Bill Scott Raceway – Summit Point Motorsports Park
Bill Scott Raceway, now operating as Summit Point Motorsports Park in Summit Point, West Virginia, boasts a rich history intertwined with motorsports excellence and advanced driver training, particularly for military and law enforcement agencies.(Wikipedia)
Origins & Racing Legacy
Established in 1969, Summit Point Raceway quickly became a hub for SCCA regional races and professional events like IMSA and Trans-Am. In 1980, Bill Scott, a former Formula Vee World Champion, acquired the financially struggling track. Under his leadership, the facility expanded its focus to include comprehensive driver training programs alongside traditional racing activities. (Wikipedia, RacingCircuits.info)
Military & Law Enforcement Training
In 1976, responding to a request from an Air Force colonel, Scott initiated anti-terrorism driving courses. These programs, developed through extensive research into vehicular terrorist attacks, emphasized skills such as evasive maneuvers, attack recognition, and wet-track driving. Techniques like the J-turn and bootleg turn became staples of the curriculum. (The Washington Post)
The training attracted a diverse clientele, including U.S. Special Forces, the CIA, State Department personnel, and international security teams from countries like Egypt and South Africa. Corporate entities such as Ford and Prudential also participated in these programs. (The Washington Post)
Civilian Driver Education
Beyond military applications, the facility offers civilian-focused courses like the “Accident Avoidance” program. This one-day class covers emergency braking, skid control, and off-road recovery, using retired police vehicles equipped with features like switchable ABS to simulate various driving conditions. (Swift | Silent | Deadly)
Track Facilities & Programs
Summit Point Motorsports Park encompasses multiple circuits:(Wikipedia)
- Summit Point Main Circuit: A 2.0-mile, 10-turn track hosting club races and the annual Jefferson 500 vintage race.(Wikipedia)
- Jefferson Circuit: A 1.1-mile track designed for high-performance and emergency operation driver training.(Wikipedia)
- Shenandoah Circuit: A 2.2-mile, 22-turn technical course featuring a replica of the Nürburgring’s Karussell turn.(Wikipedia)
- Washington Circuit: Opened in 2009, this facility includes a triple skid pad and sprint kart track, focusing on autocross and driver training. (RacingCircuits.info)
Programs like “Friday at the Track” (FATT) provide enthusiasts with opportunities to improve driving skills through classroom instruction, skid pad sessions, and on-track experience. (Summit Point Motorsports Park)
Legacy and Ownership
After Bill Scott’s passing in 2009, his family continued operating the facility until its sale in 2018 to Xator Corporation, a company specializing in national security solutions. Xator has maintained the park’s dual focus on motorsports and security training. (RacingCircuits.info)
For more information on current programs and events, visit the Summit Point Motorsports Park website or the Summit Point Training Facility.
