Can you provide some history on the NCMA? The Association was formed in 2002 with the Articles of Incorporation signed June 12, 2002. It was initially formed for the explicit purpose of undertaking the Economic Impact Study which you hear so much about. A 2006 update of that study shows 5.9 billion dollars a year in economic impact along with 26,000 jobs for the state. 2002 and 2003 were spent in organizational mode and in seeking funding for the study. It was determined that in order to receive a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation to fund the study that a 501-C-3, not-for-profit, charitable organization would need to be in existence therefore the NC Motorsports Foundation was formed in October of 2003. In October of 2004 the Association and Foundation co-hosted a huge event, the Bill France Tribute Dinner, as a means by which to introduce both organizations as well as to serve as a fund raiser for the Foundation. Nearly $90,000.00 was donated to charity as a result of that event. In that same month the findings of the Economic Impact Study were released at the Association’s 1st Annual Membership Meeting. The balance of 2004 and nearly all of 2005 were spent in building the membership of the Association, in identifying issues relevant to the industry and in pursuing industry friendly legislation one result being the passage of the Aviation Fuel Tax Rebate Bill. Most recently in the short session ending July 26, 2006, a parts tax rebate and legislation dealing with job skills training pertaining to Motorsports businesses were also passed.

How many members does the NCMA have? The North Carolina Motorsports Association currently has approximately 200 member companies/organizations and is growing rapidly. All events and activities from membership meetings, to committees and councils, golf tournaments and awards banquets are designed to be multi-faceted, promoting the industry by providing industry information to the general public, information, education and entertainment to members and guests all while providing members networking opportunities AND attracting new members. All NCMA members are considered to be on the Membership Committee as we continue to build the association.

Who is on the Board of Directors of the NCMA? Richard Petty is the Chairman of our Board of Trustees. Rick Hendrick serves as Vice-Chairman. Steve Earwood, President and owner of Rockingham Dragway, is the 2006 – 2007 Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board is made up of over a dozen high-profile individuals in the motorsports and business communities. The staff of the North Carolina Motorsports Association is led by Executive Director Andy (Papa) Papathanassiou. Andy is a sixteen-year veteran of the motorsports industry.

What does the NCMA do? The North Carolina Motorsports Association is involved in public policy through our work with the North Carolina Legislature; Business development through the North Carolina Department of Commerce; Workforce Development which involves educational institutions statewide, the business community and motorsports organizations. Also, we provide networking opportunities and industry information to our members. We strive to find ways to increase our members' profitability and we host events which benefit the industry and the state of North Carolina as a whole. For the core mission values of the North Carolina Motorsports Association, please view our Mission Statement.