AKRON, Ohio (May 20, 2025) – The International Soapbox Derby announces their 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. They are Steve Geer of Uniontown, Ohio, Paul Bates of Culpeper, Va. and Alvin Staples of Fredricksburg, Va. The three long-time volunteers will be inducted into the International Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame during the post-race awards ceremony for the 87th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby world championships on Saturday, July 19.
“The Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame was established in 1997 to honor the significant contributions and efforts of individuals who have made it possible for the Soap Box Derby program to have a positive impact on the lives of young people throughout the United States and other parts of the world,” said Scott Taylor, president and chief executive officer.
“These new honorees bring the total number to 92 over the past 28 years,” Taylor said. “The first inductee was Myron Scott, who founded the Soap Box Derby program in 1934.”
The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees:
Steve Geer
STEVE GEER, Uniontown, Ohio
Steve Geer, 62, is an Akron native whose first involvement in the Soap Box Derby was as a competitor in the 1977 and 1978 local Akron races. He later became an active volunteer for the Akron local Soap Box Derby organization by staging construction clinics, mentoring and encouraging participants and sponsoring local racers. He continues as an inspector for the local racing events.
Steve Geer has contributed countless hours working on projects to enhance facilities at Derby Downs, including the starting line and ramps, track drainage and has fabricated and refurbished many signs around the facility.
He operates CLS Finishing in Tallmadge, which provides industrial painting and protective coatings used on plastics, electronics and other surfaces nationwide.
Paul Bates
PAUL BATES, Culpeper, Virginia
Paul Bates, 83, has been instrumental in the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby in Culpeper for more than 20 years. He has served on the local organization’s board of trustees since 2003 and promotes participation of youngsters and their families through school seminars and construction clinics. On land donated by the county, Paul Bates organized and managed the project to build a dedicated racetrack and support facilities for Soap Box Derby competition. The racing complex is named in his honor.
He also is a member of the International Soap Box Derby’s racing commission, which manages the program’s racing rules and construction requirements. During the world championships in Akron, he is the lead inspector for the Stock Division.
He is a retired operator of automotive parts and used car dealerships.
Alvin Staples
ALVIN STAPLES, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Alvin Staples, 67, was a spectator at the Soap Box Derby in Fredericksburg in 1997 and became interested in volunteering. Two years later, he became race director—a position he continues to hold. He has dedicated his time to promoting participation and support for Soap Box Derby racing, by staging construction clinics and displaying racecars at community events. His marketing efforts resulted in Fredericksburg fielding the largest number of racers in the United States of a least 160 boys and girls for 10 consecutive years starting in the early 2000s.
He joined the ISBD’s A-Team more than 20 years ago, became a member of the racing commission in 2012 and is lead inspector for the Masters division in the world championships.
Alvin Staples currently teaches automotive collision repair at North Stafford High School after retiring from operating his automotive body shop businesses.
About the International Soap Box Derby
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 fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculums, and other community-focused activities. The Derby’s Core Values and Drivers include Youth Education and Leadership Development; Family Engagement and Enrichment; Honesty, Integrity, and Perseverance; Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Teamwork and Collaboration; Mentoring; Volunteerism; and Commitment to Community. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby dates back to 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio.
For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org
CONTACTS:
Bob Troyer
(312) 543-6703
bob@soapboxderby.org
Jeff Phillips
(740) 412-3408
jeff@soapboxderby.org