NCMA news 2009-03-30

CMS Middle School Students - Career Decisions Class to Tour Major NASCAR Facility

Monday March 30, 2009 Cornelius, NC - On Friday April 3rd one-hundred eighth grade students from three Charlotte Mecklenburg Middle Schools (CMS) will take a tour of Michael Waltrip's Race World in Cornelius, NC. The program is part of the North Carolina Motorsports Association's, IE-2, a four tiered workforce development initiative designed to Introduce, Educate, Intern and Employ those who seek to pursue opportunities in the Motorsports Industry. This initiative engages youth, young adults and the community in experiences that raise awareness of the diverse range of jobs in motorsports. In addition, IE-2 inspires STEM Education (Science Technology Engineering Math) through motorsports. Career Facilitators with CMS will prepare the students for the visit with a special motorsports lesson plan that will include industry careers that require STEM.

The day will be mixed with high energy fun, excitement and most of all exposure for the students to a North Carolina based Industry that provides over 25,000 jobs and a near 6-Billion dollar economic impact to the state. Race World is unlike any other major NASCAR racing facility. The race shop supports NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip and David Reutimann, but by design provides a unique experience for people to see and learn about the inner workings of a NASCAR race team. Students will get the opportunity to view the team in action doing everything from fabrication work to engineering. The facility is a remodeled movie theater, where one of the theaters remains. Students will watch a video called Race to the Green Flag, which showcases the many jobs that support teams in preparation for races.

NHRA Drag Racer Doug Herbert, who is also the Founder of B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) a safe driving program that educates youth will be in attendance to speak to students and sign autographs. NASCAR Technical Institute Students have agreed to volunteer at the event supporting CMS and NCMA staff.

Event Details:

Friday April 3 (9:30am - 12:30pm)
Race World USA
Charlotte Mecklenburg Middle Schools Attending:
-Alexander Middle
-James Martin Middle
-Bailey Middle

For more information on the NCMA and IE-2 visit: www.MotorsportsNC.org

About the NCMA:
The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) is the voice for the motorsports industry across the state of North Carolina. The industry provides a 5.9 billion dollar economic impact and over 26,000 jobs to the state. The NCMA is involved in public policy through work with the North Carolina Legislature and the National Motorsports Coalition; Business development through the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Chambers and Economic Development Groups; Workforce Development which involves educational institutions statewide; the business community and motorsports organizations. The NCMA also provides networking opportunities and industry information and resources to its membership. The NCMA is the annual host of the North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards, which recognizes industry businesses, education and leaders for their achievements.

-credit: www.MotorsportsNC.org