On your mark, get set, go! Race on over to Derby Downs with the Akron Press Club! Join us for a special event at the Soap Box Derby on June 30, 2026.
The event will feature remarks from Dennis VanFossen Jr., president and CEO of Soap Box Derby, just weeks ahead of the 88th annual FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby. There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience. Attendees will also have the chance to race down the derby hill!
Tickets are $35 and include admission and boxed lunch. Attendees can pay $10 more to ride down the derby hill.
Register here
Program: Akron Press Club at the Soap Box Derby
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Time: Doors open at 11 a.m. Speech begins at 11:15, followed by museum tours and derby car rides.
Place: 789 Derby Downs Drive Akron, OH 44306
Cost: $35-45 per individual. Fast and easy online registration.
Or contact the Press Club administrator at akronpressclub@gmail.com.
Advance sale tickets only.
Reservation deadline: Friday, June 26
Cancellations: Cancellation requests must be received no later than Thursday, June 25. After that time, there will be no refunds and an invoice will be issued for payment.
Featured Speaker
Dennis VanFossen Jr.
Dennis VanFossen Jr. was named chief executive officer of the Soap Box Derby in November 2025. He is responsible for overseeing operations of youth racing and education programs, as well as facilitating relationships with volunteers, sponsors, donors and community leaders. VanFossen is no rookie in the organization: He is a former Soap Box Derby winner, competing from 2001 to 2010 and was the Rally Super Stock world-champion at the 2007 All-American Soap Box Derby. He also served on the board of directors from 2020 until he was named interim executive director last June.
VanFossen holds a bachelor of science degree in sports studies from the University of Akron. He later served as executive manager of events at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, and as an independent sales consultant in recent years. He lives in Canton.
Local Soap Box Derby racing in more than 80 communities throughout the United States and several foreign countries will send champions to Akron for a week of activities leading up to the 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby world championship at Derby Downs on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Proceeds from Akron Press Club events fund scholarships for journalism and public relations students. Between the Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund, scholarships of $5,000 were awarded to 11 students in 2026. The Press Club sincerely thanks Summit County, Dr. Aileen Thong, Elizabeth Bartz and Bruce Winges for their donations to the scholarship fund.