The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) announced the nominees for the second annual NCMA Awards Banquet which will be held at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center here [Concord, NC] on Jan. 30, 2008. In addition to Richard Petty, who will receive the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award for his lifetime of accomplishments, dedication and commitment to the industry and in the state of North Carolina, 10 organizations will be awarded in distinct categories.

Three nominees were chosen in each category through anonymous NCMA member voting. The categories and nominees are:

Two-Year or Trade School Education Program: Pit Instructional and Training, Catawba Valley Community College and Central Carolina Community College.

Four-Year Education Program: Belmont Abbey College, University of North Carolina, Charlotte and Winston Salem State University.

Motorsports Workforce Diversity: Imagine This! Creative Concepts, NC A&T University and Urban Youth Racing School.

Regional Marketing Campaigns: JHE Production Group, Race World USA and National Auto Sport Association (NASA).

National Marketing Campaigns: DIRT Motorsports, Champ Boat Grand Prix Series and DuPont Motorsports.

Economic Development: Richmond County, Cabarrus County and International Speedway Corporation.

Safety Innovation: NASCAR, Safety Solutions and Hendrick Motorsports.

Event Facilities: Southern National Speedway, Bowman Gray Stadium, Hickory Motor Speedway.

Small Company: Endurance Karting, Extremeion, Koolmat Insulation.

Large Company: Stock Car Steel & Aluminum, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Fountain Boats.

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.�

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