Alvin Staples, 67, was a spectator at the Soap Box Derby in Fredericksburg in 1997 and became interested in volunteering. Two years later, he became race director—a position he continues to hold. He has dedicated his time to promoting participation and support for Soap Box Derby racing, by staging construction clinics and displaying racecars at community events. His marketing efforts resulted in Fredericksburg fielding the largest number of racers in the United States of a least 160 boys and girls for 10 consecutive years starting in the early 2000s.
He joined the ISBD’s A-Team more than 20 years ago, became a member of the racing commission in 2012 and is lead inspector for the Masters division in the world championships.
Alvin Staples currently teaches automotive collision repair at North Stafford High School after retiring from operating his automotive body shop businesses.