About Us

Our Mission: The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration, fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculum, and other community-focused activities.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Contact Devin Smith at 815-529-1060 or email ay mchenrysoapboxderby@gmail.com

How can I get started racing?

New racers have a few options to get started racing in McHenry, IL, you can purchase and build a new stock car (ages 7 – 13) from AASBD, purchase a used car from an individual who is selling a car, borrow a car from McHenry soap box derby organization, or find a local sponsor who owns a soap box derby car and use their car. Be sure and discuss these options with Race Director Devin Smith.

McHenry is currently having a stock division local race only, superstock and master cars are not available. The stock division cars are for kids ages 7 – 13. If you have a child who is over the age of 13 that is interested in racing a Superstock or Masters car have them contact Contact Stan Iglehart at 630-841-8832 for more information their races are held in Naperville, IL. They have loaner cars available that you can borrow. Superstock and master care are for kids ages 9 -20 and are offered at the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby Association

Contact Devin Smith at 815-529-1060 or email at mchenrysoapboxderby@gmail.com to discuss the above options.

Visit our Getting Started page for more information on how to get started as a Soap Box Derby racer.

 

Do I have to buy and build a car?

For first-time drivers, we have club cars that you can re-build to fit your driver and use it to start racing. If you enjoy it, you can purchase a new car from All American Soap Box Derby, or a used car from an individual, or find a sponsored car in McHenry, IL. Build and construction clinics are held throughout the year.

Contact Devin Smith at 815-529-1060 or email mchenrysoapboxderby@gmail.com

How can I donate my time or money to help this local program?

Please contact us – we can always use both to grow our program! There are many opportunities to help prior to the race weekend as well as helping with the running the race on race day.

Contact Devin Smith at 815-529-1060 or email ay mchenrysoapboxderby@gmail.com

I have questions. How do I reach out?

Contact Devin Smith at 815-529-1060, text or voice, or email at mchenrysoapboxderby@gmail.com

Devin will reach out within 2 or 3 days.

Become a
Racer

Take part in the tradition of the McHenry Soap Box Derby – Get started with the program today to discover the excitement of gravity racing!