


2026 World Championships
The 88th FirstEnergy Soap Box Derby World Championship Race Week
Saturday, July 11-Saturday, July 18
2025-2026 Local & Rally Race
Schedules
Over 80 race cities around the world qualify champs for our annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby® World Championship race at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.
Latest Updates
DENNIS VANFOSSEN JR. NAMED CEO OF SOAP BOX DERBY ORGANIZATION
AKRON, Ohio (November 11, 2025) – The board of directors of International Soap Box Derby, Inc. (the “Soap Box Derby”) has appointed Dennis VanFossen Jr. as its chief executive officer effective immediately. He has been serving as interim executive director since...
Powered by Gravity, Driven By Stem
The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization. In addition to our renowned Soap Box Derby races, we also provide a variety of STEM programs designed to be hands on for grades 3-12.
The Derby’s Education Program is a fast-growing component of the organization and includes a STEM-Based Curriculum, the Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition and a Mini Soap Box Derby program.

Racer
Ready to race? Anyone between the ages of 7 and 20 years of age is eligible to compete in the Soap Box Derby. Find your local race program and select a division to get started!
Volunteer
Be a part of the exciting events happening at Derby Downs! Learn more about Soap Box Derby volunteer opportunities to see how you can get involved.
Committee
Rally Commission, A-Team, Racing Commission, and Regional Directors work year-round to help make our programs around the country and in Akron a success.