Prairie Hills Motorsports Club encompasses 872 acres with multiple track configurations, enabling different racing styles and competitive events throughout the facility.
The Newton County Planning Commission granted final development approval of the project in 2007, followed by rezoning and Planned Unit Development authorization in July 2009.
Former racing driver Derek Daly designed the track layout incorporating corners inspired by international racing circuits, fostering a connection with global motorsport traditions.
The facility spans 6.78 miles of total racing surface with separate north and south tracks measuring 3.1 and 3.64 miles respectively.
The Prairie Hills Motorsports development plans included wind turbines reaching 240 feet in height to generate renewable energy for a multi-state power distribution network.
Prairie Hills Motorsports Club- Today
Prairie Hills Club was a proposed $82 million sports car race track to be built on 872 acres (3.53 km2) near Lake Village, Indiana, which the developers had claimed would be "the longest Grand Prix-style course in the Western Hemisphere" when completed
Project Shelved
In 2008, though all the pieces are in place to construct a world class racing facility, the state of the economy at that time meant the necessary funds simply were not available.
Project Progress
In November 2007, Prairie Hills Motorsports received final approval for development of the Club from the Newton County Planning Commission. The Club was initially expected to be in full operation by April 2009, but numerous unforeseen issues led to delaying the start of construction.
On July 6, 2009, Prairie Hills Club received unanimous approval from the Newton County Commissioners for their requested rezoning and Planned Unit Development. On July 24, 2009, Prairie Hills Motorsports management issued a press release announcing they would "move forward at a rapid pace to begin construction of the largest road course facility in North America."
On April 9, 2010, the Newton County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance establishing the Prairie Hills Economic Improvement District (EID) which will provide support for The Prairie Hills Motorsport Club, an economic improvement project to be developed in Newton County.
The formation of the Prairie Hills EID Board will consist of representatives from the Newton County government, the landowner, and the Prairie Hills Motorsport Club. The establishment of the Prairie Hills EID allows for a per-use assessment on all attendees or users of Prairie Hills products or services.
Facility Design
Designed by noted race track architect Paxton Waters, the final development would have included a prominent hotel, conference center, restaurant, spa, retail space, garages, condominiums, karting track, and a 6,000 to 8,000 seat amphitheater.
Duke Energy also agreed to erect 240-foot (73 m)-tall wind turbines on part of the site, generating electricity feeding a multi-state power grid. Prairie Hills developers said the turbines would be part of the features of renewable energy incorporated in the site design.
Race Track Design
Noted former Formula One and Champ Car racing driver Derek Daly completed the final design of the more than seven miles (11 km) of racing surface in the facility, incorporating multiple shorter courses which were configured for different driver skill levels. Daly's design included features that would have provided unique features to the course, including corners modeled after the world famous tracks he has driven, most notably an over and under section, along with FIA certification.
Construction
The track construction was scheduled to be done by American Structurepoint, which played an important role in obtaining the necessary Newton County approvals.
Visiting the Site
For those wishing to take a day trip and visit the Prairie Hills Motorsports development site, but wanting to avoid the numerous gravel roads in the area, it is recommended to approach the property via Indiana State Road 55 to CR 600 N (Fair Oaks Rd.) then going West to CR 100 E and turning South.
The Western edge of the property is along East side of CR 100 E and a farm house is in the area where the main entrance is to be located, according to the plot map.
View More Racetracks at
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