Others who were appointed include Bill Patterson, executive vice president of Richard Childress Racing, Bobby Rice, executive vice president of Rick Hendrick Companies and former state representative, Karen Ray.
The council was created to advise the governor on ways to strengthen the industry, recruit new motorsports businesses to North Carolina and create new motosports-related job opportunities.
“You look at folks active in the industry,” Earwood said about the qualifications for the position. “And those in touch with all other sports, not limited to just racing.”
Earwood acquired the Rockingham Dragway in 1992. Events run from January through November including races in the American Drag Racing Series, the IHRA Nitro Jam Series and the All-Harley Drag Racing Series.
“It’s very gratifying,” Earwood said. “You look at some of the other members there with these big organizations, I’m honored and flattered.”
The motorsports industry supports more than 27,000 jobs in North Carolina and contributes in excess of $6 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to the press release.
“I’m taking the time to rev up our commitment to the motorsports industry which supports thousands of high-tech jobs in North Carolina,” Perdue said in an official statement. “We’ve come a long way since moonshine-running turned into a multi-billion dollar industry more than 60 years ago.”
Earwood says there’s a tremendous business in motor sports, especially for the county.
“Richmond County gets great benefits from both (racing) venues,” Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump said. “I am greatly impressed.”
Rockingham Dragway and Rockingham Speedway both attract crowds that in turn spend money at local motels and elsewhere.
“He’s doing a great job,” Crump said. “And I’d like to congratulate him on his accomplishment.”
A two-time IHRA National Track Operator of the Year (2001, 2008), Earwood is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Motorsports Association, a member of the Board of Directors of Racers for Christ International and a voting board member of the Motorsports Committee of the National Fire Protection Association.
“And also it’s a big part of tourism (in Richmond County),” Earwood said. “We draw so many of our people from out of state.”
Earwood was Public Relations Director of the California-based National Hot Rod Association and vice president and general manager of both Atlanta Dragway and the Texas Motorplex before purchasing Rockingham Dragway in 1992.
Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.
Post a Comment
