From Derby Champion to Derby President

Dennis VanFossen Jr. leads the International Soap Box Derby organization after winning the championship as a youth

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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Dennis VanFossen Jr., a former Soap Box Derby World Champion, has been named the new president and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby organization. VanFossen, who grew up competing in the derby, is now tasked with leading the iconic Akron-based organization as it celebrates its 88th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby.

Why it matters

The Soap Box Derby is one of Akron's most cherished traditions, with a history dating back nearly a century. VanFossen's appointment as president represents a passing of the torch to a new generation of leadership, one with firsthand experience in the derby as both a competitor and champion.

The details

VanFossen, 32, first started competing in the Soap Box Derby at age 5 alongside his sister Ashley, who went on to win the 2001 World Rally Super Stock Championship. VanFossen himself qualified for the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby five times, finally winning the 2007 World Rally Super Stock Championship. He and his sister became the first brother-sister duo to win the championship in the Rally division.

  • VanFossen began competing in the Soap Box Derby in 1998 at age 5.
  • VanFossen won the 2007 World Rally Super Stock Championship.
  • VanFossen was named president and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby organization in November 2025.

The players

Dennis VanFossen Jr.

A 32-year-old Canton resident who was a former Soap Box Derby World Champion and is now the president and CEO of the International Soap Box Derby organization.

Ashley VanFossen

Dennis VanFossen Jr.'s sister, who also competed in the Soap Box Derby and won the 2001 World Rally Super Stock Championship.

International Soap Box Derby

The Akron-based organization that hosts the iconic FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby, one of the three most recognizable symbols of Akron along with the Goodyear Blimp and rubber tires.

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What they’re saying

“As a kid from the program and a former World Champion (2007), I'm completely honored to lead this organization to #Derby100 and to continue to give back to a program that has given me so much over the years.”

— Dennis VanFossen Jr., President and CEO, International Soap Box Derby (cantonrep.com)

What’s next

The International Soap Box Derby organization will celebrate its 88th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby this year, with VanFossen leading the organization as it looks ahead to its 100th anniversary.

The takeaway

VanFossen's journey from Soap Box Derby champion to president of the organization represents the passing of the torch to a new generation of leadership, one with a deep personal connection to the iconic Akron tradition. His appointment signals a commitment to honoring the derby's legacy while also inspiring the next generation of competitors.