Motorsports Gateway Howell has announced the automotive district’s South Circuit is paved, marking a significant milestone in the 273-acre Livingston County development.
Located in Howell on the north side of I-96 between Michigan Avenue and Lucy Road, the South Circuit is the centerpiece of the Motorsports Gateway Howell Drivers Club, offering a mix of practice and competitive driving opportunities for members of the exclusive motorsports club.
The South Circuit includes medium-grip asphalt. By next spring and summer, the track will include the Pit Lane Clubhouse (literally along pit row); dozens of trackside, two-level garage condos each spanning 1,200 square feet; a Paddock Building; and short-term rental garages.
The South Circuit achievement, managed in partnership with AJAX Paving Industries Inc. in Troy, is a major accomplishment in creating a premier private motorsports destination in southeast Michigan.
The South Circuit, designed by Driven International, is a 1.75-mile, 40-foot-wide, 15-turn road course featuring 140 feet of elevation change, a 1/2-mile straight, and turns with up to 15 percent banking, resulting in a challenging driving experience for drivers of all skill levels.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the South Circuit come to life,” says Eli Bayless, head of communications at Motorsports Gateway Howell. “My first lap left me feeling thrilled with a deep craving for more. The 17-foot ascent through turn 10 leading into the 1/2-mile straightaway and the technical challenge of turns 13, 14, and 15 are my favorite features of the South Circuit.”
To aid in safe track operations, sessions will be grouped by vehicle type, two-wheel and four-wheel, and driver skill level: Novice, Amateur, and Professional. The circuit also will be equipped with a digital marshaling system and a timing and scoring system.
A North Circuit, located closer to Grand River Avenue and near downtown Howell, is scheduled to open in the next two years. The dedicated performance track will be complemented with facilities geared to OEMs, suppliers, and tech companies. When the track isn’t being used for testing and other activities, members can drive both FIA-grade circuits (each designed by Driven International).
Every condominium will have a large, second-level balcony that faces the track, while the rear of the condo will have a ground-level patio that faces the parking areas.
The project was brought to life by Jordan Dick, a professional racecar driver who serves as CEO, along with his father, Mark, COO. The pair had owned JD Racing Indoor Karting at Fountain Walk in Novi, but sold it in 2001 to Full Throttle Adrenaline Park.
Motorsports enthusiasts interested in joining the club can apply through the Members page here.
Motorsports Gateway Howell is being developed in three phases. Phase 1 of the development is the Automotive Country Club, South Circuit, and Trackside Garage Condo Community.
An Automotive Innovation Park, Phase 2 (North Circuit), is a hub for groundbreaking technologies and advancements, acting as a playground for innovation within the local automotive industry.
Lastly, Phase 3, the Entertainment Zone, completes the district, and will provide a wide array of activities and entertainment options for the public and automotive community.
For more information, visit motorsportsgateway.com/.
