Oakridge Motorsports Park Reborn as Flatrock USA
If you were excited for the upcoming Oakridge Motorsports Park, but were disappointed to hear that despite promising early approvals the project did not move forward we’ve got some news to report. After learning they would need substantial additional environmental reviews and approvals, the original owners pulled out. However, all was not lost.
The ownership team behind the project have found a new location and have announced Flatrock USA, a Motorsports Park and Entertainment Destination. The new location is in Cumberland County located just west of the original location.
Flatrock USA Location
The 773 acre tract is located off of I-40 at the Westel exit and was owned by the Plateau Park Partnership. It was originally acquired and marketed for a manufacturing or industrial use. The site ultimately didn’t fit those needs, but it turned out to be a perfect location for an entertainment and leisure site.
“The Plateau Park Partnership was thrilled at the prospect of Flatrock locating to our site… This property sat vacant since well before 2007, we had multiple prospects but the hilly terrain and lack of utilities to support a large manufacturing facility ultimately caused those prospects to walk away. The terrain is actually an asset for Flatrock and a leisure and tourism destination that leverages our state’s strong automotive industry will provide high quality economic development for the entire region.”
John Davis, chair of the Plateau Park Partnership
The new location near Westel, TN is about 45 minutes west of Knoxville and about 30 minutes west o the original proposed site. Expect a reasonable 3-3.5 hour drive from Atlanta and under 2 hours from Nashville.
Expanded Concept
The new Flatrock USA is more than just a relocated Oakridge Motorsports Park. It’s also an expanded concept. In addition to the motorsports facility plans include an amphitheater, winery, landmark hotel and conference center, a destination restaurant with a brewery, Innovation Center and museum, retail center, clubhouse with amenities, campground, adventure activities, multiple types of residential properties. In addition there will be farming to provide many of the needed meats and produce for on-site restaurants. There will even be an an observatory on the highest point of the property.
Flatrock USA Track
The Flatrock USA project will still be focused around the Motorsports Park. This includes a 6 mile Tilke designed track. It will incorporate the rolling hills and terrain on the site. In addition it will include a state-of-the-art paddock area with race control, business and hospitality suites, meeting rooms, garages, and a FIA Certified Kart Track.
Flatrock will break ground this year with the motorsports park projected to be completed in phases, the first as early as next summer. We are excited to get to try it out.
