Kirk Family Steps Up to Save Closed West Virginia Drag Strip
The Kirk family, led by ’91 and ‘93 IHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock champion Doug Kirk, has stepped in to save the former IHRA-sanctioned track once known as Twin Branch, alongside partner Ronnie Herald and Justin Kirk. The Delbarton, West Virginia facility on a reclaimed coal mine was never developed past a racing surface and concrete wall. The track only operated a few days before the management disbanded following a ten-year struggle to get the concept approved. Now, the track has entered into a multi-year sanction agreement with the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) and will be known as 304 Motorsports Park. The facility will be operated with a racer mindset with Doug and his son Justin, who holds the title of 2016 PDRA Top Dragster Champion.
“WDRA is proud to be chosen by Doug, Justin, and Ronnie to help them on their journey to finish the build on 304 Motorsports Park and to use our knowledge base to advise them and help them get to the finish line with this project,” said Skooter Peaco with WDRA. “We have been blessed with the opportunity to assist two tracks becoming active again so far this season. The hope is that the Kirk family and staff can get the facility to a soft open point before the season ends to add to that number. Having three tracks return to prosperity is amazing for our sport, and we are grateful that these tracks trust us to help them become viable again.”
The Kirk family must first completely build out the facility, as only the racing surface and concrete wall exist. Peaco continued, “Doug always had a first-class racing operation, and based on our conversation, I have no doubt he will translate that to the racetrack. This is a labor of love for Doug as his father was a part of getting the facility to this point and Doug wants to finish what his dad started. Mingo County will not be disappointed. They sold the property to the right people.”
WDRA will continue to provide updates on the progress and potential opening dates as any information becomes available.
This story was originally published on July 23, 2024.
The post Kirk Family Steps Up to Save Closed West Virginia Drag Strip first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
