About Us

Our Mission: The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration, fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculum, and other community-focused activities.

What Drives Us

The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) serves as the official sanctioning body of Soap Box Derby racing, boasting exclusive licensing partnerships with over 100 race cities worldwide. These cities organize sanctioned Soap Box Derby races, where champions qualify for the annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby® World Championship race. We proudly continue the Soap Box Derby tradition, hosting this eagerly awaited Championship race and other events year-round at our headquarters, the world-famous Derby Downs Track, located 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.

Youth Education and Leadership Development

Family Engagement and Enrichment

Teamwork
and Collaboration

Mentoring
Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Volunteerism
Commitment to Community

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.

Our People

Meet the people who grease the gears of our organization! The International Soap Box Derby’s Board of Directors oversees the operation of the Derby. Headquarters Staff located in Akron, Ohio are responsible for day-to-day activities. Regional Directors oversee sanctioned race cities in the Derby’s national and international regions.

Thank You To Our Partners

The 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.

News & Updates

Soap Box Derby Senior Day is September 26

Calling All Sox Box Derby Lovers and Adventure Seekers 55+ Get ready to relive your glory days (or experience them for the very first time!) at Senior Day on Thursday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to...

Annual Reports

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

2020 Annual Report

2019 Annual Report

2018 Annual Report

2017 Annual Report

2016 Annual Report

2015 Annual Report

2014 Annual Report

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.