About Us
The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) serves as the official sanctioning body of Soap Box Derby racing, holding exclusive licensing partnerships with over 80 race cities worldwide. These cities organize official Soap Box Derby races, where champions qualify for the annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby® World Championships each summer in Akron, Ohio.
Our Soap Box Derby STEM-Based Education Program exemplifies our dedication to youth education and leadership development. It encompasses a STEM curriculum, the Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition, the Mini-Car Program, and STEM Summer Camps. These initiatives reflect our commitment to our core values and mission.
What Drives Us
We’re constantly asking ourselves what drives us and this organization forward – essentially, what is our “why”? To that, the International Soap Box Derby board of directors, with the help of our staff and volunteers, has completed a three-year strategic plan to make sure we are still on track (pun intended). Below, we share our refreshed mission, vision, and values, as well as our strategic focus areas and most importantly, our “why.”
Our Mission
Gravity racing that cultivates lifelong skills and character.
Our Vision
Inspires lifelong learning in young people around the world with competition, collaboration and STEM.
Our Values
Education
Community
Sportsmanship
Our Why
To know the thrill of the hill.
Strategic Focus Areas 2025
Programming
Facilities
Leadership
Operations
Brand Awareness
Our People
Meet the people who are the backbone of the organization. The International Soap Box Derby’s Board of Directors oversees operations. ISBD HQ staff, located in Akron, Ohio are responsible for overall operations, fundraising and development, maintaining Derby Downs, events at Derby Downs, race operations, and marketing and communication. Regional Directors oversee sanctioned race cities in the Derby’s national and international regions. The Racing Commission provides guidance and management of racing rules, inspection, and managing the World Championship races. Rally Commission oversees the expansive rally program, and the competition committee coordinates program initiatives and final review of proposed rule changes.
Thank You To Our Partners
The International Soap Box Derby’s Foundation Partners play an essential role in helping us grow the impact of our programs that introduce youth to gravity racing and build essential STEM skills.
The History of the Soap Box Derby
Did you know that the idea of the Soap Box Derby® grew out of a photographic assignment? A Dayton, Ohio newsman named Myron Scott was inspired by local kids and created a proposal for a local youth gravity race that was picked up by Chevrolet. Chevrolet then sponsored the first official All-American Soap Box Derby® in 1934! Learn more about the roots of this organization, the generations of Champions we’ve inspired, and view the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame.
News & Updates
Nominations Now Open
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...
Soap Box Derby Built on STEAM
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...
2025 STEM Gravity Racing Challenge and Summer Camp
Preparation for the International Soap Box Derby’s STEM Gravity Racing Challenge and Summer Camp in Akron, Ohio is underway! We are excited to share this information and invite you, your school or...
Annual Reports
Trademark & Logo Usage Guidelines
The International Soap Box Derby® is the owner of the following trademarks, each of which is registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office:
- Soap Box Derby 1084300 (U.S.)
- Soap Box 4446805 (U.S.)
- All-American Soap Box Derby 1079538 (U.S.) U.S. TM Registration No. 1,061,212
- American Soap Box Derby
- Thrill of the Hill 2039500 (U.S.)
- The Greatest Amateur Racing Event In The World 3733789 (U.S.)
- AASBD 3186664 (U.S.)
- Gravity Racing Challenge 4,590,442 (U.S.)
The International Soap Box Derby owns the following logos:
These trademarks and logos are property of the International Soap Box Derby and cannot be used unless written consent is provided by the ISBD.
