The FIRM - Where Passion Fuels Performance

The Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park: Where Passion Fuels Performance
Posted March 25, 2025

Tucked away in the quiet pine forests of Starke, Florida, the Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park—better known as The FIRM—is one of the most unique motorsports facilities in the United States. What started as a repurposed military base has grown into a haven for drivers, instructors, and motorsport enthusiasts who crave something a little more raw, a little more real, and a lot more personal.

From road racing and rally to tactical and off-road driving, The FIRM isn’t just a track—it’s a full-spectrum training ground for everything on four wheels. And at the core of it all? A staff that lives and breathes motorsports.

A Track with Grit (and Gravel)

The FIRM sits on the site of the Keystone Heights Airpark, and it shows in all the best ways. The main paved circuit twists through the woods, offering a surprisingly technical layout for its modest length—just under 1.6 miles in its full road course configuration. But unlike most tracks, The FIRM doesn’t stop at asphalt.

It’s also home to miles of rally stages carved through Florida sand and clay, a robust off-road course built to challenge even the most capable rigs, and vast open training grounds used by military and law enforcement units from around the country. No other track in the Southeast blends this level of versatility with accessibility.

The result is a motorsports playground unlike any other.

From HPDE to High Stakes

At first glance, The FIRM might look like a driver’s fantasy, and for many enthusiasts, that’s exactly what it is. High Performance Driving Events (HPDEs) and open track days run regularly, drawing grassroots racers, first-time students, and seasoned instructors alike. For many drivers, The FIRM is where they hit the track for the very first time—and they keep coming back.

But The FIRM’s reputation goes beyond the enthusiast community.

It’s also a trusted training ground for military units, police departments, and tactical response teams, thanks to its controlled environment, off-road courses, and professional instruction. Rally drivers, stunt performers, and even car manufacturers have used its grounds for training, testing, and filming.

That mix of professional-grade capability and community-driven openness makes The FIRM feel like a hidden gem, even for people who’ve driven tracks all over the country.

“It’s Always Been the People”

When you ask drivers what makes The FIRM special, the answer is almost always the same: the people.

The FIRM’s staff are motorsports lifers—drivers, instructors, mechanics, and organizers who don’t just work in the industry but love it. That energy radiates through every event, every coaching session, and every weekend spent under the Florida sun.

“The passion here is real,” one driver said. “You can tell that they care, not just about the track or the cars, but about you getting better behind the wheel.”

And no one embodies that spirit more than Bryn Walters.

Bryn has been part of The FIRM for over 20 years. His fingerprints are on nearly every aspect of the track’s development, from its rally stages to its racing programs. If you’ve driven here, chances are you’ve learned something from Bryn—whether directly or by the culture he’s helped build.

To many, Bryn is The FIRM.

Time Trials and New Energy

One of the more recent evolutions at The FIRM has been the growth of its in-house Time Trial (TT) series. Much of that momentum can be traced to John Van Buskirk, who brought the concept to life after catching the bug himself at his first TT event. Realizing how valuable it could be for members looking to improve their driving in a low-pressure, competitive environment, he helped shape a program that’s now a regular part of the calendar.

John’s efforts have made TT days a signature experience at The FIRM—one where members can benchmark their skills, chase personal bests, and keep the fun factor high. He's not just behind the scenes, either—he’s out on track, competing and setting the bar in classes like TT4.

The Time Trial program has added a new layer of progression for FIRM drivers and turned friendly competition into a valuable training tool. It’s yet another example of the staff listening to their community and building something just for them.

“If You Can Drive Here…”

It’s not unusual to hear instructors say, “If you can drive The FIRM, you can drive anywhere.” That’s especially true on the rally stages, where loose surfaces, blind corners, and shifting terrain test even the sharpest reflexes. But the road course, too, rewards precision over horsepower. The layout is short, but deceptively technical—there’s no rest lap at The FIRM.

Drivers learn fast here, not just because the track pushes them, but because the staff gives them the tools to improve.

Coaching is a cornerstone of every HPDE, and private instruction is a major part of the park’s operation. Whether it’s a first-timer in a stock Miata or a pro dialing in setup for an upcoming rallycross, The FIRM has a way of sharpening skills and building confidence.

Not Just a Track, But a Community

What’s impressive about The FIRM isn’t just the layout or the programs—it’s the community that’s grown around it. It’s not a scene built on ego or social media clout. It’s built on shared respect for the craft of driving.

Weekend warriors swap stories and tips in the paddock. Staff members remember your name, your car, and what you were working on last time. The regulars cheer when someone sets a new personal best. It feels more like a family than a business.

It’s not uncommon to see everything from Subarus and BMWs to lifted trucks and rally-prepped Side-by-Sides on the same weekend. Everyone is welcome, and everyone wants to see each other win.

Something for Everyone

One of The FIRM’s biggest strengths is its diversity. Whether you're:

• A track day junkie shaving tenths off your lap time
• A total beginner just figuring out what an apex is
• A rally driver looking for loose surface practice
• A tactical team preparing for real-world scenarios
• A car enthusiast just out to have a good time

There’s something here for you.

The facility regularly hosts:

• HPDEs and open track days
• Rally school and off-road driver training
• Private instruction
• Tactical and emergency response training
• Manufacturer events and filming days

The FIRM even offers arrive-and-drive programs with fully prepped rally cars and performance vehicles—perfect for visitors or those not ready to bring their own ride.

Quotes from the Track

We’ll close with a few words that sum up the place better than we ever could:

“You don’t come to The FIRM for the lap records. You come for the learning, the people, and the seat time. And you leave better than you came in.”
— Local HPDE instructor

“It’s a rare track where you get rally, road course, and off-road training all in one spot. It’s even rarer to find a team this committed to helping people grow.”
— Tactical driving student

“Bryn’s taught generations of drivers out here. You could write a book with everything that man’s done for the track.”
— Longtime FIRM customer

Final Thoughts

The Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park may not have the name recognition of Sebring or Daytona, but among those who’ve driven it, it’s unforgettable.

It’s not just a place to drive—it’s a place to connect, learn, push limits, and fall in love with motorsports all over again. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or just have an unforgettable weekend behind the wheel, The FIRM has what you’re after.

And once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many keep coming back.

Author's note: I’ve worked at The FIRM for the past eight years and have had the privilege of watching—and helping—this place evolve into what it is today.