Saturday, June 24, 2006
Those promoting and attending the event hoped for better weather today.
By ZACH STIPE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
SALEM -- Mother Nature rudely welcomed the Steel Valley Super Nationals to its new location on Friday.
The three-day car and motorcycle event, which moved from the Canfield Fairgrounds to the Quaker City Raceway this year, was greeted with daylong showers during its first day.
The poor weather prevented drag racing, which many expected to be an exciting addition to this year's event.
The rain did not dampen the mood of promoter Corey Ward, though.
"If it had to rain one of the days, it'd be today," Ward said. "Friday is a historically slow day for the event -- even in Canfield. Tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be our big days."
Core Promotions bought the Nationals from Dave & amp; Ed's Auto Events and opted to move the event to Quaker City Raceway, adding the drag racing.
The Nationals will have "test and tune" drag racing for motorcycles and cars, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Gates open at 8 a.m.
Harley-Davidson
Today is Harley-Davidson Day sponsored by Warren Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson Buell of Youngstown. There will be a custom bike show at 2 p.m. with awards.
In the evening there will be a motorcycle parade through Salem to Chili's in Boardman.
Mike Pozega of Warren Harley-Davidson is excited to be a part of the event.
"We do a lot of motor work for Harley-Davidson owners and they are the types of guys that like to go to hot rod nationals," he said.
Pozega wants people to see what can be done with upgrades in performance. Warren Harley-Davidson will be showing off the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod Destroyer, H-D's first drag racing-specific bike.
"We wanted to show that Harley is involved with drag-racing," Pozega said.
Tim Hamilton of Harley-Davidson Buell likes the opportunities the Nationals provide to motorcycle riders.
He likes the idea of people being able to test their motorcycles in the safe environment the raceway provides.
"It's a nice safe track," he said. "When the weather helps us out tomorrow, it should be good."
There will also be a burn-out competition today.
Prices to register are $10 for bikes, $30 for cars and $5 for spectators. Despite the conditions, many people still attended the event.
Fan reactions
Seated at picnic tables underneath a pavilion, Bruce Ballentine and Gene Riachy enjoyed themselves even with the rain.
"It makes me feel like I'm 17 again," Ballentine of Lordstown said about being at the drag strip.
Ballentine, 63, and Riachy, 66, of Leavittsburg, remember drag racing cars on the raceway more than 30 years ago.
They pair recalled racing 1955 Chevys during the 1960s.
"We are from the old school," Riachy said.
"OLD, old school," Ballentine added.
Ballentine isn't too concerned about the Nationals' move from Canfield to Salem.
But he's curious as to how the city will handle the after-show, with cars and motorcycles crowding the streets.
"I like the smell of it and the sound of it," he said of the Nationals. "We are just waiting for it to dry off. Once the sun comes out, it'll be a pretty good show."