is the one racing, not you.

I know. I'm just excited for him, that's all.

Even if he loses?

He won't.

But what if he does?

It's not a big deal. It's just his first year.

And I don't want it to be his last.

This could be a very good thing for Justin.

Or it could be very bad.

I'll behave, I promise, okay?

I'm in the finals.

And in total, absolute agony.

The one way I deal with pain is to focus my mind on something else.

Proceed.

Proceed.

Proceed. That's it. Stay focused.

See if you can do it.

Are you all right?

Yes. Except for the fact that my brain's about to explode.

What could be taking so long?

They drained the fluid. He's stable, but his shunt has to be replaced again.

He's going to be all right, though.

He got here just in time.

What I can't figure out is how, after all these operations, Justin could

the signs that his shunt was malfunctioning.

Hello, Justin.

So this is it. I bit the bullet.

Went to the big derby in the sky.

God?

Uh, no.

Let's see, they call Richard Petty the king, and Unser Sr.

is Big Al.

Earnhardt's the intimidator, but me?

Most folks just call me Bobby.

Bobby? Wait, it's really you?

Then this isn't heaven.

Nope. No, although I do think the TV has a video game hookup.

How did you know my name?

Well, Vic Sautter gave me a call.

You know Vic?

Oh, yeah. He's a mechanic.

He worked on my race car once upon a time.

No kidding.

Mine, too.

Oh, yeah?

Say, you think I could ask you something, driver to driver?

Shoot. You see, lately I've been having trouble on the straightaways.

Vic says you're a natural, so...

You got any tips?

Well, the main thing is, you really have to focus.

Focus, huh?

You mean, uh, like this?

No, you're gripping too hard.

It's more like shaking hands.

Like you and the car are best friends.

Ah. Yeah, that's much better.

Now. I have a couple questions for you.

Go ahead.

Hello, you've reached the Yoders.

Please leave a message at the sound of the beep.

Hello, this is Randall Trey from the All -American Soapbox Derby Association.

Yoder residence.

Is this Justin?

No, this is his older brother.

Can I help you?

Well, yes, maybe you could deliver a message to your brother for me.

Hey, my man. You awake?

No big deal.

Operation number 25.

Mom.

So what's the news?

Well, the doctor says you're good as new. Maybe even better.

I meant to race. Did I win?

You had him for the first 943 feet.

I guess there's next year.

Yeah, well, if we're going to race again, we have to have a couple rules.

First being safety.

From now on, if your head hurts, you have to come tell us.

Is that a deal?

Deal. And if you do race...

It's because it's something you want to do.

Your mom and I are going to be proud of you no matter what.

Racing is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

I was so close.

And with the tips Bobby Wade gave me, I'd be a lock.

Bobby Wade gave you tips?

Yeah, he was just here.

See, this is what worries me.

You know, you haven't been yourself since this whole thing started. You've

sneaking around, telling stories.

Really, he was just here.

He even took my bedpan for good luck.

Your bedpan.

Which reminds me.

Could you call the nurse?

Hey.

Hey, bro, welcome.

Hey. Anything happen while we're gone?

Uh, no. No messages, huh?

The climbers were supposed to let me know if I started in the house this

No.

Uh, hello.

This is Randall Gray from the All -American Soap. Uh, that's nothing.

They, uh, just called to wish Justin well.

Well, let's let him hear it.

The kid who beat Justin had to drop out.

They want Justin to take his place.

Yes! You mean I'm going to Nashville?

Yes,

you're going, buddy, you're going. I can't believe you guys are going to let

race again.

Why not?

What are you, dense?

Look, Seth.

I've been really patient with you the last two weeks. Oh, great. Another

stinking lecture.

I'll handle this.

Seth, what's going on?

I don't want to talk about it. Well, I do.

This family has a problem. We work things out.

Why can't you let Justin have this one thing? Why do you have to be so selfish?

Fine, then let him crash again.

It was a one -time accident. The doctor says he's going to be okay.

Am I the only one who cares, who's afraid he's going to die?

We all care.

Okay, that's why we want Justin to get to do what other kids get to do.

We'd never let him do anything that was that dangerous.

You know that.

But, Justin, everything is dangerous.

He was a baby. I couldn't even hold him because it wasn't safe.

Now every time he goes to the hospital, I don't know if he's ever coming back.

Oh, he's late.

How about that?

We're the ones on time.

Whoa, check it out.

I figured every convoy needs a peace car.

I should have done this a long time ago.

What happened to the pothole?

Well, I guess you showed me a way around it.

You were right about to share.

That bracelet belonged to my daughter Becca before she died.

What happened to her?

Swimming accident.

Week before nationals.

My wife died a year later.

Doctor said it was this and that, but I knew it was a broken heart.

I wanted to die, but I just didn't have the courage.

Just crawled up into a bowl and forgot to care.

I was doing pretty good, too, till you come busting into my garage.

I'm sorry.

Sorry was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Really? Yeah.

Yeah, I got to know you, see what you go through, how you just keep going.

You got me and the car back up and on the road again.

So potholes, birds, doo -doo.

We're ready for anything.

Yeah, sure is.

Who's that?

Bill Goodman, three -time national champion.

He's got a kid in his race. The alphabet just went up.

Darn.

Ta -da!

New paint job, huh?

And I got these for everyone.

I'm so pumped.

Pumped is good.

Realistic is better.

What? You don't think I can win?

We're just going up against some veteran drivers.

Most of them backed by big money.

I have to win. I just have to.

That would be so amazing.

You already are amazing.

Justin Yoder, you're up for your practice run in ten minutes.

Remember, you only get one trial heat, so make it count.

I'll get you BBDs and a bunch. It's only a trial run.

Who's the rookie?

Justin Yoder.

Kid's a cripple.

He's physically challenged.

Yeah?

If he drives like that tomorrow, you're the one who's going to be challenged.

Come on.

Competition's unbelievable.

We're going to win this thing. We're going to need an edge.

What do you have in mind?

You in the mood for some golf?

Golf?

Dad, what are you doing?

I didn't blow 20 grand on wind tunnel testing to come in second.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Alpha group to the omegas. Do you read me?

Copy that.

What's your status?

We're ready. Let them rip.

Ready? One, two, three.

Lane two looks back.

I'll have to make adjustments. You see how Lane one kind of slopes into halfway

point there.

Nothing stops now.

Here's the advice you gave him. I did. I gave him a tip.

Yeah. It's been brought to our attention that your car is equipped with a

handbrake. That's right.

Well, rules specify that only foot brakes may be used.

But our son is paralyzed from the waist down. He has to use a handbrake. Yes,

I'm aware of that.

But we have strict regulations on car design.

So what are you saying?

That after all he's been through, he can't race?

Well, uh... The rules committee is prepared to give the matter special

consideration, but it's only fair to warn you, the odds aren't good.

Don't let him get away with it, then. That's why we need you there.

Where's Seth?

Well, something is bothering him, so I told him he could stay.

Seth, then!

Happy now?

All I wanted.

We just want to know what it feels like to be like you.

We have to be fair to the other racers who worked hard and followed all the

rules to get here.

Racers don't use their brakes until after they cross the finish line. But

-handbrake, what's the difference?

Offers absolutely no competitive advantage.

What's at stake here is a principle.

If we allow this change...

We're opening ourselves to anything and everything.

And anyone?

There is a principle at stake here. Unless you allow this change, children

disabilities like our son can't possibly compete.

I think we've heard all the arguments, pro and con.

Members of the committee, are you prepared to vote?

All right, then. All those opposed?

Excuse me.

I'm sorry, young man. You'll have to wait outside.

Hey, it appears the man has something to say.

Yeah.

Yeah, I read your brochure.

It says that the number one priority of the soapbox derby is education.

Yes, that's true.

Last year in school, my class studied access to the media.

So?

So, for the last two hours, I've been calling every TV, newspaper, and radio

station within 50 miles. Everyone come in, please.

Ladies and gentlemen, stay outside. We're in a closed session here. I'm sick

seeing my brother treated like a second -class citizen.

Sick of seeing him stuck on the sidelines.

Our class also learned that life should be a level playing field, even when it's

a racetrack that runs downhill.

The way I see it, you've got two choices.

You can say you're denying a kid in a wheelchair his right to compete, or that

you're taking a stand for the values our society was built on.

Freedom and equality of opportunity for all.

So what's it going to be?

Whatever happened to our disintegrating school system?

Racists, take your positions!

You ready, buddy?

Yeah. Clear the starting gate!

On your marks!

Faster than, faster than the smile on the opponent's face. That thing away

me.

While the combatants are distracted, the camera

crew will help themselves to some peach pie.

Has the man -cub discovered fire?

Thanks. You are, too. I mean, awesome. Not a rookie.

Want a cookie?

No, thanks. I'm watching my weight.

Why? You're not fat.

So I don't mess with the weight distribution in my car?

Teresa. Oh, yeah.

Come on, let's go.

We've got a championship to win.

Remember, this is everything we've been working for.

Welcome to the finals of the 62nd...

The defending champion running in her third nationals, Teresa Gutman.

And in lane two, here for the first time representing rally district number

nine, from Goshen, Indiana, Justin Yoder.

You're going to be eating dust, loser.

There's something I gotta tell you before you go. You know, in case you

out at the bottom and I never get to talk to you again.

Yeah? You always thought I was good at stuff.

But you're the most amazing person I know.

All the pain you have to put up with, all the surgeries, and you never

Me, I get a paper cut and I freak out.

Clear the starting area!

Win or lose, you're mine.

Just a wind against my helmet. But now, Seth's words keep playing in my mind.

But you're the most amazing person I know. Win or lose, you're my hero.

With praise like that, who needs a stupid trophy?

You're going to be eating dust, loser.

Then again, I do have that empty shelf.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the new All -American Soapbox Derby

Association champion is Justin Yoder!

I'm only five points down.

What is that?

Come on, it's garbage.

All right, two out of three.

Two out of three. All right.

Hello, Justin.

I came to say thanks.

Great plan.

You're welcome.

And to ask one more question.

Shoot. I have to know.

When people get to heaven, are they, you know, perfect?

Would you like to see?

Sure.

Perfect.