West Virginia dragway reopening this weekend after seven years

MASON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – A West Virginia community is getting ready to start their engines once again after a popular dragway in Mason County announced they’re set to reopen this weekend.

Kanawha Valley Dragway, which closed in 2017, will reopen as the Southside Dragway on Saturday, May 18, according to the new owner Earl Smith.

“All the racers, we’re like one big family. We really miss seeing one another since the track has been gone for seven or eight years,” Smith said. “Everybody is just really excited. Everybody has really donated their time, money, just whatever they could to help us get this thing back going.”

Smith, who was brought up in a family of racers, is familiar with the old Kanawha Valley Dragway. When he was younger, Smith said he used to “Bracket Race” there.

“In today’s time, there’s nothing around here. So, if somebody was going to race, you had to travel 2.5 to 3 hours away. So, you’re spending 5-6 hours a day on drive time and $200 worth of diesel fuel,” Smith said.

The process to reopen the dragway started last year around October, according to Smith. To afford the race track, he sold eight of his self-built muscle cars.

With the help of his family, friends and the community, they were able to restore the race track. Months later, they’re now able to welcome back the old tradition.

“West Virginia finally has a race track, and we’re looking forward to being a part of it,” Smith said.

Smith said the dragway seats over 4,000 people. There is a concession stand called the “Pit Stop Cafe” for anyone who wants something to eat or drink.

To pay tribute to racers who’ve passed away, a wall inside the “Pit Cafe Stop” is designated to displaying their photos and a racing prayer. Families who would like to honor a loved one can pay $10 to have their photo framed on the wall.

On Saturday, Smith said there will only be “Arm Drop or Heads Up Racing” until the timing system can be installed, and then they’ll be able to begin “Bracket Racing.”

The gates will open at 9 a.m. for racers, and the racing will begin at 3 p.m. weather permitting. Admission is $20 for spectators.

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