About Us
The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) serves as the official sanctioning body of Soap Box Derby racing, holding exclusive licensing partnerships with over 80 race cities worldwide. These cities organize official Soap Box Derby races, where champions qualify for the annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby® World Championships each summer in Akron, Ohio.
Our Soap Box Derby STEM-Based Education Program exemplifies our dedication to youth education and leadership development. It encompasses a STEM curriculum, the Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition, the Mini-Car Program, and STEM Summer Camps. These initiatives reflect our commitment to our core values and mission.
Our Vision
The premier Gravity Racing program that BUILDS skills and relationships that will last a lifetime. An opportunity for youth across the world to discover and embrace the Derby Experience. The start of a DREAM to a richer, fuller future.
Our Values
Perseverance
Sportsmanship
Community
Leadership
Collaboration
Our People
Meet the people who are the backbone of the organization. The International Soap Box Derby’s Board of Directors oversees operations. ISBD HQ staff, located in Akron, Ohio are responsible for overall operations, fundraising and development, maintaining Derby Downs, events at Derby Downs, race operations, and marketing and communication. Regional Directors oversee sanctioned race cities in the Derby’s national and international regions. The Racing Commission provides guidance and management of racing rules, inspection, and managing the World Championship races. Rally Commission oversees the expansive rally program, and the competition committee coordinates program initiatives and final review of proposed rule changes.
Thank You To Our Partners
The International Soap Box Derby’s Foundation Partners play an essential role in helping us grow the impact of our programs that introduce youth to gravity racing and build essential STEM skills.
The History of the Soap Box Derby
Did you know that the idea of the Soap Box Derby® grew out of a photographic assignment? A Dayton, Ohio newsman named Myron Scott was inspired by local kids and created a proposal for a local youth gravity race that was picked up by Chevrolet. Chevrolet then sponsored the first official All-American Soap Box Derby® in 1934! Learn more about the roots of this organization, the generations of Champions we’ve inspired, and view the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame.
News & Updates
CORPORATE DERBY CHALLENGE TO RETURN TO DERBY DOWNS THIS AUGUST
2026 Corporate Soap Box Derby Challenge Launches with Scholarship Support for Skilled Trades Students AKRON, OHIO - January 22, 2026 - We are pleased to announce the 2026 Corporate Soap Box Derby...
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...
Special Callout to Derby Nation!
Annual Reports
Trademark & Logo Usage Guidelines
The International Soap Box Derby® is the owner of the following trademarks, each of which is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office:
- Soap Box Derby 1084300 (U.S.)
- Soap Box 4446805 (U.S.)
- All-American Soap Box Derby 1079538 (U.S.) U.S. TM Registration No. 1,061,212
- American Soap Box Derby
- Thrill of the Hill 2039500 (U.S.)
- The Greatest Amateur Racing Event In The World 3733789 (U.S.)
- AASBD 3186664 (U.S.)
- Gravity Racing Challenge 4,590,442 (U.S.)
The International Soap Box Derby owns the following logos:
These trademarks and logos are property of the International Soap Box Derby and cannot be used unless written consent is provided by the ISBD.
