The Sandusky Speedway Classic (1971–1977)

The event we now know as the Hy-Miler Supermodified Nationals began as the Sandusky Speedway Classic, first run in 1971, during the Bader–Gavin promotional era.

1971: The First Classic

• Held shortly after the track reopened under Bill Bader & Terry Gavin

• Featured three divisions

• Supermodified Winner: Armen Holley

• Late Model Winner: Johnny Benson Sr.

• Stock Car Winner: Wayne Prechtel

Later that same year, the first standalone Sandusky Classic for Supermodifieds was run.

• Winner: Nolan Swift — a legendary Northeast Supermodified racer
  This began the tradition of an annual major Supermodified event that quickly became one of the most prestigious open-wheel races in the Midwest.

1972–1977: Growing Prestige

Throughout the 1970s, the Classic grew:

• Bigger car counts

• More out-of-state Supermodified teams

• Increased fan attendance

• Sandusky cemented itself as a must-run track for supermodifieds

Drivers like Swift, Warren, Heveron, and the New England ISMA stars regularly appeared.
The event became the unofficial “Midwest Nationals” of winged Supermodified racing.

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🔥 1978: THE CLASSIC BECOMES THE HY-MILER

In 1978, new promoter Larry Boos took over the Speedway and decided the Classic needed:

• A stronger identity

• A name sponsor

• A marketing overhaul

• A format that would position Sandusky as the home of big-money Supermodified racing

⭐ The Rebrand: “Hy-Miler Supermodified Nationals”

Boos partnered with Hy-Miler, a regional gasoline brand, to sponsor a reimagined two-day Supermodified weekend event.

The Classic was officially renamed the:

HY-MILER SUPERMODIFIED NATIONALS

This change wasn’t just cosmetic — the whole event expanded.

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🚀 What Changed With the Hy-Miler Name (Starting 1978)

1. Two-Day Format

• Friday: Fast 40-lap preliminary race

• Saturday: The marquee 100-lap feature

2. Bigger Purse Money

The prize money significantly increased, attracting:

• ISMA stars

• Midwest standouts

• National open-wheel legends
  The Hy-Miler quickly became a crown jewel event.

3. National Attention

By the early 1980s, the Hy-Miler was widely considered:

• One of the Top 3 Supermodified races in North America

• A must-win event for any major winged Supermodified driver

Drivers from Ohio, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Canada would compete.

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🏆 The Hy-Miler Legacy (1978–2025)

From 1978 to 2025, the Hy-Miler Supermodified Nationals became the defining event of Sandusky Speedway.

The event made Sandusky Speedway famous nationwide and became the track’s signature weekend.