BY MEGAN WILLIAMS

One-hundred and fifty-one racers will take their marks this Saturday in the 35th running of The Free Lance-Star Classic Soap Box Derby.

For the past few months, racers ranging in age from 9 to 17 have built their cars, practiced and anticipated their turn sweeping down William Street.

The road will be closed from College Avenue to Washington Avenue beginning at 5 a.m. and ending when the race does, around 4 p.m.

But the day's activities will officially begin at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremonies. Racers will parade up William Street in a trolley, take a group picture, and the first racers will zoom down the hill around 9 a.m. Every 56 seconds or so, another duo will race.

There are three classes: super stock, stock and masters, the varying factor being the age of the racers--masters racers are a few years older--and the design of the car. The winners in each class will receive a trophy.

For all the details, see Friday's special section in The Free Lance-Star.

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