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FirstEnergyAll-American Soap Box Derby Countdown

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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 Thank You Thursday - FirstEnergy Corp. 09.29.2016 It was March 28, 2012 when Akron-based First Energy announced that they would become the title sponsor of the 75th All-American Soap Box Derby. It was the first title sponsor the International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) had for the World Championship race in five years. Nearly three years prior to FirstEnergy’s announcement the Derby was near financial collapse when it did not have the resources to pay down a $600,000 loan. Read More Derby Receives Memorabilia Donation From The Holmboe Family 09.23.2016 The daughter and son of 1947 All-American Soap Box Derby World Champion Kenneth Holmboe recently stopped by the Derby Headquarters office to donate two trophies, a champ jacket and some photos from their father’s collection. Read More Thank You Thursday To Begin September 29 09.22.2016 It has been nearly seven years since difficulties within the Soap Box Derby became known to the public. Despite more than seven decades of rich heritage and the well-intentioned efforts of hundreds of volunteers, the program was challenged by an economy in recession and a changing environment for youth activities. Since then, it has been a very busy seven years as we stabilized our financial position, realigned staff responsibilities and expenditures to focus on functions that grow the program or improve customer service. The overall governance of the organization has been enhanced. We evaluated how best to serve our customers, the organizers of races and the families whose children race. As a result, we have improved the quality and availability of car kits and components and simplified the rules governing participation. Improving and increasing Derby racing is an ongoing priority. Read More Derby Spotlight - John Horner 09.14.2016 John Horner knew at a young age that Soap Box Derby wasn’t just about racing. “The Derby provided me with a quest for an understanding and knowledge of how things operate and why,” said Horner.

Horner always knew he had an interest in math and science which made engineering a clear career choice for him. Being a part of the Derby, Horner was also able to spend quality time with his father building his Derby cars. Read More 2017 Ultimate Speed Entries Now Being Accepted 08.25.2016 Registration for the 2017 Ultimate Speed Division is now open. The Ultimate Speed race will take place during the 80th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby, July 16-22, 2017. Read More Derby Spotlight - David Reid 08.24.2016 The most memorable time during David Reid’s Soap Box Derby® career was the first time he went down the hill. “I will always remember the time when I first understood what line to run down the hill and I hit every mark” said Reid. Going in a straight line and hitting every mark is a hard thing to accomplish for the average racer. “After crossing the finish line on the last heat, I stopped and climbed out of my Super Stock car and listened for the announcer to voice the times we ran. I will never forget when I heard, “Winner lane 1 with a time of … Read More Region 6 Director Applications Now Being Accepted 08.05.2016 The Soap Box Derby is seeking a Director for Region 6 (Ohio & West Virginia). Applications are being accepted through September 9, 2016. Read More Soap Box Derby Hosting First Inclusion Day 08.05.2016 The GPD Group Employees’ Foundation presents Inclusion Day at the Soap Box Derby on Sunday, August 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inclusion Day is a day where individuals with all different abilities and their siblings will have the opportunity to take a ride down Derby Downs track in a ride-along Soap Box Derby car. Read More
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