IHRA: Update on Twin Branch Motorsports Complex

Google "Twin Branch Motorsports Complex," and you'll find newspaper stories on the West Virginia project that date back to at least 2005. One of those stories from 2005, from the Charleston Daily Mail, details a $1.2 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to build a racetrack at the site of a reclaimed Massey Energy surface coal mine in Mingo County.

At the time, United States Rep. Nick Rahall said, "A motorsports complex like the Twin Branch Complex will thrive right here in the heart of Appalachia in southern West Virginia. Many people have put many hours of work into this project and all their hard work has paid off. This complex will not only give our racing fans a new premier venue, but it will create jobs, diversify the economy and promote tourism in Mingo County."

What followed was years of will-they-or-won't-they documentation, as the Twin Branch Motorsports Complex died – and was brought back to life – more than once. Petitions were circulated. The community was sometimes divided.

Now, finally, it appears the track is nearly ready for racing, and there's a good chance the IHRA will sanction it when it's completed. On April 23, the track held an open house and a ribbon cutting, with much of the local media in attendance. Said the Williamson Daily News: "CONSOL, a local coal operator, has been instrumental in designing this post-mine land-use project for the economic benefit of both Mingo and Logan counties. CONSOL's contributions to the project include: Completion of both the asphalt and concrete portions of the track area, including the return road; 100-foot water box/burnout area; 54-foot wide 1/8-mile track; 200-foot staging area; 22-foot wide return road; and a one-and-a-half-mile access road to accommodate race haulers in reaching the facility."

The story continued: "In addition to working with the county commissions to construct the facility, CONSOL representatives have also worked closely with Phil Gingrich of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) to develop the facility to IHRA specifications in order for the track to gain IHRA sanctioning."

According to the paper, about 1,000 people showed up, and what they saw was a track that is almost ready for racing, but lacks grandstands and other necessary structures. A commissioner at the open house said that the track is "actively pursuing an operator and an investor."

After more than a decade, the new eight-mile track is closer to hosting its first event. We'll keep you posted.