Super Nationals are boon to the city

Good weather brought an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people to the city.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Moving the Steel Valley Super Nationals to Salem was a success.
Promoter Corey Ward, city tourism board member Daniel Nye, and Councilman Justin Palmer said Tuesday they were all happy with the three-day event.
The Super Nationals had been at Canfield Fairgrounds but moved to Quaker City Raceway north of the city this year.
Before the event, the Super Nationals were already set for June 22-24 in 2007.
Rain last Friday and Sunday evenings didn't help attendance at the track or in the city that wanted tourism dollars.
"I thought it went well, considering the weather," Palmer said.
But Saturday brought in a record one-day number of people to the track, according to Ward. He did not provide numbers and hadn't tallied total attendance for the three days.
Ward had estimated a total attendance of about 25,000, while Nye had estimated 30,000.
But Nye said he thought Saturday night brought a total of 30,000 to 40,000 people to downtown Salem.
"We're just grateful and happy to see people and the downtown brought back to life again," said Palmer, chairman of city council's economic development committee.
There was a mix of all ages and something for everyone to do, he added.
Nye said one popular sports bar and restaurant reported its best night ever. Other restaurants reported good business and groups that sold food or refreshments reported either good business or selling out.
Events at the track stayed open past the scheduled 5 p.m. closing Saturday because of troubles getting patrons in. Ward thanked police for their help and plans to work to improve access next year.
"There was a lot of traffic," Ward said.
In addition to the main entrance on South Range Road, gates will be open on state Route 165. Ward said that will allow people to come in at either end of the drag strip.
Tourist response
Nye said about 2,000 motorcycle riders who were at the event came to Salem later. He said that was about half of the riders who went to the drag strip Saturday, which was Harley-Davidson Day.
Nye said some of the riders had said they had never been invited before by any community, and some car clubs asked to be notified if Salem had any other upcoming events.
Ward thanked the tourism board, and Nye in turn thanked the city for its help.
Police reported only a few minor problems although its overtime for the event may reach five figures, according to Chief Robert Floor.
wilkinson@vindy.com