Salem, racetrack owner plan Super Nats restart

SALEM — The city of Salem and racetrack owner Dan Swindell have teamed up to restart the former Steel Valley Super Nationals.

The summer event has a new name, possibly new dates and better coordination.

Mayor Jerry Wolford and Swindell announced the new agreement Friday afternoon.

Promoter Corey Ward had run the Super Nationals for four years but did not renew his agreement with Swindell. Swindell owns the Quaker City Raceway just north of Salem.

The new name for the event will be the Quaker City Super Nats.

The Super Nats have brought in an estimated 12,000 people from five states. Racers, motorcyclists and antique-car owners have all been able to co-exist without any major problems over the years.

The event has taken place in late June, but the dates may be changed slightly, Swindell said.

City bars, restaurants and other businesses have been able to get people leaving the raceway to stop for dinner, drinks or dancing on the way home.

Wolford said the city will run operations that have been called the “After Party” for the Super Nats.

In the past, there were a variety of events in the Super Nats for people of all ages.

But officials said that there were problems with schedules being set right before the event and trying to determine where revenue for the event went.

City Auditor James Armeni said that some costs next year may go through the city’s tourism board. The board has about $7,100, The tourism board is funded by a bed tax, but the city’s hotel has closed.

Steve Andres, the director of public service and safety, will oversee “After Party” activities in the city.

Andres said that last year, the city’s overtime was $9,500 as compared to $11,800 two years ago.

Andres said he would be happy if the city can recover its overtime cost through fees, such as electrical tap-ins for vendors.

There’s a handshake agreement between Swindell and the city but no written contract about the racing and After Party.

The city also wants to buy approximately 170 acres from Swindell at about a cost of $1 million in Green Township in Mahoning County in order to expand. That would include the raceway and about 75 acres that are open for development. The land would have to be annexed to Salem.

The city is searching for funds. Swindell, asked if the city had made any payment to secure the sales agreement, took out his wallet, produced a dollar bill and said with a smile, “No.”

Audrey Null, the executive director of the Salem Area Chamber, said the chamber is supporting the plan.

wilkinson@vindy.com