Virginia resort home away from home, NASCAR-style

NASCAR drivers are nomadic by nature. With 38 of 52 weeks a year spent at the racetrack, that leaves just 14 weeks spent at home or somewhere other than the comforts of home.

Last week, a group of NASCAR's finest took a step toward making a home away from home with the unveiling of Sheridan Ridge Private Reserve, a 1,400-acre-plus resort community in southwest Virginia.

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Drivers Tony Stewart, Elliott Sadler and Denny Hamlin, crew chief Greg Zipadelli and crew chief-turned-broadcaster Jeff Hammond were announced as the project's advisory board at a news conference, and each will make a home in the new development.

"I spend the majority of my life on the road so when I do get a couple of free days to myself, it's great to be able to retreat to a place where I can relax and do all the things I enjoy," said two-time Cup champion Stewart, who maintains his primary residence in his hometown of Columbus, Ind. "Sheridan Ridge will be the perfect place for me. I'm looking forward to inviting friends up to hang out, ride ATVs and enjoy the amazing views from the trails and my front door."

The advisory board members' duties will include weighing in on the property's planned amenities, as well as introducing individuals to the unique lifestyle of Sheridan Ridge.

And they are qualified for the position, as the Sheridan Ridge Private Reserve community will be comprised of architecture and amenities reflecting the community influence of adventure and motorsports.

There's an additional bonus, as well. The property is located in a geographic hotbed of NASCAR activity between Virginia's Bristol, Richmond and Martinsville speedways, and the epicenter of the sport in Charlotte, N.C.

"We are thrilled to have this great group of NASCAR celebrities advising aspects of our planned community," said project CEO Mark W. Martin -- no relation to the driver. "These individuals embody the Sheridan Ridge ideal of seeking a unique way of living based on the importance of comfort, adventure, family and friends. Our community is completely unique in its approach to the integration of the motorsports aspect, while still offering an incredible atmosphere for a broad range of residents and their interests."

Martin

Martin says the community, the first to showcase the unique landscape of southwest Virginia, will cater not only to NASCAR fans but to a broad range of individuals and families seeking an escape from the hustle of everyday life.

Plus, it can't hurt having such a community in an area that can benefit from the expected economic upturn Sheridan Ridge will provide.

Sheridan Ridge Private Reserve is expected to pack 500 residences and a 53-acre village center into its 1,400 acres, hidden away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The distinctive architecture and lavish amenities showcased at Sheridan Ridge Private Reserve reflect the leisure of mountain living accented by the community influence of adventure and motorsports.

The 500 residences are to be broken up into some 78 "Retreat" lots on five acres each, 205 "Cabin" lots on 1-2 acres each, 176 residential and "Tree-House" lots, and 22 townhouses.

The village center, plans for which are still being developed, will be located in the valley of the property and may feature a boutique hotel, conference center and amphitheatre. This will be the desired anchor for small shops and spaces for local artists. The anticipated resort amenity package includes a grand lodge and spa, recreational activity center, adventure sports outfitter, equestrian center, sports tavern and motorsports exhibit.

Stewart and Virginia natives Sadler (Emporia) and Hamlin (Chesterfield) will, along with Zipadelli and Hammond, be responsible for the promotion and endorsement of the new development along with having input on the planned amenities. This is NASCAR, after all.

The philosophy of the new project is listed as, "Adventure on your terms," which is something all five do most weeks out of the year. The challenge will be getting to use the upscale mountain retreat more than five or six times a year.

According to the materials distributed at the news conference, Sheridan Ridge living is a lifestyle. "It imparts the idea that relaxation should not be forced, and a day with your friends and family should not include a minute-by-minute schedule. Your adventure should be your own and should be of your creation."

Motorsports communities are few and far between outside Charlotte, Indianapolis and Los Angeles, and this is the first planned upscale community with motorsports as a theme. Golf and tennis have been the leaders in upscale communities devoted to a sport and its lifestyle.

Perhaps Sheridan Ridge will trigger a trend in NASCAR that will see it make inroads on the golf and tennis world. Check out Sheridan Ridge at http://www.sheridanridgeva.com/ and see for yourself.