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FirstEnergyAll-American Soap Box Derby Countdown

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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 Thank You Thursday - Bill Ginter 10.13.2016 “There has been a change in leadership of the All-American Soap Box Derby.” That was the opening sentence of a press release dated April 26, 2011 announcing William J. (Bill) Ginter’s election to serve as the International Soap Box Derby’s Chairman of the Board. At the time Ginter filled the remaining term of Bill Evans, who resigned as Chairman to devote more time to his businesses. Prior to Ginter’s election as Chairman he served as Vice Chairman of the Board since early 2010. Read More Thank You Thursday - Don Plusquellic 10.06.2016 It was December, 2009 when the International Soap Box Derby was near financial collapse when it did not have the resources to pay down a $600,000 loan. On February 8, 2010, spearheaded by then Mayor Don Plusquellic, Akron City Council approved a plan intended to assist the financially troubled Derby. Read More
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