Well-known for world-class golf, Moore County could soon add another resort to its repertoire. This time a world-class driving resort.
Officials of Autoport announced they plan to create a haven for automotive enthusiasts seeking a one-of-a-kind getaway nestled in the breathtaking landscape of northwestern Moore County, said Moore County Economic Development Partnership. This first-of-its-kind driving resort in North Carolina will be a place where car lovers can showcase and permanently store their automobiles. Additionally, members can enjoy an upscale driving experience on a three-mile driving course in a safe and professionally monitored environment.
“We are pleased to unveil our plans for Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort,” said Kristi Maluchnik, Chief Executive Officer of Autoport. “Our vision is to create a sanctuary for those who share a passion for driving and collecting automobiles, a place to educate drivers of all levels, both our members and the general public, and a community center for all types of events and gatherings. Community participation is a foundational element of our company, and we want the community to be able to access and enjoy our resort amenities.”
Autoport is under contract to purchase a 400-acre timber tract owned by Jordan Lumber and is asking the Moore County Board of Commissioners to rezone the site from Rural Agriculture to a Planned Development-Conditional Zoning. The Moore County Land Use Plan designates the property as industrial. Key uses requested in the rezoning include two warehousing, recreation, retail, business and trade school, museum, restaurant, office, and hotel.
Autoport has engaged Bob Koontz of Koontz Jones Design, a local landscape architect and land planner. The neighborhood meeting required for the rezoning was facilitated by Koontz Jones Design on Thursday, May 16 at the Robbins First Baptist Church. Robbins Mayor Cameron Dockery said, “I don’t think Autoport could have selected a better location for their resort, and the Robbins community will certainly benefit from it in many ways.”
The resort will be located on Leech Road north of NC Highway 24-27 and south of Spies Road just a few miles east of the Montgomery County line and Interstate-73/74 in the area previously planned for the Heart of North Carolina Mega Park. Slightly less than 200 acres of the 400-acre tract will be disturbed, with the residual 200+ acres to remain as timberland to buffer the resort from neighboring properties.
“We’ve spent three years developing our business model and selecting a site in North Carolina. The demand for this type of facility is extremely high in this market. Overall, North Carolina’s history in motorsports is deeply ingrained in the culture and identity of the state, and Moore County checks all the boxes and then some,” said Michael Morse, Chief Operating Officer of Autoport.
“Moore County is well-known for providing world-class recreation with its famous golf courses in southern Moore County. Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort will expand high-quality recreational amenities to northern Moore County, offering residents access to spaces and events not currently found nearby,” said Maluchnik.
In total, Autoport will invest over $100 million and create at least 32 full-time jobs and 100 part-time jobs, at an average salary of $48,000. Another 50 to 100 part-time employees will be used to staff events at the resort.
“We are pleased Autoport selected Moore County and are excited to see this level of capital investment and job creation that will have a significant economic impact on Moore County, the surrounding region, and the state of North Carolina,” said Natalie Hawkins, President of Moore County Economic Development Partnership in a press release.
“Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort will provide another venue for recreation and events that will undoubtedly attract additional visitors to the area and spur increased visitor spending into the local economy,” said Phil Werz, President and CEO of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Autoport plans to open car condo model units by the end of 2025. The driving course, clubhouse, and 80-car condos are planned to come online by December 31, 2026, in Phase 1 of the project. Subsequent phases of the project will include an additional 75 car condos and garages.
Unrivaled Driving Experience
Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort plans to feature a cutting-edge FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) sanctioned driving course designed by Driven International, an internationally renowned designer of motorsports destinations around the world located in Hampshire, England. The winding road course, expected to be three miles in length, will be designed with multiple configurations available for drivers with varying experience levels for both training and competing.
“When we design driving courses, we ensure that each design is not just enjoyable to drive, but also that it is designed to meet international design standards, expertly engineered, and exceeds the expectations of end users,” said Ben Willshire, Founder and Managing Director of Driven International. “We use extensive databases and in-house simulation software to create a track design that fits into the landscape of the site, and we work with specialist partners to create a course that minimizes noise levels.”
Luxury Car Condos and Garages
The semi-private resort will offer 155 state-of-the art luxury private car condos including two Main Sponsor/Partner Condos, nine Corporate Condos, nine Opulant Condos, 60 Premium Condos, and 85 Garage Condos. Car condos will range in size from 1,400 to 6,500 square feet of fully conditioned vehicle storage with integral passive solar design and heated floor slabs. Units will also include a mezzanine, a studio kitchenette, bath/shower facilities, a fire-rated office/layover room, a viewing terrace, and golf cart storage. Several upgrade packages will also be available including multi-level vehicle lifts, smart home packages, electric vehicle charging stations, and more. Condo owners will receive priority access to the track and amenities.
The resort will also feature 112 leasable single and double luxury garages that can store two or four vehicles.
These state-of-the-art car condos will provide automobile aficionados secure storage with 24/7 onsite security services and access to maintenance services and car wash facilities.
“We want the entire facility, most importantly the driving course, to feel like it’s part of the landscape, not an intrusion into it. We’re using the existing topography to our advantage, with the clubhouse sitting on a natural ridge for panoramic views while the car condos are sited to offer both track and natural views,” said Morse.
Driving Academy and Motorsports Vocation
For those eager to elevate their driving prowess, Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort plans to offer a world-class driving academy led by expert instructors. From beginner to advanced courses, participants can receive personalized instruction and hands-on experience, honing their skills in a controlled and supportive environment. Autoport is currently negotiating these proprietary relationships.
Plans also include specialized vocational programs for aspiring motorsports professionals and local students. “Our long-term plans include establishing a vocational platform that includes local educational institutions from middle school through graduate-level engineering work/study programs. Many local community colleges and universities already have motorsports curriculum in some form or another and we want to offer a facility that provides a hands-on experience for students, ” said Maluchnik.
Other Amenities
Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort will offer a range of amenities to enhance the resort experience, including a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse that contains a restaurant, a retail shop, over 4,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, driving and golf simulators that allow guests to test their skills in virtual environments; 10,000 square feet of outdoor event viewing terraces; and an outdoor putting green and play area.
Other outdoor amenities include a sprawling 50,000-square-foot outdoor event space ideal for hosting weddings, corporate retreats, car shows, and other community events. Fitness enthusiasts can also enjoy pickleball courts, a dog park, and a jogging exercise course.
For added convenience, concierge services will be available to assist with special requests and arrangements. Autoport plans to partner with Causey Aviation out of Raleigh to provide exclusive private jet service for condo owners.
Community and Racing Events
Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort will host regular community events to allow residents and visitors to experience the resort’s amenities. Public events envisioned include racing events, car shows, 5k and 10k runs, concerts, and festivals. “It’s important to us that residents of the area can enjoy the resort and share memorable experiences with friends and family at our public events,” said Maluchnik.
Autoport plans to host approximately a dozen public racing events each year, including eight smaller racing events that would attract less than 5,000 attendees and four larger racing events that could attract up to 10,000 attendees.
All photos provided by Moore County Economic Development Partnership.
Contributed.
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