Search
FirstEnergyAll-American Soap Box Derby Countdown

News

Thank You Thursday - Volunteers 11.24.2016 Today we have many things to be thankful for as our nation celebrates Thanksgiving Day. We would like to say thank you to a group of individuals who are the “Spirit of the Derby.”

More than 700 volunteers lend their time and talents to the staging of the All-American Soap Box Derby program and the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship race. In big ways, and small, the volunteers are the backbone of the program and we cannot thank them enough. In the words of Oscar Wilde, “the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

 Read More Thank You Thursday - New Board Members 11.17.2016 On Thursday, November 10, 2016 the International Soap Box Derby’s Board of Directors held its annual meeting. At the meeting the Board reviewed the Derby’s previous year's achievements, elected new board members and said goodbye to members who had reached their term limit.

Four new members were elected at the meeting and will begin serving four-year terms to help the Derby continue its mission. New members include:
 Read More Derby Spotlight - Kenneth Holmboe 11.14.2016 In 1947, Kenneth Holmboe was 14 years old when he became a World Champion at the 10th annual All-American Soap Box Derby. At that time the Soap Box Derby was sponsored by Chevrolet and Holmboe received a cash scholarship as his prize for winning the race.

“He always spoke about the fun he had before the race spending time with all of the other racers,” Kevin Holmboe (Kenneth’s son) said. “There were lots of activities for all. He also mentioned being in the spotlight with Hollywood stars and corporate CEO’s such as Harvey Firestone.” In 1947 celebrities such as Jimmy Stewart and Air Force General James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle attended the races. Read More International Soap Box Derby Board Of Directors Elects New Officers And Adds New Members 11.11.2016 The International Soap Box Derby’s Board of Directors added new members and elected new officers at its annual meeting November 10.The Board serves as the governing body of the ISBD and provides management and direction for the non-profit organization. Read More Thank You Thursday - Outgoing Board Members 11.10.2016 The International Soap Box Derby’s Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the organization and provides management and direction for the non-profit organization.

The Board meets monthly at the headquarters office in Akron, Ohio. Throughout the year various committees appointed by the Board meet to discuss specific parts of the business unique to each committee. In addition to serving on the Board, members also serve on these committees and provide unique insight and direction.
Read More Thank You Thursday - Myers Industries 11.03.2016 Each July more than 400 of the best gravity racers from around the world travel to Akron, Ohio in hopes of being crowned World Champion at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby. Read More Thank You Thursday - Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems 10.27.2016 On July 2, 2014 the International Soap Box Derby announced a new partnership with Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems, one of the world’s leading aircraft wheel and brake suppliers and headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Read More Thank You Thursday - Marous Brothers Construction 10.20.2016 It was the summer of 1936 and City of Akron officials and community leaders set about to find a larger and more permanent home for the Soap Box Derby. With the support of city officials, they scouted venues with the hills necessary to accommodate the gravity racecars. As the decision was announced for the chosen site, then-Mayor Lee D. Schroy proclaimed “It is fortunate that the new ski run at the airport is so ideally suited to the needs of the Soap Box Derby.” Read More Travis Adkins Appointed Region 6 Director 10.18.2016 Travis Adkins of Ravenna, Ohio, has been appointed Region 6 Director for the International Soap Box Derby (ISBD). Adkins raced for five years in the Portage County Soap Box Derby. He was the 2014 Local Super Stock Champion in Portage County and went on to finish fifth in the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship race that year. Read More Derby Spotlight - John Hamels 10.14.2016 In 1934 the very first All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship was held in Dayton, Ohio and John Hamels had the privilege of being a participant. Hamels lived in Buffalo, N.Y. where he heard that there was going to be a Soap Box Derby race in his hometown. This unique event piqued his interest so much that with the assistance of his older brother, Eddie, they built his very first Derby car. The Buffalo Courier Express sponsored the local event that would qualify racers to compete in the World Championship race. Read More
View Archives