Details are emerging on a proposed motorsports park in Nassau County, including land under contract, a forthcoming rezoning request, a proposed timeline for the project and the possibility of incentives.
North Florida Motorsports Park, announced Dec. 10, will feature a racetrack designed by Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indy 500 winner and International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee.
Rahal is a partner in the proposed project, which includes trackside residences, a kart track, garage facilities and a private membership club.
Other planned elements include a hotel, spa, conference center, RV park, shooting club and watersports lake with a marina.
Michael McNaughton of M2 Real Estate Advisors, a representative and project partner, said in a Dec. 24 interview that the developers were under contract to purchase 600 undeveloped acres off Interstate 95 and County Road 108 near the Florida-Georgia border.
Rayonier Inc. owns the property through Rayonier Forest Resources LP.
McNaughton said the partners are carrying out due diligence on the property, including analyzing wetlands.
In an email to the county, McNaughton wrote, “Nassau County is the perfect spot” due to it being the host location of the Amelia Concours, a multiday annual event that includes competitive car judging, auctions and seminars. He also cited, “the coastal lifestyle, and the proximity to an economically attractive area with superior access and a pro-business climate.”
McNaughton said the project will require a rezoning from Open Rural to Planned Unit Development. He said he expects to start that process to make that request with the county planning and zoning board within six months.
Other requirements include an environmental resource permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District. The permitting is designed to protect water quality and quantity, and natural systems by regulating activities like dredging, filling, and stormwater management.
Separately, the project’s civil plans must be developed by an independent firm and then reviewed by the county development review committee.
McNaughton said he hoped the first phase of the project would be completed within two years.
The track is envisioned as an “enclave for motorsports enthusiasts” who want to drive the track with personal street vehicles.” McNaughton said.
“This is for people looking for second homes in a tax-free state who want to kind of enjoy themselves in a heavily wooded, beautiful setting with all other types of amenities.”
Plans to attract sanctioned circuit races are unlikely, he said.
“We’re skewing likely no, because of all the other things and amenities and areas for viewing for the public that we have planned. That might be a bit ambitious and unnecessary,” McNaughton said.
McNaughton does not rule out a request for financial incentives.
“You know, there may be some infrastructure opportunities, but we have not broached the incentive discussion yet. We need to understand exactly what’s necessary for the site,” he said.
Emails indicate project discussions began in 2024 between the county and project developers.
Other North Florida Motorsports Park partners are NF Sports Development for financial advisory and motorsports project development and Dawsonville, Georgia-based Atlanta Motorsports Park for operational expertise and motorsports management.
“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 in a Dec. 10 news release.
A similar project is planned about 95 miles to the south in Palatka. A $200 million, 440-acre motorsports complex is proposed next to the Palatka Municipal Airport.
It is led by former NASCAR drivers Scott Lagasse and son Scott Lagasse Jr. with plans including a racetrack, garage condos, driver training and a museum.
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request for the project Nov. 19. A large-scale future land use map change was approved by the board Sept. 23.
“After exploring this announcement, we believe we have the superior team and the superior location. That said, it is likely only one project will advance so time is of the essence to stake a claim and garner support, both public and private,” McNaughton wrote in an email to Nassau County.