Akron, OH — July 9, 2026
The first Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton, Ohio, in 1934. The following year, the event moved to Akron, where the national championships are held annually.
During the sports heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance rivaled sellout capacity for a football game at Ford Field (65,000 + spectators).
The event’s popularity is experiencing a resurgence. In fact, Flint held a derby in 2026 with the reopening of Cronin Derby Downs, Michigan’s only active soap box derby track.
If you missed the event and want to experience a live derby race or you think this is something you might like to get involved with we suggest you take in this year’s National Championship in Akron.
Soapboxderby.org is a great resource with everything you might want to know about how to get started in the sport. Start your youngster on a path that is educational, wholesome, and entertaining. We would love to see you next year in Flint with a new Soap Box Derby entry.
