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SPECIAL EVENT (CONCORD, NC.) - NCMA HOSTS HONOREES


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The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) this evening presented 10 industry awards and honored Richard Petty with the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award for having a strong positive impact on the motorsports industry in the state. In addition, The North Carolina Motorsports Foundation awarded $25,000 in scholarship grants distributed equally among five North Carolina schools or training centers that have two-year or fouryear education programs with a concentration in motorsports. A variety of deserving students were called to the stage and awarded scholarships that will allow them to pursue a career in the $5.9 billion motorsports industry in the state of North Carolina.

Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue welcomed nearly 650 attendees, and Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Motor Racing Network broadcaster, served as master of ceremonies. Award presenters and winners include:

1. Derek Chen, director of motorsports development for the North Carolina Department of Commerce presented the GermaineRed Education Award for a Two-Year or Trade School program to Catawba Valley Community College’s Bobby Isaac Motorsports Program for completing 11 eight-week courses that prepared graduates for high performance machining and engine building, chassis construction, sub-assemblies, body hanging, fabrication, welding techniques and race-business operations. 2. Andy Hillenburg, former ARCA champion and owner of Fast Track Driving School and the North Carolina Speedway, presented the Wells Fargo Insurance Services Education Award for four-year program to The University of North Carolina at Charlotte for initiating a collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College to build a project vehicle, adding staff and faculty, and committing to double the size of the motorsports program including $4 million toward a new motorsports facility.

3. Marcus Jadott, NASCAR Managing Director of Public Affairs, presented the Chevy Racing Workforce Diversity Award to “Imagine This! Creative Concepts which created and activated “PIT N Play” and embrace two programs which introduced women, youth and others to motorsports through hands-on experience.

4. Chuck Howard, host of WFNZ sports talk radio’s “Power Hour,” presented the Senn Dunn Insurance Regional Marketing Award to JHE Production Group for the Pit Crew Challenge which brought the racing pit crews up close and personal to the fans by producing the NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge to on-site and television audiences. 5. George Gillett, owner of Gillett-Evernham Motorsports, presented the Sprint National Marketing Award to World Racing Group -- Formerly DIRT Motorsports -- for its marketing efforts which have led to expanded television and internet coverage making them a premier national sanctioning body for the sport of dirt track racing.

6. Ronnie Bryant, President and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership, presented UNC Charlotte The Economic Developer Award to Cabarrus County for a $200 million expansion at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the addition of the $60 million drag strip at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the Windshear project and the relocations of the corporate headquarters for the World Racing Group and MRN.

7. Randy LaJoie, two-time NACAR Nationwide Series champion and owner of The Joie of Seating, presented the SAE International Safety Innovation award to Safety Solutions for the continued development of head and neck restraints which have saved lives this year in both off-road and drag racing.

8. Ralph Sheheen, TNT and Speed TV on-air motorsports broadcaster, presenter the Extremion- Anateck Event Facilities award to Hickory Motor Speedway which fans added value through regular giveaways and driver interactive promotions. In addition to drawing a national fan base for special events, several charitable events were held on behalf of several non-profit and community organizations.

9. Larry McReynolds, FOX Sports and SPEED TV motorsports broadcaster, presented the Trailer Transit Small Company Award for Manufacturers and Suppliers to Koolmat Insulation for providing racers insulation that is watertight, does not burn, contains no carcinogens, reduces noise by up to 23 decibels and can be die cut into exact fitting panels or parts. 10. Cyndi Johns, president of the Wives Auxiliary for Motorsports, presented the Wachovia Large Company Award to Stock Car Steel & Aluminum for its ability to supply raw material and provide outstanding service to race teams big and small while maintaining a corporate culture that focuses on its team members.

The NCMA is the voice of the motorsports industry in North Carolina, representing businesses that support more than 26,000 jobs in North Carolina. During 2004, the NCMA commissioned a study which revealed that the industry is responsible for that level of employment and has a total economic impact of $5.9 billion annually within the state. The economic impact study played an important role in Charlotte’s successful bid for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Proceeds from this event go toward NCMA initiatives such as the Motorsports Workforce Development Initiative IE2 – “Introduce, Educate, Intern, Employ.”