Despite threatening weather throughout the day, Mahoning Valley Speedway Park pushed forward with Saturday night’s racing program — and track officials believe the decision paid off in a big way.

Storms forced several nearby tracks to cancel their programs, but Mahoning Valley Speedway Park kept its gates open and was rewarded with a strong turnout, competitive racing and a fireworks display that capped off the evening.

“Yesterday, the weather threatened to cancel race day,” the track posted on its Facebook page Sunday. “Storms rolled in, tracks around us shut their gates, and plenty of people thought moving forward was crazy. But one man with a dream, determination, and belief in the racing community said, ‘We are racing tonight.’”

The post continued by describing the night as a sign that “racing is alive and thriving at Mahoning Valley Speedway Park.”

On the track, Cody Boehm captured the 602 Modified feature, Frankie Althouse won in Street Stock competition, Shayne Geist earned the Hobby Stock victory, and Bobby Kibler Jr. claimed the Pro 4 feature. Todd Fulmer and Jereme Spanburg also recorded victories in the Junk Car Twin 30’s.

Times News photographer Dave Tsky was there to capture all the action.

Mahoning Valley Speedway Park now turns its attention to Saturday’s May 16 program, which will feature Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, Late Models and Pro 4 racing.

Pit gates open at 11 a.m., grandstands open at 4 p.m., and racing begins at 6 p.m.

General admission is $15, while children ages 10 and under will be admitted free. Senior and military discounts will also be available with identification.