Super Nats to feature motorcycle-amplifier

Salem will offer racing, food and music and a tuned-up bike.

By D.A. WILKINSON

VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU

SALEM — You know Alan Freed would have dug a hot motorcycle with a built-in amplifier and a guitar to plug into it.

The late Salem resident who gave the world the phrase “rock ’n roll” will be there at least in the spirit of others when the motorcycle helps kick off events before and during the Steel Valley Super Nationals.

The races run Friday through Sunday at Quaker City Raceway north of Salem.

The nonracing events in Salem begin Wednesday and run through Sunday evening. Salem merchants are expanding on the fun-food-drink theme that went over well during the bicentennial last year.

The motorcycle will be at Price2Sell Music, 420 E. State St., from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

This isn’t just any hog. It’s the Peavey Electronics/OCC — for Orange County Choppers.

Price2Sell owners Richard Price and Scott Sell of Salem provide lessons and sell instruments in a mellow environment.

“We’ve been in playing in the same bands since we were 14,” Price said. They opened the shop in February 2006, which actually started as a computer repair business.

They know that the maker himself, Hartley Peavey, is one of the legendary names in high-end audio and still makes some equipment in America. Many of Peavey’s contemporaries are either dead or sold out to other companies. Price said Peavey called the shop the other day, and they chatted for a while.

Touring hog

The Orange County Chopper bike was unveiled in April of this year on the show, “American Chopper” and was used in a performance on “The Late Show With David Letterman.” The stop in Salem is the only one scheduled in Ohio.

Price isn’t sure if he and his partner will get to play the guitar that comes with the bike. If not, they have Peavey brand guitars they can play.

The merchant events run every day and range from breakfast to bands. They are located from one end of town to the other.

Police last year cited several drivers for peeling tires, which they said could be dangerous to nearby crowds. This year, a burnout pit will be available at Stadium GM for those who want to burn rubber.

Super Nationals promoter Corey Ward said he’ll tie the event to the track’s 50th anniversary that falls this year.

Ward said one change this year is that racing will continue until midnight Friday and Saturday.

Police will be on hand to direct traffic. To prevent traffic snarls, those departing will leave by turning left from the raceway. They can then go south to Salem or in other directions.

For those who aren’t into racing, the weekend will end with a concert of easy listening and swing music at 6 p.m. Sunday in Waterworth Memorial Park.

wilkinson@vindy.com