America’s newest racing facility celebrates major milestone as opening date draws closer
Westel – One year ago yesterday, work officially commenced on Flatrock Motorsport’s (Flatrock) Tilke-designed, 5.9-mile, 34-turn circuit race track in the heart of Cumberland County. “America’s newest premium racing facility” will combine both a 2.67-mile F.I.M and FIA Grade II certified competition ‘Grand Prix’ track and a 3.50-mile private members ‘Club’ circuit for members and is due to open in 2024.
Flatrock is marking the one-year anniversary and celebrating progress made.
Progress – Much progress has been made on the project over the year.
“Construction on the facility has been progressing rapidly since the first shovel went into the ground last year,” said Flatrock in a release. “Most significantly, the paving process on the ‘Club’ circuit has been underway since August with the first layer of the 3.5-mile members’ course due to be completed by Dec. 2023, preceding the application of the final two layers in the first half of 2024.”
Construction teams have installed 19,000 feet of stormwater pipe and moved over 45,000 loads of dirt and close to 8,000,000 cubic feet of rock over the past year. Another 1,000 feet of pipe was added to complete the “major stormwater piping for Phase 1” of the project.
“This does not include the miles of underdrain, French drain and additional track drain being installed simultaneously,” according to Flatrock.
Turn – The vision of cars zooming around turns is becoming clearer.
According to the release, 3,500 truckloads of base stone were laid on the track and run-off areas and 1,600 loads of asphalt. The roadways around the track were laid with 1,050 truckloads of base stone and 600 asphalt before 350 truckloads of surface can finish the job on all track, run-offs and roadways.
“Flatrock Motorclub is more than just a circuit where members can potentially reach an average speed of 101.53 mph; it is also set to become a haven for automotive enthusiasts seeking unparalleled luxury and refinement,” said Flatrock. “As such, in the past year member applications and interest have soared as the state-of-the-art facility nears completion.”
Villas are for sale trackside, 50% of which have already sold. 23 of the available 40 garage lots overlooking “stunning on-site wetlands sanctuary” or the Motorclub track itself are off the market. More lots are going to be built over the next few weeks.
“These figures are a clear indication of the anticipation and enthusiasm building around the opening of this premium racing facility in east Tennessee before it has even opened its doors to members,” said Flatrock.
Numbers – One year of Flatrock in stats.
Flatrock ownership says the numbers tell the story and show that excitement is building for the project.
“The reasons for this excitement are abundantly clear,” according to the release. “Flatrock’s Motorclub members will enjoy a state-of-the-art paddock, luxurious clubhouse with restaurant, lounge and day spa, premium garages with rooftop viewing, trackside villas, a multipurpose pit building with race control, meeting spaces and more.
Flatrock also plans to open a CIK Karting Track by early 2024.
“The past year has been one of remarkable progress here at Flatrock. It is hard to fully appreciate the scale of the work done over the last 12 months,” said Rusty Bittle, Developer and Founding Partner of Flatrock Motorsports Park. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone working on this monumental project. We have had to face heavy rains, extreme heat and many more obstacles in our path but the team never wavered in its desire to build what we believe will be one of the most spectacular circuits not only in the U.S. but the whole world. As we reflect on the last year with a sense of pride and satisfaction, we also know that there is much more to be done. The next few months will see the completion of the Club track paving, taking us ever closer to the day when we will experience cars on track here at Flatrock. Until that day, we will keep driving forward together.”
Future phases of the park include:
- Grand Prix track
- landmark hotel and destination restaurant
- campgrounds
- brewery
- winery, additional lodging
- retail center
- a natural amphitheater, using Crab Orchard stone that will play host to major motor sporting races, live concerts and special events throughout the year.
For more information visit experienceflatrock.com or flatrockmotorclub.com.
Photos courtesy of Flatrock.
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