News

AKRON, Ohio (November 11, 2025) – The board of directors of International Soap Box Derby, Inc.  (the “Soap Box Derby”) has appointed Dennis VanFossen Jr. as its chief executive officer effective immediately. He has been serving as interim executive director since...

AKRON, Ohio (July 8, 2025) – Three hundred Soap Box Derby champions and their families and teams from the United States, Canada and Japan arrive in Akron Sunday, July 13. This starts a week of activities culminating in the 87th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby...

AKRON, Ohio (June 5, 2025) – The International Soap Box Derby recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Youth Volunteer Service Award - Keegan Altomare of Stow, Ohio; Alana Durica of Culpeper, Va.; and Jacob Hamm of Des Moines, Iowa. The award recognizes...

Changes do not impact the 2024/25 season, including the remaining 2025 local races, rallies or the World Championships in Akron on July 19. AKRON, Ohio – (June 6, 2025) – The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) announces changes to master build plans and rules...

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...

Leadership Ohio visited Derby Downs Friday, May 16, as a group of fellows took immersive experiences to a new level, racing down the hill in soap box cars The visit began with Scott Taylor,  ISBD president and CEO, sharing the history of the organization, its impact...

The International Soap Box Derby's May newsletter is out!   Download PDF  Important links you'll need to access the information in the newsletter: Go to the Race Week Store to find: Legacy Registration and Payment...

Volunteers from Cleveland Clinic Akron General celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Week at the International Soap Box Derby. On a beautiful, sunny spring day, 50 of the hospital system's amazing team members enjoyed fellowship and food, as well as the...

Ukrainian-born Dasha Driscoll of Omaha, 14, combines her passion for Soap Box Derby racing with her desire to give back to her home country. As of March 10, she has raised nearly $100,000 for the country where she and her younger brother were born. Watch story here:...

15th Annual Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition - Over 60 Teams Currently Registered STEM Gravity Racing in Akron is underway! And it's not too late for your school or group to join in the fun! Across northeast Ohio, schools, after-school programs, and...

Akron, Ohio (March 18, 2025) - The International Soap Box Derby is excited to be a part of the Kaulig Companies Chip In Fore Charity program presented by Fastenal. Any and all donations given to the ISBD, now through June 22 through the program, will receive an extra...

AKRON, Ohio (February 27, 2025)—Nominations are now open for the International Soap Box Derby's Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and the President’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards. The deadline to nominate is Fri., March 28. “We look forward to this year’s election of the...

Soap Box Derby has a new local race, built by STEAM The race is newly sanctioned, but the residents of Columbus, Ga. are no strangers to racing or the International Soap Box Derby's STEM education programs. In fact, today, the nonprofit Let's GROW STEAMx, launched...