AMERICUS — Jackie Bryce, co-owner of STAR Racing Inc., spoke at a lunch-time meeting of the Americus Kiwanis Club Friday, telling the civic organization’s members about the plans and potential for the Americus Motorsports Complex.

Bryce said that as the idea developed, she and her husband George have wanted to include an array of elements associated with the complex that will deepen the economic impact it will have on the area.

 Having been associated with high performance racing for 30 years, Bryce said that there is adequate potential to bring the international racing business to Americus. She said currently people from the international racing community pay to rent drag strips and road courses at South Georgia Motor Park in Adel. Bryce explained that the Americus Motorsports Complex will be one of a kind in the world and will bring those international interests to Americus. She said the facility will attract car manufacturers and design companies as a place to test their products.

 The courses, which rent for $15,000, and the drag strips, which rent for $5,000, are at the top of the list for construction, which she said is because it is the aspect of the complex that STAR Racing is the most familiar with and it will bring in revenue as soon as they are ready.

Bryce also spoke to the potential economic impact that will be felt outside of the facility due to other motorsports companies moving to the area because of the proximity of the new complex. She said that the existing tourism industry in the area will be impacted as well and the tax revenue that will come into the community will help to stabilize the tax base.

“Our goal is to have things in Americus — and things to do. This is one of the best things we are ever going to have in Americus,” Bryce said.

Bryce took the opportunity Friday to put to rest any misconceptions that the Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority (PDA) is giving them $12 million to build the facility or tax money is going to pay for it.

“No tax payers are paying for the facility,” Bryce said.

She did say that the 450-acre site where the Bryces intend to build the complex belongs to the PDA, and they intend to borrow money from the PDA for the purchase. Bryce said that there is also a clause in the agreement that she said will ensure that it is a good deal for the PDA.

The $12 million will come from loans and investors. Bryce said Friday that there is already interest from private investors.

On Friday, Bryce outlined the “milestones” that will be covered over the next several months. First she said the contract with the PDA will be finalized, then engineering and architectural firms will be hired to come up with a “master plan” to be approved by the PDA. The next step, according to Bryce, will be securing money and hiring contractors for the construction of the road course and drag strip.

 “We are well on our way,” she said.