Tri-State Raceway Park | Huntington

Tri-State Raceway Park, located just outside Huntington, West Virginia, is a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts in the Ohio Valley. Known for its high-energy events, family-friendly environment, and accessible location, the Raceway Park offers both thrilling racing experiences and a community hub for automotive culture.

Location and Setting

Tri-State Raceway Park is situated along State Route 60, northeast of Huntington, tucked among gently rolling hills and open farmland. Its semi-rural setting provides both natural scenic views and the space needed for large racing tracks, parking, and spectator facilities. The track layout is clearly visible from the surrounding roads, with grandstands, pit areas, and lighting structures punctuating the horizon.

The surrounding landscape features tall grasses, clusters of trees, and occasional farm fields, giving the venue a distinctly open-air, country feel that contrasts with the urban environment of Huntington nearby.

History and Development

Established in the late 20th century, Tri-State Raceway Park was developed to meet the growing demand for professional and amateur auto racing in the region. Over the years, it has expanded to accommodate multiple racing classes, improved spectator seating, and upgraded safety and track features.

The park has built a reputation for hosting both local and regional racing events, contributing to the growth of motorsports culture in West Virginia and neighboring Ohio and Kentucky. Its name reflects the tri-state area it serves, drawing fans and participants from across the region.

Track and Facilities

The Raceway Park is primarily known for its asphalt oval track, designed for stock car racing, late models, and other touring classes. Key features include:

Oval Track: Approximately 3/8-mile in length, suitable for short-track racing formats with tight turns and thrilling overtaking opportunities.

Grandstands: Elevated seating provides unobstructed views of the track, pit areas, and infield action.

Pit and Garage Areas: Modern facilities allow teams to prepare, repair, and showcase vehicles during events.

Lighting: Floodlights enable night racing, adding to the spectacle and accessibility for spectators after sundown.

Concessions and Amenities: Food stands, restrooms, and merchandise booths enhance the visitor experience.

Parking: Large paved and gravel lots accommodate cars, trailers, and RVs, ensuring convenient access for teams and fans alike.

The park emphasizes safety for both drivers and spectators, with reinforced barriers, fencing, and controlled access points.

Events and Racing Programs

Tri-State Raceway Park hosts a variety of events throughout the racing season:

Weekly Local Races: Stock cars, late models, and modifieds compete in regular weekly events, attracting local racers and fans.

Regional Touring Series: Occasionally, the park hosts higher-profile races, drawing competitors from across the tri-state area.

Special Family Events: Demolition derbies, go-kart exhibitions, and other motorsport-related activities provide entertainment for all ages.

Community Engagement: Open track days and driving clinics allow amateur enthusiasts to experience racing under controlled conditions.

The racing calendar typically spans spring through fall, with night races creating a particularly vibrant atmosphere.

Visitor Experience

Spectators at Tri-State Raceway Park experience a mix of adrenaline and community excitement. From the grandstands, fans can follow the fast-paced action of cars navigating the tight turns, while the infield and pit areas offer a closer look at the mechanics and team strategies.

Food stands provide classic fair-style options - hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and soft drinks - contributing to the casual, family-friendly environment. The sound of engines roaring, tires squealing, and crowds cheering creates an electric atmosphere, tempered by the open-air setting that allows visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Families often arrive early to explore the park, find shaded seating, and enjoy the social aspect of local racing culture. Many enthusiasts also bring cameras, notebooks, or binoculars to track lap times, capture images, and observe driver techniques.

Atmosphere and Character

The park embodies a lively, hands-on motorsports culture, balancing the thrill of racing with community interaction. It feels informal yet organized: fans gather in groups, children wave from grandstand seats, and drivers interact with their teams and spectators between heats. The combination of speed, noise, and camaraderie gives the park an energetic, immersive character.

Night events are particularly dynamic, with bright lights illuminating the track, engines echoing across the surrounding hills, and the crowd’s excitement creating a palpable buzz. During quieter moments, the natural surroundings - tree-lined hills and open fields - offer a gentle contrast to the intense action on the track.

Closing Impression

Tri-State Raceway Park is Huntington’s premier motorsports venue, offering adrenaline-fueled racing alongside a welcoming community environment. Its combination of professional-grade facilities, scenic location, and vibrant fan culture makes it an essential destination for racing enthusiasts and families alike. The park captures both the thrill of short-track racing and the spirit of West Virginia’s tri-state motorsports community.