News2016 FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby Date Moved Up One Week06.09.2015 The 79th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby will be held from Sunday, July 10 through Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the world famous Derby Downs Track. "For the past several years the World Championship of gravity racing was held the third week of July," said Soap Box Derby President & CEO Joe Mazur. "Due to the Republican National Convention taking place in Cleveland, July 18-21, 2016, we didn't want to risk overlapping major events and running into issues with hotels, transportation, and more in the northeast Ohio area." The 79th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby is expected to draw more than 450 Soap Box Derby champions from around the world. The 2015 race takes July 19-25 at Derby Downs. Race-week kicks off with the annual parade of champions down Akron's Main Street by Canal Park on Monday, July 20 at noon. Following the parade opening ceremonies will be held at Lock 3. There will be games, food, entertainment and champion introductions. Racing starts Tuesday, July 21 with the DQ Rally Challenge and the SUBWAY® Challenge and continues all week leading up to the World Championship race on Saturday, July 25. Tickets for race-day are $5 and can be purchased at the Derby box office or the day of the race. For more information please go to www.soapboxderby.org. About International Soap Box DerbyThe International Soap Box Derby is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition. The Derby's Core Values and Drivers include: Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby's two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates back to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio.