NORWALK, OH: The Kirk family, led by ’91 and ‘93 IHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock champion Doug Kirk, son Justin, and partner Ronnie Herald have stepped in to save the former IHRA sanctioned track, once known as Twin Branch. The Delbarton West Virginia facility, which sits on a reclaimed coal mine, was never developed past a racing surface and concrete wall. The track was only operated a few days before the management disbanded after a ten-year struggle to get the concept approved. The track has entered into a multi-year sanction agreement with WDRA and will be known as 304 Motorsports Park. The facility will be operated by Doug and his son Justin, the 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 WDRA’s Skooter Peaco. “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 completely build out the facility, as only the racing surface and concrete wall exist. “Doug always had a first-class racing operation and based on our conversation, I have no doubt he will translate that to the track,” said Peaco. “This is a labor of love for Doug as his father was a part of getting the facility to this point and Doug just 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 they become available.
About WDRA
The mission of the WDRA is to provide value as a sanctioning body to racers and facilities through process modernization, unparalleled service, and value-driven partnerships. For more information, visit our website at www.racewdra.com.