SUPERNATIONALS Promoters look to '05 for event's return

The event brings more than $1 million in spending on hotels, food and gas.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Promoters say they still hope to have the Supernationals at the Canfield Fairgrounds in 2005, even if it can't be held Memorial Day weekend as it has been in the past.
Supernationals spokesman Doc Riley said promoters are looking into having the event on another weekend in 2005. Fair officials said a new car show, the Steel Valley Nationals, will be given the first opportunity to decide on having an event on Memorial Day weekend in 2005.
Promoters canceled the 2004 Supernationals earlier this year because of scheduling problems. The 2003 Supernationals drew several thousand cars and 50,000 people to the fairgrounds. It creates more than $1 million in spending on hotels, food and gas in Mahoning County.
The first Steel Valley Nationals is set to be held Memorial Day weekend 2004 at the fairgrounds.
Not a factor in decision
Riley added that the decision to cancel the 2004 Supernationals has nothing to do with the loss of $50,000 in sponsorship money from the Youngstown and Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The money had been used to promote the event nationally, Riley said.
CVB Director Tom Lyden said the bureau had a five-year contract to pay $50,000 annually to the Supernationals beginning in 2002. That was the first year the Supernationals were slated to be part of the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour, which features about 3,000 classic cars and hot rods driving across country to car shows.
The contract between the Supernationals and the CVB required promoters to start the Power Tour at the fairgrounds, Lyden said.
The 2002 Power Tour, however, started in Lincoln, Neb., and ended at the fairgrounds.
Why pact was canceled
When the fairgrounds were not included in the 2003 Power Tour, the CVB decided to cancel the contract.
"We were in the right and they were in the wrong," Lyden said.
Lyden added that the focus of the event in recent years has been U.S. Route 224 in Boardman and not the fairgrounds. Many Supernationals spectators and participants cruise Route 224, bringing traffic to a near standstill and drawing the attention of police watching for reckless behavior.
Police made a handful of arrests at the 2003 Supernationals.
Boardman Police Chief Jeffrey Patterson said police will treat the 2004 Steel Valley Nationals in the same manner as past Supernationals.
"We expect nothing different and we'll plan accordingly," he said.
hill@vindy.com