Childress received Motorsports Tribute Award

CHILDRESS RECEIVES AHIEVEMENT IN MOTORSPORTS TRIBUTE AWARD

CONCORD, N.C. (January 27, 2009) - Richard Childress accepted the North Carolina Motorsports Association's (NCMA) Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award yesterday evening at the third annual NCMA industry awards ceremony at the Embassy Suites Convention Hall. Childress, who celebrated his 40th anniversary as a NASCAR Cup Series team owner in 2008, was recognized for his accomplishments in motorsports, his compassion and philanthropic efforts off the track, and for his individual integrity and character.

After being introduced by last year's recipient, "King" Richard Petty, Childress utilized the opportunity to send a message of encouragement given the difficult economic times to an audience of 500 comprised of his peers and other industry professionals.

"I remember the gas crisis back in the early seventies and the credit crunch in the early eighties," Childress said. "We were racing then and we're still racing now. We persevered through those challenging economic times and 9-11.

"There is a lot of strength in this industry and in this great nation, and we'll continue to be strong. And, we should always remember to thank our fans whose dedication is the reason we've been able to prosper all these years.

"It is an honor to be recognized this evening with an award also won by people such as Benny Parsons and Richard Petty."

The event also honored companies and institutions whose efforts in 2008 greatly impacted the motorsports industry in North Carolina in 10 distinct categories:

1.     Education, Two-Year       Central Piedmont Community College

2.     Education, Four-Year      Belmont Abby College

3.     Workforce Diversity       Winston-Salem State University

4.     Marketing, Regional       Food Lion Auto Fair

5.     Marketing, National       NASCAR's Home Track Campaign

6.     Event Facilities          Z-Max Dragway

7.     Economic Development      Mooresville - South Iredell

8.     Safety Innovation         B.R.A.K.E.S

9.     Small Company             SRI

10.    Large Company             CV Products

The NCMA is the voice of the motorsports industry in North Carolina, representing businesses that support more than 26,000 jobs in the state. During 2004, the NCMA commissioned a study that revealed 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."

-credit: ncma