Ukrainian-born Omaha Champ raises $100K for home country

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: You Have Done More for Ukraine than the Strongest Hero

She and her brother Michael, now 11, were adopted by American Jon Driscoll and his Ukrainian wife, Svetlana. They immediately found a love for soap box derby racing and even credit being involved in the sport with helping them learn English. In 2023, Dasha traveled to Akron for the first time to represent Omaha as well as her home country in the 85th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby on Saturday, July 22 at Derby Downs.

Dasha won the novice Stock division at the Omaha Soap Box Derby in June in her sleek racer painted blue and yellow–the colors of Ukraine’s flag–as a tribute to her heritage. Her car is named “Wind of Ukraine,” which is lettered in Ukrainian on the side of her car along with a graphic of a child holding a dove of peace.

Recently, Dasha and her soap box car were on full display at the World of Wheels auto show. They were part of the Omaha Soap Box Derby booth from March 7-9, 2025. Her iconic car shines bright through Ukrainian symbolism and colors, conveying her message to the world.

From Ukraine to Ohio: How the Soap Box Derby is helping Dasha Driscoll and her homeland

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