Bret Michaels, Warrant to headline Super Nats

January 31, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

SALEM

The Steel Valley Super Nationals broke its attendance record last year, and promoter Corey Ward is hoping to top it this summer.

The annual gathering of hot rods, dragsters and high-performance street machines drew a total of 27,123 people to Quaker City Motorsports Park last summer for the three-day event. About 3,000 vehicles were on display.

This year, the Super Nats will take place June 26-28 at Quaker City.

In addition to the thousands of sharp vehicles on display, live drag racing and the festival atmosphere, another big draw of the Super Nats is the musical headliners.

This year’s top acts will be Bret Michaels — who also headlined last year — and Warrant.

Michael, frontman for rock band Poison and a reality-TV star — he was a winner of “Celebrity Apprentice” — will perform Friday, June 26. Opening the concert on the large outdoor stage will be popular local act the Huckin’ Fillbillies.

Michaels will perform all of the hits made famous by Poison, including “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” “Unskinny Bop” and “I Won’t Forget You.”

Michaels’ appearance last year drew a whopping 14,000 spectators. Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was the other headliner in 2014, and he also drew well despite the weather. “In the pouring rain, we had 5,000 for the Vince Neil concert,” said Ward.

Warrant will perform Saturday, June 27, with local opening act Haymaker.

Awards will be given out June 28 at 2 p.m., followed by a hot rod parade to Quaker Steak & Lube and Biketown Harley-Davidson in Austintown for the after-party.

The Super Nats are sponsored by Stadium GM Superstore. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. June 26 and 27; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29. Go to supernats.com or call 800-245-8118.