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 Challenge, presented by Bobit Business Media (BBM) in collaboration with the International Soap Box Derby, and in partnership with The Hourglass Foundation.
International Soap Box Derby, in conjunction with BBM, is reintroducing the official “Corporate Derby Challenge.” This thrilling, high-energy racing event will offer a team-building experience and an opportunity for corporations, small businesses, groups, and community organizations to construct, decorate, and race their own soap box derby car at Historic Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio, scheduled for August 20-21, 2026.
Derby car sponsorship proceeds will benefit The Hourglass Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved students through scholarship opportunities that support educational pursuits in Automotive Technology and other skilled trades programs. These scholarship gifts enable deserving students to obtain an education that may otherwise be financially unattainable, in programs that provide hands-on training that leads to employment opportunities, career advancement, and self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, funds generated from the participation in this event support the International Soap Box Derby’s STEM-Based Education Programs. These initiatives focus on youth education and leadership development, encompassing STEM curriculum and STEM Summer Camps. These efforts also exemplify the Soap Box Derby’s dedication to education, community engagement, and sportsmanship.
Dennis VanFossen Jr, President & Chief Executive Officer of the International Soap Box Derby, stated, “We are incredibly excited to relaunch the Corporate Derby Challenge and to do so in partnership with an outstanding national brand and media company like Bobit Business Media. This collaboration brings new energy, visibility, and opportunity to a program that celebrates innovation, teamwork, and community engagement. Together, we look forward to creating a restarting this event that connects corporate partners and groups with our mission to Inspire the Next Generation of Champions.”
Bobit Business Media, the principal sponsor of the Corporate Derby Challenge, will feature two derby cars at the event. The first will represent Work Truck Magazine, driven by its Vice President of Content, Lauren Fletcher (Team Fletcher). The second will represent Automotive Fleet Magazine, driven by Chris Brown (Team Brown), the Associate Publisher of Automotive Fleet.
Colin Sutherland, the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of BBM, remarked, “Bobit Business Media owns and publishes an expansive platform of cutting-edge digital media and industry-leading periodicals across fleet, transportation, public sector, and beauty industries. Hosting a Corporate Derby Challenge appeared to be an excellent opportunity to engage with our automotive and fleet readership. And by collaborating with The Hourglass Foundation and the International Soap Box Derby, we will also help deserving students pursue an education.”
In preparation for the Derby Challenge and as Team Fletcher and Team Brown gear up to race head-to-head at Derby Downs, both drivers aim to fuel their competitive spirit by battling to secure the most Corporate Sponsors for their respective Team’s car. Anyone can sponsor a car, and it’s a fantastic way to participate in the Challenge without actually racing.
Organizations can sponsor Team Fletcher, Team Brown, or both teams with a contribution of $500 per sponsorship. Each $500 sponsor will gain logo visibility on the car they sponsor, with proceeds benefitting The Hourglass Foundation’s mission.
Kim Davidson, the Executive Director of The Hourglass Foundation, stated, “We are honored and extremely excited to be part of this remarkable event. We hope the entire fleet community will participate—either by purchasing a derby car and racing in the Challenge, or by sponsoring Team Fletcher or Team Brown. Collaborating with generous companies like Bobit Business Media is crucial to our mission and aids us in building trust and enhancing visibility for our organization. Additionally, this will be a fun experience for everyone involved.”
The Corporate Derby Challenge welcomes participation from corporations, small businesses, groups, and community organizations within any industry. Each team that takes part will build, construct, and race during the Challenge event at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. This event is scheduled for August 20-21, 2026.
If you are interested in racing in the 2026 Corporate Derby Challenge, please visit: https://www.soapboxderby.org/derby-downs/corporate-derby-challenge/ for further information.
To jump right in and sponsor Team Fletcher or Team Brown, please visit: https://thehourglassfoundation.org/derby-challenge-sponsorship/.
ABOUT THE HOURGLASS FOUNDATION
The Hourglass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers underserved students through scholarships that support educational endeavors in automotive tech and other skilled trades programs.
ABOUT THE SOAP BOX DERBY
The Soap Box Derby is an international nonprofit that builds knowledge, character, and meaningful experiences through fair competition, collaboration, and youth development. Its flagship programs include the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and a STEM-based education initiative serving K–12 students worldwide.
ABOUT BOBIT BUSINESS MEDIA
Bobit Business Media Inc. (BBM) is a B2B media and marketing solutions company that helps market leaders connect with audiences, stay ahead of trends, and grow through trusted brands, tailored programs, and industry events.