600-Acre North Florida Motorsports Park Proposed for Nassau County near I-95

Concept drawing of the motorsports complex

A 600-acre motorsports and “automotive lifestyle” development — the North Florida Motorsports Park — is being proposed for northern Nassau County, introducing what its backers describe as a family-friendly, professionally designed racing and karting destination with residential, recreational, and hospitality components.

The project was announced Tuesday by a development group is headed by Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal, in partnership with NF Sports Development, M2 Real Estate Advisors, and Atlanta Motorsports Park.

According to the project’s website and an accompanying press release, the complex is planned for undeveloped Rayonier-owned land north along County Road 108, west of Interstate 95 near the Florida Welcome Center and within short driving distance of Amelia Island.

Project developers describe the centerpiece of the project as a professionally engineered road course designed to meet international motorsports safety and performance standards. Project officials said Rahal, a three-time IndyCar champion and member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, is participating in the track’s design and owner-experience planning.

Complementing the main motorsports facility, the project also includes a public karting facility pitched as a premier venue for drivers of all ages and skill levels. Developer promotional materials call it a “spectacular” karting track that will be certified to international standards.

The site plan described in the company's press release and on the project's website also references an array of supporting features, including a motorsports clubhouse, paddock facilities, event spaces, and automotive-focused amenities.

In addition to the racetrack uses, North Florida Motorsports Park is planned as a mixed-use destination featuring:

• Trackside condominiums with views overlooking the racing circuit

• On-site villas and additional residential options

• Collector-grade garage facilities for private automotive storage

• A members-only club offering exclusive track access and social amenities

• A hotel, spa, and conference center designed for events and extended stays

Promotional images provided by the developer also depict a conceptual layout that includes an RV park, a shooting club, and a water-sports lake with a marina, although developers have not released detailed engineering documents or filings confirming those elements.

Proposed location of the complex west of I-95 near County Road 108

The developer's announcement included statements of support from Nassau County Manager Taco Pope, who said the development represents “a transformative opportunity for Nassau County,” blending recreation, innovation, and economic development and helping elevate the region’s profile.

Rahal said North Florida’s strong automotive culture and proximity to the internationally recognized Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance make the area well-suited for a premier motorsports destination.

Michael McNaughton of M2 Real Estate Advisors, who is serving as a development spokesperson, described the endeavor as a union of “passion and place,” saying the project offers an unprecedented residential and recreational opportunity for automotive enthusiasts.

While the developer has released conceptual details, several key elements remain unknown including:

• No construction timeline has been disclosed.

• No development cost estimates have been provided.

• Architectural and engineering teams have not been publicly identified.

• No filings for rezoning, site plans, or development orders appear yet in Nassau County’s public permitting databases, based on available information.

The land identified for the project is presently owned by Rayonier Forest Resources LP, and according to Nassau County property records. According to the Nassau County Property Appraiser, a 583-acre timber tract on County Road 108 in unincorporated Nassau County is owned by Rayonier Forest Resources LP and matches the size and location described for the proposed North Florida Motorsports Park. As of this week, public records show no formal county approvals or detailed site plans for the project, and the developer has not released a construction timeline, cost estimate, or identified architects and engineers.

Early community reaction has largely been limited to social-media discussion and republished promotional materials, with some residents expressing interest and others raising concerns about growth, noise, traffic, and environmental impacts in northern Nassau County.

Kathryn Bryant posted on Facebook: "This is super exciting. We loved going to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham. Cannot wait to attend events at our own North Florida Motorsports Park."

But Robert Kirby had an opposite reaction: "OMG, not looking forward to this. Want a place to live, not a place for tourists, congestion, high prices and misery," his post said.

Detailed studies and mitigation strategies — including noise buffering, traffic engineering on County Road 108, stormwater management, and wetlands planning — have not yet been released.

Developers say they intend to continue refining plans and will provide additional information as the approval process moves forward. The project website encourages residents to sign up for updates and follow the development on social media under @nfmotorsportspark.