In the picturesque hills of Eastern Tennessee, an ambitious project is swiftly taking shape: Flatrock Motorclub, a $250 million luxury residential community that includes a private race track. Situated about 45 minutes west of Knoxville, this exclusive development is designed to offer more than just high-end living—it’s a haven for motorsport enthusiasts.
The vision of Knoxville developer Rusty Bittle, Flatrock Motorclub aims to cater to a niche market of affluent buyers who appreciate the adrenaline of high-speed motorsports combined with the comforts of luxury living. The development is being engineered by Tilke Engineers and Architects, a prestigious German firm renowned for their work on Formula 1 tracks, including the Circuit of the Americas.
The core of the Flatrock Motorclub is its challenging 3.5-mile race track, which boasts 127 feet of elevation change, mimicking the thrilling back roads of the Great Smoky Mountains. Bittle, whose passion for racing was reignited by his recent foray into motorsport, demanded a track that offers a consistent challenge, one that he describes as “ever-challenging” and “scary” every time he takes to the asphalt.
This track isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s designed to meet the rigorous FIA Grade 2 standards, making it suitable for nearly all forms of road racing, except the pinnacle of Formula 1, mainly due to the prohibitive costs associated with Grade 1 certification. The design includes advanced safety features and supports the high demands of professional racing.
The project also plans for extensive amenities to enhance the member experience. A secondary 2.67-mile “Grand Prix” track, a boutique hotel, an amphitheater, a karting track, and multiple helipads are in the works, ensuring that Flatrock isn’t just a place to race, but a destination where families can spend an entire weekend enjoying various attractions.
Membership to Flatrock doesn’t come cheap, with premier memberships requiring $25,000 in annual dues and a $250,000 initiation fee. The founder’s membership, offering lifetime access for immediate family, is even more exclusive at $50,000 annually with a $500,000 initiation fee. Despite the steep prices, the market response has been positive, with more than 100 memberships sold, including 23 of the 25 available founder’s packages.
Flatrock Motorclub is poised to redefine luxury living for car enthusiasts, merging the beauty of Eastern Tennessee with the excitement of professional-grade motorsport in a community setting. As the site transforms from dirt to a sophisticated racetrack and residential area, the vision for a unique blend of luxury and adrenaline becomes clearer, setting the stage for a new kind of country club where speed meets style.
Steven Symes