West Virginia may be one of the most proactive states in welcoming motorsport. I'm hoping to spend more time in the Mountain State this year.
Photography by Perry Bennett/WV Legislative Photography
West Virginia brought motorsports to its Capitol to celebrate the sport’s impact on the state. More than 30 vehicles came, ranging from road racing, to rally racing, to oval track, to off road.
[An easy place to host a race? How about West Virginia?]
“When people think of West Virginia, motorsports is likely not the first thing that comes to mind, but it should be,” Delegate Gary G. Howell said. “West Virginia has a rich history of motorsports, from hosting the very first race win for the new Camaro Z28 in 1967 in Wiley Ford during an SCCA event to hosting what was the world’s toughest race, the Blackwater 100. Now, with companies like Speedway Motors moving into the state due to our business-friendly climate and premier racing venues like Summit Point Raceway and others, West Virginia should be considered a motorsports destination. Motorsports Day at the legislature is a way to build that awareness.”
West Virginia Motorsports Day was presented by Senator Mark Maynard, GNCC Racing, SEMA, PRI and Backroads of Appalachia.
[Backroads of Appalachia: Using motorsports to boost an economy]
More than 30 organizations displayed at the Capitol as well, including Summit Point Motorsports Park, Street Outlaws and Drift Appalachia.
[Drift Appalachia brings Touge-style drifting to America]
West Virginia may be one of the most proactive states in welcoming motorsport. I'm hoping to spend more time in the Mountain State this year.
Strangely, no SCCA representation, local or otherwise, showed up.
This is a good reminder that I need to go visit Summit Point this summer for some HPDE.
Spent many enjoyable weekends at Summit Point.The SVRA needs to return.
hill climbs, rallies, touge/drifting is already making an appearance. excited to see more because the roads are fantastic and its not too terrible of a tow for a long weekend
Apis Mellifera said:Strangely, no SCCA representation, local or otherwise, showed up.
That requires a group to be present in the state. There used to be 2 autocross groups but they disbanded when there became no venues to hold an event, available lot size and facility liability insurance/lawyers put an end to it.
its also one of the greatest states to just....drive through. in the right car, almost any backroad becomes a thrill and the scenery is serene. you'd better bring paper maps or a good GPS system though.
In reply to Ranger50 :
Sounds like you're talking about Panthera. I ran some small drift events there before the lawyers stepped in, also some other organizers were trying to do much bigger events which didn't help.
In reply to dannyp84 :
No. There was a chapter down around Louisa and the capital area group. Eventually the capital area had the back lot at the mall in Vienna, but never heard anything shortly after that. It's never on motorsportreg nor fb.
Good state for car or motorcycle travel. Nice people, too.
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