North Florida Motorsports Park announced Dec. 9 it plans a 600-acre development in Nassau County.
A map with the announcement shows the park on undeveloped land north along County Road 108 west of Interstate 95 near the Florida Welcome Center rest stop. Access to the park is from County Road 108.
The park says it will feature a racetrack designed by Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indy 500 winner and International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee. Rahal is also a partner in the project.
The development would have trackside residences, a kart track, garage facilities and a private membership club. A hotel, spa and conference center are planned.
A map shows an RV park, shooting club and a watersports lake with a marina.
“This region has an incredible automotive culture, and North Florida Motorsports Park will provide enthusiasts with an exceptional venue to celebrate that passion,” Rahal said in a news release. “We’re creating more than a racetrack – we’re building a community.”
In addition to Rahal, the release said project partners include:
• NF Sports Development: Financial advisory and motorsports project development. The company website says it is based in Illinois and Orlando and “has professional racing and sports education on its core and targets the North American market.” The website says the company was founded in 2015 by former Brazilian Formula One racer Rubens Barrichello and Bruno Fusaro.
• M2 Real Estate Advisors: Real estate strategy and development. Founded by Michael McNaughton, the company is based in Ponte Vedra Beach. McNaughton is the former COO of Jacksonville shopping center developer Sleiman Enterprises.
• Atlanta Motorsports Park: Operational expertise and motorsports management. Jeremy W. Porter is the creator and CEO of Atlanta Motorsports Park, which was founded in 2012. The racing venue in Dawsonville, Georgia, is a “motorsports country club” offering auto and kart racing. It offers residential condos and villas.
The release says Rahal’s role will be “prominent, ensuring not only world class off-track facilities but also track design with world leading architects, delivering what promises to be a true driver and owner focused experience, from start to finish.”
According to Nassau County property records, the land on which the park would be developed is owned by Rayonier Inc. through Rayonier Forest Resources LP.
Rayonier is the developer of the Wildlight community in Nassau, where it is now headquartered. Rayonier announced in October it plans to merge with Spokane, Washington-based PotlatchDeltic Corp. and move its headquarters to Atlanta.
“This Project represents a unique convergence of passion and place,” McNaughton said in the release. “The trackside condominium concept offers an unprecedented real estate opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts who want to live where they play. We’re seeing tremendous interest in experiential luxury real estate, and this project positions Nassau County, North Florida at the forefront of that trend.”
The release did not include a timeline, development cost or the project’s architects and engineers.
“North Florida Motorsports Park represents a transformative opportunity for Nassau County. This project blends innovation, recreation, and economic development in a way that strengthens our community and elevates our region. We are proud to welcome a world-class motorsports destination,” said Nassau County Manager Taco Pope said in the release.
“North Florida Motorsports Park is the evolution of automotive lifestyle communities,” Fusaro said. “We’re creating an environment where driving enthusiasts can pursue their passion while enjoying world-class amenities and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.”
The project did not respond to an email for comment.