Citizens in the Draytonville and McKowns Mountain areas have apparently given the green light to two Midwest businessmen who want to build a multi-purpose motor sports facility here.

The businessmen recently held two community meetings to gauge reaction to the project.

Community leader Joan Wheeler, who attended both meetings, said the reaction was generally favorable to the project.

“A lot of people asked questions but nobody said they didn’t like it,” she said.

Personally, Wheeler said her only concern would be some traffic congestion on the days events are held. But those events would be few and far between.

“I find nothing really wrong with it, but it may create a little traffic problem coming down Hwy. 329,” Wheeler said. “They said they’d have about three events.”

The businessmen have purchased a 1-year option on a 1,700-acre site near Hwy. 105 and Ashley Lane. After the option lapses, the businessmen will determine if they want to move forward.

Wheeler said the motor sports facility would be a road course, not an oval track.

In addition to racing, the course could be utilized for military and police training exercises, according to Wheeler. An area for ATVs is also planned on the property, she said.

The businessmen said future plans could call for the construction of a temporary grandstand and condominiums.

The businessmen met with Cherokee County Council in executive session in early November. Council members listened to the proposal but took no action.

The motor sports facility would be similar to the popular Road Atlanta race track. That facility is utilized for a wide variety of events, including professional and amateur sports car and motorcycle races, racing and driving schools, corporate programs and testing for motorsports teams.

Cherokee County is under consideration for the facility because of the region’s passion for car racing and its proximity to Interstate 85.