With competitors from world over, All-American Soap Box Derby in Ohio is ready to run all day

Leah Gunnels, of Rickman, Tenn, squeezes into her car before her Rally Masters Division heat in the First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby, in Akron, Ohio, Saturday, July 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Phil Long) (The Associated Press)

Paige Dewrock of Cape Girardeau, Mo., gets a good luck hug from her dad, Danny before her Local Stock Division heat in the First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby, in Akron, Ohio, Saturday, July 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Phil Long) (The Associated Press)

AKRON, Ohio – More than 400 competitors from four continents are competing in the 78th Annual All-American Soap Box Derby.

The competition in Akron takes place all day Saturday, with elimination heats of three and winners advancing in a bracket format with the finals taking place in the afternoon. There are three classes — Stock, Super Stock and Masters. The races traditionally draw more than 10,000 fans.

Notable alumni of the event include the late Johnny Carson, NASCAR President Mike Helton, 1983 Indianapolis 500 champion Tom Sneva and Heisman Trophy winners Paul Hornung and Pete Dawkins.