Official Rules, Commissions and Committees
Race rules, commissions and committees are included below.
For the most up-to-date, official, ISBD race rules, the 2025 Rule Book is now available!
Also, view 2025 rosters for the ISBD Racing Commission, Rally Commission, and Competition Committee and learn what each volunteer group does for Soap Box Derby racing.
Please contact us at raceprograms@soapboxderby.org if you have any questions.
Race Seasons
The ISBD World Championships Racing Season begins August 1 each year and ends July 31 of the following year.
The ISBD Rally Racing Season begins the day after the U.S. Memorial Day and ends the following Memorial Day of each year.
Race Commissions and committees
Racing Commission and A-TEAM
The Racing Commission provides guidance and management of racing rules regarding Local races as well as the building requirements for the Stock, Super Stock and Masters cars. The Racing Commission is responsible for the inspection of Champ cars and largely responsible for managing the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby race in Akron each July. Within the Racing Commission is the A-team Subcomittee.
View Members
| RACING COMMISSION | ||
| Del Waldron, Chair | Larry Gallimore | Pat Murphy |
| Paul Bates | Roy Garren | Allison Pankoff |
| Linda Burkhammer | Travis Hayes | Dave Rigdon |
| Robert Cooper | Dave Hubbell | Keith Scheurman |
| Dan Costello | Danny Hughes | Brian Wagster |
| John Costello | Will Looman | Marylin Waters |
| Bo Donovan | Nancy Mooney | Jeff Gagnon |
| A-TEAM | ||
| Brianna Waldron | Dean Huminsky | Jay Moore IV |
| Jo Anna Harris | Bruce Hunsicker | Travis Plum |
| Kaylee Long | Kelly Hunsicker | Jennifer Sakeagak |
| Patrick Nigon | Nancy Iula | Holly Schilling |
| Lynn Costello | Jim Jedd | George Steward |
| Maryann Costello | Warren Jordan | Elizabeth Taylor |
| Bob Denecke | Sarah Kolesar | Dennis Werntz |
| Christine Donovan | Scott Kolesar | Annalee Werntz |
| James Geisler | David Knapp | Rick Wolfe |
| John Harmon | Ann Marine | Deanna Young |
| Katheryn Head | Douglas McLarney | Bill Behan |
Rally Commission
The Rally Commission is responsible for overseeing the Rally Program. This includes establishing and maintaining rally race rules as well as ensuring fun, healthy and safe rally programs meet the goals of the AASBD mission. The Rally Commission also handles rally rule questions and clarifications. All members are intimately involved in Race Week with the Challenge Races, Topside Show and various other Race Week responsibilities. The Commission also meets once a month via telephone. Each year the Rally Commission accepts applications for new members. Applicants should be knowledgeable and passionate about Rally racing. Contact soapbox@soapboxderby.org with questions for the Rally Commission.
View Members
| Gene Blackwell, Chair | Alan Howe, Honorary |
| Jamey Allen, Vice Chair | Stan Kokotajlo |
| Rachelle Tomasek, Secretary | Buzz Pankoff |
| Wendy Barr | Paul Rochon |
| Lisa Carpenter | Chris Schlafke, Honorary |
| Sally Fell | Anne Taylor |
| Al Garren | Jenna Wolfe |
Competition Committee
The Competition Committee is an advisory group composed of the committee chairs for the Rally, Racing and Regional Director Committees as well as a Soap Box Derby Board Member and a member appointed by the Soap Box Derby President & CEO. The Competition Committee is responsible for coordinating program initiatives, final review of proposed rule changes and providing input into AASBD strategic planning. Items for the consideration of the Competition Committee are brought forward by each of the committee chairs.
View Members
Alan Howe – Chair
Gene Blackwell – Rally Commission
Chris Harris – Regional Directors
Del Waldron – Racing Commission
Nancy Mooney – Race Director, Race Week and World Championships
Dennis VanFossen – Board of Directors
Scott Taylor – ISBD President and CEO
Updated: Feb. 2025
Rulebook Updates & Clarifications
Lubrication Rule A 13.01 Clarifications
Current (old) version:
A-13. Wheel Procedures
A-13.01 Lubricants are not allowed in the pits during a race without Race Director approval. Wheels must not be cleaned once the race has begun without the Director’s approval.
2025 (new, approved) version:
A-13. Wheel Procedures
A-13.01 Lubricants are not allowed. Wheels must not be cleaned once the race has begun without the Director’s approval.
Conduct Rule Clarifications (in red)
A-6. Conduct (A Participant is defined as anyone involved in the execution of the race event to include, but not be limited to: Racer, Racer’s helpers, Race observers, Race volunteers, Race Officials, etc.)
A-6.01 A participant, or member of the participant’s party, must not use, possess or distribute alcohol, tobacco or drugs, with the exception of those currently prescribed by a physician specifically for that person.
A-6.02 A participant or member of the participant’s party must not verbally or physically abuse and/or demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct towards another participant, official and/or spectator.
A-6.03 A participant or member of the participant’s party must not in any way endanger another participant, official and/or spectator.
A-6.04 A participant or member of the participant’s party must not in any way obstruct or interfere with another participant’s car.
A-6.05 A participant, or member of the participant’s party, must not in any way attempt to gain an unfair advantage over another participant.
A-6.06 A participant must not conceal or use any type of electronic and/or communication devices in his or her car while racing.
A-6.07 A participant, or member of the participant’s party, must not violate any AASBD rule, regulation, plan, or agreement.
Have a Rule Change Request or Question?
Please fill out the form below if you are looking to request a rule change or have a question about a rule. This information will be shared with the appropriate committees. We may reach out to you for more information.