BY MEGAN WILLIAMS

One hundred fifty-one racers will roll down William Street Saturday in the 35th running of Fredericksburg's soap box derby.

Everyone else will have to find another place to drive.

To clear the way for The Free Lance-Star Classic Soap Box Derby, William Street from College Avenue to Washington Avenue will be closed from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On each side of William Street, a block of Sunken Road, Little Page Street and Kenmore Avenue will also be closed. Brompton Street from Sunken Road to Kenmore Avenue will be open for residential traffic only.

Barricades will keep traffic away from these areas.

Through drivers and those parking to attend the derby are encouraged to take Hanover Street.

Spectators numbering in the thousands are expected to watch the all-day event.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. and end about 4 p.m., after which the winners will be given trophies in an award ceremony. The rain date is Sunday.

There are three classes of racers: super stock, stock and masters. The difference is the design of the car and the age of the racers; masters racers are slightly older.

Last year there were 158 racers. The winners were Candice Smith in the super stock class, Michael Lohr in the stock class and Travis Staples in the masters class.

Megan Williams: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Email: mewilliams@freelancestar.com