UTV assembly and distribution project marks the largest investment and job creation announcement on record for Owsley County.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — October 2, 2026 — Speed Kentucky LLC plans to invest $1.47 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Owsley County, Kentucky, creating 60 full-time jobs and establishing Speed UTV’s first Eastern U.S. operation.
The project represents the largest investment and job creation announcement on record for Owsley County, according to the state announcement. The facility will support final assembly and distribution of utility task vehicles as the company expands its customer base across the Eastern United States.
“Today we’re celebrating a major win for Owsley County, with Speed Kentucky announcing the largest investment on record for this community and the creation of 60 new, full-time jobs,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I am proud to welcome this team to their New Kentucky Home and look forward to working with them as we bring this $1.47 million facility to life.”
Eastern Kentucky Facility to Support UTV Assembly and Distribution
The Owsley County operation will handle final assembly and distribution of Speed UTV’s Bandit, Diablo, El Jefe and Bambino models.
Speed Kentucky is also developing an enclosed, air-conditioned utility side-by-side, expected to arrive in late summer 2027. The vehicle is being designed for work in farming, construction, forestry, firefighting and municipal services.
The investment establishes a base for serving customers across the East and represents the brand’s first major operational footprint outside its existing U.S. facility in Anaheim, California.
“We’re excited to bring Speed UTV’s first Eastern U.S. operation to Kentucky and grateful to the state and local community for helping make this opportunity possible,” said Robby Gordon, motorsports champion and cofounder of Speed Kentucky.
Partnership Brings Speed UTV Operations to Appalachia
Speed Kentucky is a joint venture between Jimmy Lewis of London, Kentucky, and Robby Gordon of Concord, North Carolina.
The partnership began after Lewis purchased a Speed UTV and traveled to North Carolina to collect it. Recognizing opportunities in Kentucky’s powersports and off-road recreation market, Gordon later visited the state to evaluate regional demand and local riding opportunities.
State economic development incentives and local cooperation helped the partners select Owsley County for their Eastern U.S. operation. Lewis will lead the Kentucky effort and is building a local team.
“Speed Kentucky is excited to expand its presence and operations in the heart of Appalachia,” said Jimmy Lewis, cofounder of Speed Kentucky. “We are proud to call Owsley County, Kentucky, home and look forward to growing alongside this incredible community.”
Manufacturing Investment Creates Career Opportunities Close to Home
The planned 60 full-time positions will expand employment opportunities in Owsley County and support the region’s manufacturing economy.
“This is the kind of investment that can make a real difference in this community,” said Rep. Chris Fugate. “These are 60 good, full-time jobs that will give people an opportunity to build a career close to home.”
Owsley County Judge/Executive Zeke Little Jr. welcomed the project as an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen the local economy and expand opportunities for residents. Booneville Mayor Nelson Bobrowski said the investment demonstrates the community’s readiness for growth.
The announcement follows more than 25 years of efforts to recruit a business to the local industrial park, according to Darrin Gay, chairman of the Booneville/Owsley County Industrial Authority. Gay welcomed the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority’s approval of an incentive package for Speed Kentucky.
Motorsports Tourism Helps Attract Manufacturing Growth
Backroads of Appalachia, a nonprofit focused on motorsports-related tourism, helped attract the project to Kentucky.
Founder and Executive Director Erik Hubbard said the investment demonstrates how motorsports can support manufacturing and employment alongside tourism.
“Speed Kentucky is proof that motorsports can be more than tourism – it can bring investment, manufacturing and good-paying jobs to our communities,” Hubbard said.
The project brings together business, state and local partners to establish a new manufacturing operation and support economic opportunity in Eastern Kentucky.
