01/05/2026
As of January 2026, the developers of the proposed North Florida Motorsports Park in Nassau County have outlined several immediate and long-term milestones for the 600-acre project.
Immediate Next Steps
Property Acquisition: Developers are currently under contract to purchase the 600-acre site from Rayonier Inc.
Due Diligence: The development team is currently conducting environmental due diligence, specifically analyzing wetlands on the property.
Rezoning Application: Within the next six months, developers plan to file a request with the county planning and zoning board to rezone the land from Open Rural to a Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Environmental Permitting: The project requires an environmental resource permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District to manage water quality, dredging, and stormwater.
Long-Term Timeline
Civil Planning: Independent firms must develop detailed civil plans, which will then undergo review by the county’s development review committee.
First Phase Completion: Michael McNaughton, a project partner, stated that the goal is to complete the first phase of the development within two years (by early 2028).
Development Details
The park is designed as an "automotive lifestyle destination" led by Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal. Planned features include:
Professional Racing Circuit: A road course designed by Rahal to international safety standards.
Mixed-Use Amenities: Trackside residences, a hotel, spa, conference center, and a public karting facility.
Specialty Facilities: A shooting club, an RV park, and a watersports lake with a marina.
Project Partners: The development is a collaboration between Bobby Rahal, NF Sports Development, M2 Real Estate Advisors, and Atlanta Motorsports Park.
North Florida Motorsports Park plans to acquire land and seek rezoning for the project.
