In 1996, city councilman, Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks, suggested to bring back the running of the Soap Box Derby in Fredericksburg. The race had been run on William Street from 1951 to 1972, ending after the loss of Chevrolet as national sponsor. The city council agreed that the derby would be an outstanding community event to have back in Fredericksburg. The running of the derby would be the responsibility of the Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation Department, but many local business owners stepped up and purchased cars and donated what was needed to get the race started in 1997.
 
 Purvis Ford was Fredericksburg’s first title sponsor; 85 drivers ran in 2 divisions, stock and super stock, in the 1997 race. In 1998 the number of participants had increased to 125. The Free Lance-Star became the title sponsor in 2000. By 2001, The Free Lance-Star Classic in Fredericksburg was the largest race in the country. The masters division was added in 2004, sending three champs to race at the Nationals in Akron, Oh.

 The Soap Box Derby in Fredericksburg has been extremely successful. The derby is a family event that benefits the whole community. The race continues to be run on William Street in downtown Fredericksburg each year in June.