Toyota Racing eyeing Rowan County N.C.

Rowan County is likely the area's first winner in Toyota Racing Development's leap into NASCAR.

The company has an option to buy 89 acres near Salisbury to build a racing production plant.

It chose that site over locations in Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Iredell counties and three other states, said Randy Harrell, executive director of the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Corp.

The Rowan County commissioners plan to vote Jan. 16 on whether to put up $519,000 over five years to help lure the $22 million plant. The state would provide additional incentives.

The plant would hire at least 40 employees when it opens. Workers would receive an average salary of $70,000 a year, Harrell said.

"It's extremely exciting," he said. "It will bring skilled labor into the area and the possibility of spinoffs is very strong." More at Charlotte Observer