By Mary Catherine Brooks
Wyoming County Bureau Chief
—
Now one of their neighbors, NASCAR champion Greg Biffle shared a few racing stories, a little of his history and his love for the area with those attending the annual Mullens Area Chamber of Commerce dinner Tuesday evening.
Biffle purchased a large parcel of land near Mullens and employs four people on the site.
The 40-year-old race car driver grew up in Washington state, and West Virginia’s terrain and fishing compares favorably, Biffle noted.
He said he made the decision to buy the Wyoming County property, with “the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trails down the driveway,” in just a matter of days.
“I really, really loved the area,” Biffle said, adding he’s been to the county about half-a-dozen times since the purchase.
“I’ve met some of the nicest people,” he noted.
While he hasn’t finalized plans for the property as yet, he initially wanted to build an eight to 10-room lodge to house his family, friends, racing buddies and sponsors.
“I wanted a place I could spend a few days and have a little fun,” he emphasized.
Since that time, he’s learned of the need for lodging for ATV riders who utilize the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trails and is considering construction of a larger facility.
“Anything is possible,” Biffle said of his plans for the property.
Earlier in the evening, Ron Bailey was honored for his support of the Mullens Volunteer Fire Department.
Bailey has helped the fire department garner equipment and much needed cash to continue their critical service to the small city.
“Mullens is not a town, it’s not a city,” Bailey said. “All the outlying areas and the coal camps are all part of Mullens. We’re not a town, we’re a family.”
Touched by Bailey’s words and the lives lost in the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion, Biffle pledged $2,500 to the fire department and $2,500 to Mullens’ Coal Miners Memorial.
