News Article

Lifelong Volunteer, Butch Mitchell, has passed away

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of an outstanding member of our Soap Box Derby family. Butch Mitchell, a dedicated and passionate volunteer who poured his heart into the Soap Box Derby, has sadly passed away. He was born on April 14th, 1941.
Butch was not just a volunteer; he was an integral part of the derby community. He started racing and volunteering in the 50’s. His unwavering commitment, dedication, and love for our racers touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Butch’s proudest moments were when his daughter, Candy, raced starting in 1985 and attended the All-American World Championships in 1988.
We will forever cherish the countless memories of Butch Mitchell cheering on our young racers and sharing Soap Box Derby history with them during Race Week through photos, storytelling and newspaper articles. The Blue Building will never be the same without Butch.

More News

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 youth organization to participate in these fun, gravity-racing, STEM...

read more

2024 Hall of Fame Inductee Tim Hiller Passes at 66

WAS THE NATION'S LONGEST-SERVING ACTIVE LOCAL RACE DIRECTOR Tim Hiller of New Philadelphia, Ohio, long-time volunteer race director of the Tuscarawas County Soap Box Derby, died on Thursday, December 26. He was inducted into the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame during race...

read more

Impacting Youth through STEM

By Linda Hubbell, Director of Education The International Soap Box Derby is impacting youth through STEM learning and gravity racing. We combine the two and bring our unique education programs into young people's lives whether in the classroom, during out-of-school...

read more