Americus Sumter Payroll Development Authority / Bryce's Ink Deal

Lisa Law
The Americus Times-Recorder

6/23/2011

AMERICUS — Ready, set, go!

George and Jackie Bryce, founders of Star Racing, and various community leaders lined up at Rees Park Economic Development Center at 409 Elm Ave., on a metaphorical starting line to begin proceedings for the Americus Motorsports Complex.

On Wednesday, the Bryces signed an agreement with the Americus-Sumter County Payroll and Development Authority (PDA) in order to start ground breaking for the complex in the next couple of months.  

“We are signing the papers to the deed of the land. It’s pretty exciting. This is our first milestone that makes the kick-off to make it a reality,” said an excited Jackie Bryce prior to the signing of documents for the acquisition of the property for the $12 million, multi-use world class motorsports facility which will be constructed in Americus on 450 acres, just across from the South Georgia Technical College (SGTC).

“The community support is what makes it exciting,” Bryce said, explaining it will take a community-wide effort to make the facility a success.

According to Bryce, the businesses the complex will attract are motorsports related businesses which will draw participants, fabricators and suppliers in the motorsports market.

“For example, the facility could be used for corporate research and development. They can test their products on-site. If their products are shock absorbers or tires, they can test their proto-types and go back to develop and refine them without going hundreds of miles to test it,” she said, adding that the facility will be large enough for community events.

Bryce and her husband George have been in the business of racing for 30 years now and are known as experts in their field and have the support of the community in their efforts to fulfill their dreams of a motorsports complex.

“This opportunity we have for Americus and Sumter County is rival to the impact of what the mobile home industry had on Sumter County,” Sparky Reeves, president of SGTC, said of the construction of the complex adding, “In 10 years, you will look back on it and say wow!”

David Garriga, PDA executive director, said, “They are the top in their profession. It’s going to be an auto and motorcycle world class drag and race course,” he said. He said the couple, Jackie and George Bryce, approached the PDA over a year ago with their dream of a complex and now it’s becoming a reality.

Garriga said the complex has the potential to become one of the biggest capital investments in the county.

“It’s a great day for Americus and Sumter County,” said state Rep. Mike Cheokas, R-Americus, as he thanked the Bryces for making Sumter County their home and choosing to locate in Americus.

“Jobs, education and opportunity. Those three words have a large affect on our county and state,” said Cheokas adding, “Metalux, Habitat for Humanity, and a former President of the United States. I think there is something in that artisan well,” he said with a smile, followed by laughs from the guests at the event.

According to many officials, there is undeniable support for the Bryces and their endeavor.

“You will receive the support,” said Americus Mayor Barry Blount, regarding getting infrastructure in place for anticipated hotels, restaurants, road construction and educational facilities which will accompany the complex.

“Every project has a negative. No project is perfect,” said Bryce, as she explained she was a former educator and education was the most important aspect of a project. She assured the community and welcomed them to call, e-mail with any questions or concerns.

Others responded with their excitement and support.

“What excites me the most is every month there is a a new pinnacle of opportunity for the Sumter County and its development. Nobody does it better than people who are passionate about it,” Sumter County Commissioner Rick Davis said.

Clay Taylor, representative from Georgia Power, said, “There is nothing like a homegrown company,” explaining his job requires him to sell businesses to communities.

Taylor went on to compliment Sumter County on its county-wide support after the recent tornado and thanked the Bryces for their vision.

“This is a community which sticks together and has some of the best leadership in Georgia. As a regional project, I put a star on it. I am excited to watch it grow,” said Taylor.

The motorsports complex site will be located just 30 minutes from I-75, 30 minutes from Georgia-Florida Parkway (GA State Route 300) and five minutes from U.S. Highway 19 and a two and a half hour drive to the Atlanta airport. It will include the world’s fastest race track, one-quarter mile concrete strip, 2.5-mile road coarse, training facilities, motorsports-related research and development technology park and a training facility for drivers safety and education.

The Bryces founded Star Racing in Americus in 1980, creating a high performance motorcycle company which as evolved into a world-wide mail-order parts business, with engine building machine shop services for the racing industry.

For more information log onto www.americusmotorsportscomplex.com.