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Super Nationals are ready to rumble
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
SALEM
There are great performances. And then there is high performance.
The former might include the sound of a finely tuned symphony orchestra. But the latter definitely refers to the roar of a finely tuned supercharged engine.
The Steel Valley Super Nationals will roll into Quaker City Motorsports Park in Salem this weekend, bringing with it thousands of high-performance vehicles. The drag strip is at 10359 W. South Range Road, just north of the city.
About 3,000 hot rods from 10 states will arrive for the annual three-day event, according to Corey Ward, who runs the Supernats. An additional 2,000 drag racers also will be brought in to the drag strip.
The population of the Quaker City Motorsports Park will swell to about 15,000 on Friday and Saturday, and about half that many on Sunday, said Ward.
Most people come for the cars, lovingly restored and ready to race. But as day turns to night, they stay for the rock music.
Headlining the Supernats this year are Vince Neil, lead singer of Motley Crue, on Friday. Bret Michaels, former singer of Poison, will take the stage Saturday night.
A fireworks show will cap the evening after Friday night’s concert. It will begin around 11 p.m.
Day passes are $15 per person per day.
A weekend pass is $50 and is good for two people. The weekend pass includes in-and-out privileges all weekend, camping and the concerts.
schedule for the weekend
FRIDAY
9 a.m.: Gates open.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Test and tune drag racing.
7 p.m.: Haymaker concert.
9 p.m.: Vince Neil.
11 p.m.: Fireworks.
SATURDAY
9 a.m.: Gates open.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Test and tune drag racing.
7 p.m.: Huckin Fillbillys.
9 p.m.: Bret Michaels.
SUNDAY
9 a.m.: Gates open.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Test and tune drag racing.
3 p.m.: Top 10 hot-rod awards.
3:30 p.m.: Police- escorted hot-rod parade to Quaker Steak & Lube in Austintown.
5 p.m.: Gates close.
5 p.m.: Super Nats afterparty at Quaker Steak & Lube in Austintown.