EDITORIAL: What a difference a year and a little experience can make.

The Steel Valley Super Nats has completed its second run in Salem and everyone is still talking about it. But this year, unlike the last, which was the inaugural Salem run, we’re hearing nothing but good things about the Super Nats. In 2006, we believe, organizers didn’t really know what to expect, and therefore did not prepare adequately for the event which drew thousands to the area. There were reports of traffic jams, multiple traffic arrests and many complaints from patrons about overzealous police.

Around 30,000 people attended the Super Nats at the Quaker City Raceway this year and 960 drivers raced their cars over the weekend. Figures still aren’t available for how many people attended the related events in downtown Salem. This year, even though spectators arrived earlier than expected and caught them off guard, organizers were able to recover smoothly and everything went well. Orange traffic cones provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation were used to create an emergency lane which improved traffic flow east of the downtown area. There were a few reports of 45-minute trips into town from Wal-Mart, but we heard no other complaints.

Local bars and restaurants are reporting record sales and police reported that arrests were no higher than for a usual weekend. Law enforcement officers were crediting the burnout pit at Stadium Chevrolet for drawing crowds and giving dragsters a way to legally alleviate their need to burn and peel out. Organizers, too, praised the burn out pit, citing the long lines of vehicles waiting to get into the pit. Due to its popularity, Stadium reopened the pit Sunday evening even though it was scheduled to be open only Friday and Saturday. Organizers also hope to schedule the burnout pit for all three days of the Super Nats next year.

Overall, it looks like a good time was truly had by all. We’re glad the Super Nats are planning to return in 2008 and hope that more events such as this will consider Columbiana County communities as hosts.