Proposed 270-Acre Project Would Feature 4-Mile Road Course, Residential Development, Restored Historic Dragway and Tourism-Focused Amenities
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (July 15, 2026) — A transformative motorsports and mixed-use development is moving closer to becoming a reality in western Rowan County as developer Matthew Erich prepares to submit plans for the proposed Race City Motorpark + Social Club, a destination designed to celebrate North Carolina’s rich racing heritage while driving new economic investment.
The project is planned for a 270-acre site along the Rowan-Iredell county line following Erich’s $11.6 million acquisition of the remaining property from Dale Earnhardt Inc. and the Mooresville Motorsports Complex. The purchase marks the culmination of a six-year effort to assemble the property for redevelopment.
Development Designed as Premier Motorsports Destination
Race City Motorpark + Social Club is envisioned as a premier destination for driving enthusiasts, combining professional motorsports facilities with luxury residential, hospitality and recreational amenities.
Plans for the development include:
- 4-mile professional road racing course
- Professional-grade driving simulators
- Private garage suites
- Residential townhomes
- Clubhouse and event space
- Public gathering areas
- Fitness center and spa
- Lakeside swimming pool
- Hospitality and entertainment venues
- Exclusive amenities for private members
The project is intended to offer experiences for both motorsports enthusiasts and the general public, creating a year-round destination that blends recreation, tourism and community engagement.
Historic Mooresville Dragway to Be Restored
A key component of the proposal includes restoring the historic Mooresville Dragway, preserving one of the region’s most recognizable racing landmarks.
Plans call for the dragway to be redeveloped as a premier eighth-mile drag racing facility, maintaining the site’s longstanding connection to North Carolina’s motorsports culture while introducing modern upgrades.
Economic Development Impact
Local economic development leaders believe the project has the potential to become a significant tourism and investment driver for Rowan County.
“Race City Motorpark has the potential to become a destination that brings new visitors and investment to Rowan County while complementing the area’s existing motorsports heritage,” said Rod Crider, President of Rowan EDC. “It’s the type of development that can have a positive ripple effect for restaurants, hotels and other local businesses.”
If approved, the project is expected to generate increased visitor spending while supporting surrounding businesses through expanded tourism, hospitality and recreational activity.
Approvals Targeted This Fall
Erich said he expects to seek zoning and development approvals from Rowan County in the coming months, with a goal of securing county approval by October before construction begins.
Once completed, Race City Motorpark + Social Club would further strengthen North Carolina’s reputation as the center of American motorsports while creating a unique destination that blends racing, lifestyle amenities and economic development.
