AMERICUS, Ga. – Jackie Bryce, co-owner of Star Racing with husband George, gave an update on the Americus Motorsports Complex (AMC) to the Americus Area Employer Committee Meeting and assured those present that the project “is still moving full speed ahead.”

Bryce said, “We want to do it the right way. It may seem like the weeds are growing up out there at the site across from South Georgia Tech and that nothing is happening, but things are still going on behind the scenes.”

At the committee’s Wednesday lunch meeting, Bryce presented an overview of the planned AMC project to those present, including representatives from the Department of Labor, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), South Georgia Technical College (SGTC), the River Valley Regional Commission and area businesses.

Bryce explained that they have had to redesign the layout of the complex due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and several wetland areas discovered on the property. She assured them, however, that things will continue to move forward pending approval for the new design.

She also emphasized to the Employer Committee that this project is expected to bring an unprecedented number of new jobs to the area, as well as an estimated economic impact of $75 million. The jobs would come not only from the estimated 140 people needed to run a large racing event, but would also result from the addition of 30 to 40 new motorsports companies relocating to the planned Research & Development Technology Park onsite, with each company expected to employ five to 10 people.

Bryce also pointed out that the Americus Motorsports Complex is unique since it will be the only technology park located within the same complex as a drag strip and a road race course, which will allow companies to test and race their products right in their own backyards.

The Americus Motorsports Complex will also be looking to local and state companies throughout the construction process to complete the $12 million facility. Construction is tentatively slated to begin December 2011 and will take 18 months to two years to complete, Bryce said.

Mikell Fryer, District I Regional Director of the Georgia Department of Labor, said, “Everything within a 35-mile radius of this place is going to benefit.” He also said that the Employer Committee could assist in lobbying efforts if needed in regard to the planned road widening of South Georgia Tech Parkway and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) projects needed to handle the increase in traffic.

Bryce also thanked SGTC President Sparky Reeves, Vice President of Economic Development Wally Summers and their staff for their support throughout this entire project. “South Georgia Tech has been so great. Sparky and Wally have been some of our biggest cheerleaders. Sparky is so excited, it’s like he’s sitting at the starting line waiting for someone to yell ‘Go!’.”

Summers responded by saying, “Very few people who’ve been a part of a community for over 30 years have had the opportunity to embark on such an adventure.”

As Bryce completed her presentation, Chairman Rick Luten, Hickory Springs, said to the group, “I don’t know George and Jackie, but I know their reputation. And their reputation is that if they do something, they do it right.”

Janice Berry of Magnolia Packing said, “You are very obviously passionate for Star Racing and AMC. I think it is great that you can enjoy life as you pursue your dreams and goals. Thank you for including Americus.”

Bryce said, “We wanted to stay here. We’re committed to Americus and Sumter County.” She also pointed out that despite the number of challenges involved with a project of this size, they remain positive and excited. “People keep throwing water on us trying to put out our fire, but we have plenty of matches left!”