Matt Conklin, Alex Della Torre
It’s been over three and a half years since the proposal for a motorsports complex was presented to the city of Howell. A lot has happened between then and now, so we went to see for ourselves. Motorsports Gateway, located in Howell, Michigan, is a 273-acre automotive district designed to cater to the most ardent automotive enthusiasts. In addition to having a race track and luxury garage condos, the complex plans to work with others to develop into an entire automotive enthusiast district.
Race Track
At the heart of Motorsports Gateway is an internationally developed race track. As of September 2024, the South Circuit had its smooth asphalt base course laid. This 1.75-mile road course boasts 15 turns, 140 feet of elevation change, and a 1/2-mile straight. The South Circuit is designated for members and their guests only. In the future, there will also be a North Circuit. This 0.75-mile performance track will be available to non-members for automotive testing, development, and other events.
During our visit, we were able to ride along on the freshly paved South Circuit. The track looks like it will be a great challenge. The banked turn 14 will be particularly exciting. Additionally, the scenic nature around the track will provide a beautiful contrast.
Driver’s Club Membership
For those who want to be part of an exclusive automotive community, Motorsports Gateway offers Driver’s Club memberships. These memberships come with a range of benefits and privileges, including access to the track and other exclusive amenities. As mentioned earlier, membership is required to access the South Circuit. You do not need to be a condo owner to be a Driver’s Club member.
Luxury Garage Condos
The district features luxury garage condos that offer more than just storage for prized vehicles; they provide an immersive experience for motorsport enthusiasts. Each garage condo is track-facing, equipped with a ground-level patio and upper-level balcony, ensuring an unbeatable view of the racing action. These condos are built for luxury, with energy-efficient utilities included at no additional cost, allowing owners to focus on customizing their spaces to their liking. You do not need to be a Driver’s Club member to own a garage condo.
Amenities and Community
Motorsports Gateway is not just about the track and the condos. In addition to the individual units, the district will feature a luxurious member/owner pit lane clubhouse, providing a communal space for condo owners and members to connect and share their passion for motorsports. The clubhouse is part of a broader set of amenities aimed at creating a vibrant community within the automotive district.
In the second phase of development, Motorsports Gateway Howell plans to launch an Automotive Innovation Park dedicated to inspiring advancements in mobility innovation. With state-of-the-art facilities, featuring a dedicated performance track, this area of the district will support OEMs, suppliers, and tech industries in their mission to develop the future of transportation.
The final phase of development will be a Public Entertainment Zone which will offer a wide array of exciting activities and entertainment options for both the public and the Motorsports Gateway community, including dining, retail, and family entertainment businesses.
Interested in learning more? https://www.motorsportsgateway.com
