alumni Race
Return to the hill, reconnect with lifelong friends, and support the future of the International Soap Box Derby.
Welcome Home to Derby Downs
Whether you raced once or spent years competing on Derby Downs, the Alumni Race is your chance to reconnect with old friends, relive the excitement, and be part of the International Soap Box Derby once again.
Join us for a weekend of camaraderie and competition as alumni from across the country return to the hill. Kick things off with an Alumni Get-Together on Friday, November 6, then race under the lights on Saturday, November 7 after a full day of turn-in, inspections, and trial runs.
The Alumni Race is more than just a race…it’s a FUNdraiser that helps support the mission of the International Soap Box Derby. Your $100 Alumni Race entry fee includes race participation and lunch on race day. Not racing your own car? Join our Adult Car Race for $25, which also includes race participation and lunch. Every entry helps inspire the next generation of gravity racers.
Not interested in racing or participating in an event? That’s okay! There’s no cost to simply come back, hang out, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the weekend at Derby Downs.
Whether you’re coming back to compete, reconnect, or simply celebrate the memories, we’d love to welcome you home.
More Than Racing
There’s plenty to do at Alumni Weekend, whether you’re racing or just coming back to Derby Downs to reconnect, reminisce, and have some fun!
Cornhole Tournament
Kick off the weekend with some friendly competition at our Cornhole Tournament on Friday, November 6. Grab a partner and see if you can take home the win!
$20 per team
Alumni Trivia
How well do you remember your Derby days? Put your knowledge to the test with Alumni Trivia! Gather your friends, reminisce about the past, and compete for bragging rights.
Lunch
Not racing? You can still join us for lunch on race day! Lunch is available for $10 per person for anyone who isn’t participating in one of the races.
Ready to Join Us?
Whether you’re racing, playing cornhole, testing your Derby knowledge at trivia, or siemply coming back to reconnect with old friends, we’d love to have you at the first-ever Alumni Weekend!
Alumni Race – THIS November
Reconnect with the Derby family during Alumni Race Weekend! Enjoy a Friday night gathering before taking to the hill Saturday for turn-in, trial runs, lunch, and racing under the lights.
LOCATION & Schedule
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AKRON, OH (DERBY DOWNS) | NOVEMBER 6-7, 2026
Join us for an unforgettable weekend back at Derby Downs!
Friday November 6th – Alumni Get-Together
6:00 PM – Alumni meet-up
7:00 PM – Welcome & Greeting
7:00 PM – Cornhole Tournament
9:00 PM – Event Ends
Saturday November 7th – Race Day
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Car Check-In & Inspection
NOON – Lunch Provided by Danny’s Bistro
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Trivia
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Open Hill Practice
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Adult Car Race/Fun Runs
5:00 PM – Race Under the Lights
Compete in the Alumni Race | $100 Compete in the Fun Runs | $25
Your registration includes:
- Race entry
- Saturday lunch
- A full day of fun with fellow Derby alumni
- Support for the International Soap Box Derby through this fundraising event
ARE YOU A DERBY ALUM?
Help us stay connected! If you’ve raced in the Soap Box Derby, we’d love to add you to our alumni network. By joining our database, you’ll receive updates about alumni events, volunteer opportunities, special announcements, and ways to stay involved with the Derby community.
STAY INVOLVED!
The Alumni Race is just one way to reconnect with the Derby. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, mentoring young racers, supporting events, or simply staying informed, there are countless ways to continue making an impact.
Have questions or want to learn more?