Moore County approves conditional rezoning for proposed URA Motorsports Park after nightlong hearing

The Moore County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 on Nov. 19 to rezone about 395.7 acres on Leach Road from Rural Agricultural to Planned Development Conditional Zoning for an automotive entertainment facility proposed by URA Motorsports (often called the Autoport).

The decision followed hours of public testimony from opponents who warned the project would change the rural character of northern Moore County and supporters who said the park would bring jobs and business opportunities. Commissioners authorized the rezoning with a package of voluntary conditions offered by the applicant that include a sound limit at the property boundary, hours restrictions, cemetery protections, stormwater and traffic controls, and a requirement that track design meet FIA Level 2 safety standards.

At the hearing, opponents emphasized noise, traffic and environmental risks. Linda Jones, a nearby resident, told commissioners: "I don't support this rezoning… this project puts an incompatible land use … in an area whose character is the very opposite" (comment presented during public comment). Ecologists and local farmers warned about…