Gravity Racing Challenge
The International Soap Box Derby’s Gravity Racing Challenge (GRC) STEM Team Competitions give students in grades 3-12 the opportunity to compete in Soap Box Derby racing against other schools and youth organizations.
2026 GRC
Team Competition Race Schedule
Grades 9-12
Schedule
Car Drop-off Dates: April 17 & 18 and 20-24
(*Cars must be dropped off no later than 5 days before Team Day)
Car Workshop Date: Sat., April 18
Team Days: April 27-30, May 1, 4-6
(*HS Teams more than 70+ miles Team Day – May 7)
Race Day: thurs., May 7, 2026
Check-in: 3 p.m.
Start: 4 p.m.
Where
International Soap Box Derby
Derby Downs Track
1000 George Washington Blvd.
Akron, Ohio 44312
Grades 3-8
Schedule
Car Drop-off Dates: April 17 & 18 and 20-24
(*Cars must be dropped off no later than 5 days before Team Day)
Car Workshop Date: Sat., April 18
Team Days: April 27-30, May 1, 4-6
(*Grade 3-8 Teams more than 70+ miles Team Day – May 8)
Race Day: Sat., May 9, 2026
Check-in: 7:30 a.m.
Start: 8:30 a.m.
Where
International Soap Box Derby
Derby Downs Track
1000 George Washington Blvd.
Akron, Ohio 44312
2026 Fees
1 Team: $100
2 Teams: $90 per team
3+ Teams: $85 per team
Payment is not required to register; however, each team MUST pay the registration fee by May 1 or they will not be eligible to participate.
To pay with a P.O., please contact our director of administration at jaclyne@soapboxderby.org or 330.733.8723 x22
No refunds will be given for any reason.
Waivers: A signed waiver for each team member must be brought to team day in order to be able to drive a Soap Box Derby car on any International Soap Box Derby, Inc. sanctioned race track.
GRC Team Competitions (Optional)
Mini Car Team, Coach, and Mini Car Design Competitions Information
Mini Car Team & Coach Competitions Registration
Mini-Car Shell Design Competition Registration
Super Stock Car Shell Design Competition Information (high school)
Super Stock Car Shell Design Competition Registration (high school)
Photography Competition Registration Link (Grades 3-12)
Press Release Competition Registration Link (Grades 3-12)
Volunteer Opportunities
