THUNDER RIDGE RACETRACK WILL BE REVIEWED - Flatwoods Project Would Cost $27 Million

(08/07/2003)
The WV Economic Development Grant Committee has two racetrack proposals to review before the August 15 deadline.

One is in Kanawha County at Quincy, and the other is at Flatwoods in Braxton County. The Thunder Ridge Racetrack at Flatwoods is requesting $13 million from the EDGC, with the total cost for the endeavor reaching $27 million.

The Flatwoods project includes a half-mile paved oval, a 1.5-mile paved road course, a quarter-mile drag strip and seating for 10,000 around the main track. The design also includes an amusement area that would contain a go-cart track. There are other plans for development in the area, which include stores and hotels.

Joe Mattioli is the track developer for the Flatwoods track. He says the track would provide a net economic impact to the area worth $135 million within the first five years of operation.

Mattioli says the Quincy track does not hold a candle to the one in Braxton County.

Mattioli has hooked up with NASCAR racing legend Bobby Allison for the Flatwoods project.