Friday, June 20, 2008

SuperNats return to Valley

By Katie Libecco

SALEM - The Holy Days of Horsepower in the Mahoning Valley have arrived.

A mix of modified street cars, classic cars and hot rods began pulling into Quaker City Raceway Friday morning for the Steel Valley Super Nationals.

Director of operations Tom Baclawski says the three-day event is expected to bring out more than 100,000 spectators.

Admission for participating drivers is $30 and includes driver, vehicle, one passenger and unlimited track runs. Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with racing running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

The thousands of vehicles on-site include modified street cars to Top Fuel Dragsters, from rare collectibles to hand-built hot rods.

Goshen Township police say state Route 45 could see traffic with the influx of cars for the event, which organizers say draws people predominately from Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, but they've already had entrants from Michigan and Indiana.

A portion of U.S. Route 62 is also closed, leading to congestion. Goshen police say to watch for officers directing traffic if congestion becomes severe.

There's food and beverages on-site, some provided by Budweiser, one of the show's sponsors. Other sponsors include Y-103, Cruisin' Times Magazine, Bud Light, Harley-Davidson of Youngstown, Rock 104, VP Racing Fuels, Cazzco Shirts, The Cycle Source Magazine and Warren Harley Davidson BikeTown.

This is the third year the event has been held at Quaker City Raceway. It had previously been held at Canfield Fairgrounds by different promoters, and years ago was sponsored by Hot Rod Magazine. While located in Boardman, the show did not feature the same level of drag racing and featured a Mardi Gras-like atmosphere.

Salem will welcome drivers wishing to cruise after racing with an after-party downtown from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, featuring a cruise route, multiple stages for live entertainment and a burnout pit at Stadium GM. The events are sponsored by the Salem Tourism Advisory Board.

Baclowski says Saturday is the event's "Bike Day." For $10 admission, the rider and passenger will receive priority parking and unlimited track runs. For cars and motorcycles, there is no elimination and no bracketing for the unlimited track runs.

All vehicles wishing to race must pass a tech inspection by event officials.