The Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission approved a rezoning request for APEX Motor Sports Club during their April 28 meeting. The commission unanimously recommended that City Council rezone approximately 263 acres from Industrial (CI-2) to a Planned Area Development (PAD).
Current Facilities
APEX Motor Sports Club currently operates as a private automotive club on the northwest corner of Ralston Road and State Route 238. The facility opened in 2019 following a Conditional Use Permit approved in 2017.
The existing facility includes two racetracks totaling 4.76 miles. The south track spans 2.27 miles while the north track measures 2.49 miles. These tracks can be used separately or combined to create one large circuit.
The property currently features 48 completed private luxury car garage condominiums, with another 48 expected to be submitted for permit approval. These garage condominiums are designed for vehicle storage, not overnight accommodations.
A secure entrance with gates controls access from Ralston Road. The Flying Lizard race team occupies space on the property.
Proposed Expansion
The PAD rezoning will allow APEX to introduce several new amenities to enhance the member experience.
The club plans to add up to 60 “APEX Villas” designed for short-term stays. These villas, exclusive to club members, are proposed on lots of at least 7,500 square feet each and will feature upscale architecture. Private Motor Sports Group LLC representative Jon Gillespie clarified during the meeting that these villas “are not intended for full-time occupancy” and overnight stays will be limited to a certain number of days per year through membership and association rules.
A clubhouse will be constructed to provide members with space to relax and socialize. The facility will include motorsports TV programming, networking areas, workspace, a pro shop for apparel and driving gear, and a snack bar.
The plan also includes a proposed helicopter landing pad, with the final location to be determined.
Member Benefits and Access
APEX Motor Sports Club operates as a private facility for members only. The club allows members to test their driving skills and experience their vehicles’ capabilities on a professionally-designed course.
During the meeting, Vice-Chair Alfonso Juarez inquired about public access to the facility. Gillespie explained that the club primarily serves members with high-end cars as a private amenity.
Commissioner Robert Klob suggested the value of occasional community outreach, comparing it to taking children to Barrett-Jackson car shows. While acknowledging this was separate from the PAD request, Gillespie responded positively to the suggestion of potential future events that might operate through a special event permit process.
Benefits to Maricopa
Several commissioners highlighted economic benefits the facility brings to Maricopa. Chairman Singleton observed that team members from Flying Lizard frequently patronize local restaurants, and he expected this economic benefit to grow as membership expands and the villas are completed.
The rezoning includes commitments for public improvements on State Route 238 and Warren Road. These improvements will include sidewalks, curbs, gutters, pavement, streetlights, right-of-way dedication, public utility easements, drainage improvements, signage, and striping. The improvements on SR 238 will be constructed when a traffic impact analysis warrants the widening of the road, or as a cash-in-lieu contribution if the City includes this road in its capital improvement program and commences construction before such widening is warranted by a traffic study.
Commissioners noted that APEX contributes to what they termed an “adventure corridor” in the area, complementing other recreational businesses like a skydiving operation west of the site and Southern Dunes Golf Course to the east.
Commissioner Ted Yocum commented on the quality of visitors APEX attracts: “APEX is an extremely valuable asset to this community… the type of people that are coming and taking advantage of your facility, these are the kind of people we want to see coming to Maricopa.”
Infrastructure Considerations
The commission discussed water service and wastewater management for the expanded facility. Currently, the property uses a well for water supply in partnership with Global Water Resources. Gillespie confirmed that agreements with Global Water are in place to extend service to the site within the year to meet the needs of the development.
Regarding wastewater, the property currently uses septic systems due to the absence of sewer infrastructure in the vicinity. Development Services Director Rodolfo Lopez explained that city code requires connection to sewer lines if they are within a certain distance of the property, which he believed to be approximately 300-400 feet. He clarified that since no sewer infrastructure currently exists in the area, the development is permitted to use septic systems that meet Pinal County requirements. However, when sewer infrastructure becomes available near the site, the development will be required to connect.
Noise Concerns Addressed
Several commissioners who served during the original 2017 approval noted that noise concerns dominated those early discussions. Commissioner Bill Robertson commented, “APEX has been a great neighbor… they’ve lived up to everything that they said they want to do.”
Gillespie referenced a 2017 sound study that demonstrated the facility would not create nuisance noise for nearby developments. Commissioner Yocum mentioned that during a neighborhood meeting, one attendee remarked they “didn’t even know you were there until I came out here,” indicating noise has not been an issue.
Despite proper notification to all property owners within 600 feet of the site, only one Maricopa citizen attended the neighborhood meeting, and no concerns were expressed.
Future Outlook
With the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation for approval, the rezoning request will move to the City Council for final consideration. If approved, APEX Motor Sports will continue its phased development approach.
The expansion represents a significant investment in Maricopa, enhancing the city’s reputation as a destination for motorsports enthusiasts. The combined approach of racetracks, luxury accommodations, and premium amenities positions APEX to continue attracting high-end visitors to the community.
As the “adventure corridor” along SR 238 continues to develop, APEX Motor Sports Club stands to become an even more prominent fixture in Maricopa’s recreational landscape.
