About Us

This is who we are!

The DASBD is now in its 10th year of All-American Soap Box Derby competition in the DuBois, PA, Area.  In 2008, our Committee strived to reestablish the derby races as an annual event in DuBois, as it had been many years ago. Prior to the 2009 derby held on West Long Avenue, DuBois,  it had been over 55 years since the last soap box derby was run in DuBois. Many seniors from throughout the local area recall this annual 4th of July event taking place on Maple Avenue in DuBois from 1947 through 1953. More than a few of these folks now volunteer on our Committee. In 2009, the committee accomplished its goal when they sent their two local Division champions to race in the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, on July 25^th, 2009.  They set a record for the DuBois Area by each of them winning a heat.  In that 2009 DuBois race,  a total of 34 youngsters – 7 girls and 27 boys – and their families from throughout the DuBois area participated in our local race.   Our Committee was thrilled with reestablishing this traditional event in the DuBois Area; an All-American tradition which began 76 years ago in Akron, Ohio.

In 2010, the DuBois Soap Box Derby Committee added a third Race Car Division, known as the Masters Division. This division was added to continue to develop our drivers as it is usually driven by more experienced drivers.

In 2011, the DuBois Soap Box Derby Committee added a fourth Race Car Division, known as the Superkids Division,  Superkids Division is a soap box derby race for physically and mentally challenged children from the DuBois Area.   Like the other 3 competitor divisions,  our race winner is invited to race in conjunction with the All-American Soap Box Derby Race and held on the same hill in Akron Ohio.    The race is known as the National Superkids Classic.  For more information visit-www.nationalsuperkids.com.

In 2015, DuBois All American Soap Box Derby began expanding its racing into the nearby town of Bellefonte and in 2017 will host their first rally on the once well know Bellefonte double drop hill.

The DuBois Area 10th Annual Race is planned for June 9, 2018, to be held on Industrial Drive in Sandy Township (behind Walmart)

The goals of the Soap Box Derby are to educate and inspire youth through fair and honest competition and mentorship. With a primary goal to advance family values, the Soap Box Derby provides an environment in which parents or other adults work hands-on with boys and girls ages 7 through 18 to instill basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project from start to finish. This is what motivates every person on our Committee.

Locally, the Soap Box Derby provides happy and fond memories of a childhood rich in meaningful experiences. Many in our community remember the races down Maple Avenue. Some participated in those races over half a century ago. They know what their Derby experiences mean to them.

Our Title Sponsor for the local race  is Johnson Motors Chevrolet and Cadillac of DuBois. They are very generous in supporting our effort  to expand the Soap Box Derby throughout the DuBois Area.  We could not have this annual event without their support.  If you see Mr. Johnson,  take the time to thank him for his support of our event.

Additional funds are obtained through participation fees, car sponsorship donations, race day sponsorships, patron donations, Race Day Program advertising and individual donations.

We are an IRS certified 501(c) 3, tax exempt, public charity organization. You can find us on the IRS Website, Online Version of Publication 78 (search: Soap Box Derby, Dubois, PA). Our Pennsylvania sales tax exemption number is 75-552448.

Annually we need to pay for the International Soap Box Derby licensing fee, advertising & promotion (which includes website expenses), race track preparation, mailing & postage, legal fees and miscellaneous other items.  It was a ‘labor of love’ and a lot of work for the officers and the dedicated members of our management Committee.

Please follow and enjoy this local event for the DuBois area by following us on our shutterfly web site at    www.duboisallamericansoapboxderby.shutterfly.com    Then, in June, come to the local races and watch the competition. Participate in the fun and excitement of our local race and join us and the winners of our three race car divisions when they compete at the National Championships in Akron, Ohio. They will be competing with other young people from all over the world. We will be cheering them on to bring National Soap Box Derby honor to the DuBois Area.