motorsports management
Current Students
Richard Petty Driving Experience Named Intern Partner of the Year.
April 23rd, 2009
Unlike any other program at Belmont Abbey College, the Motorsports Management program requires students to complete three academic internships on top of the classroom curriculum. In order to make this happen, Belmont Abbey relies heavily on its partnerships, both in the area and around the country, to facilitate intern opportunities during the school year and during the summer. To say "thanks" for the program's success, Belmont Abbey College recently held the first annual Intern Employer of the Year Reception on April 7th. The event served both as an opportunity for students to enhance their networking skills and as a way to thank those valuable partners who continue to contribute both time and money to the program. Richard Petty Driving Experience was named Intern Employer of the Year for 2009 and was honored for its commitment to giving students hands-on experience in the industry. This real-life work experience prepares Belmont Abbey students for life after college and helps them build working relationships with industry leaders. On behalf of the students in the Motorsports Management program, thank you to those who provide internship opportunities and help to better prepare us for life after college.
Anna Donaldson Motorsports Management Program Belmont Abbey College Cell:904-537-8358
Motorsports: International Perspective
Have you ever wondered how the rest of the world views the sport of NASCAR? Most of us would define NASCAR as the epitome of American pride and a sport that represents what we as Americans hold near and dear: speed, competition, risk, tailgates, and beer. Even though NASCAR is targeted specifically to the average American Joe, I find it interesting that as the American race fan patiently awaits what will happen with dwindling sponsorship dollars and ticket sales, so does the rest of the world. In a recent article published by a British news agency, BBC News, the writer blames the failing auto industry for the decline in team dollars, pointing out the possibility of a government bailout meaning taxpayers dollars funding NASCAR. As one guest speaker in our motorsports fundamentals class pointed out earlier this week, companies like Bank of America who required a financial "bailout" from the government to stay afloat continue to spend big money to put cars on the track because they believe the return on investment greatly exceeds the cost of sponsorship. While the sport of NASCAR is specifically tailored to an American audience, it continues to gain worldwide recognition for its ability to put cars on the track and fans in the stands, despite tough economic times.
To read more at BBC News, click here.
Student Blog: Belmont Abbey College Wins Four Year Education Award
By Anna Donaldson, MSM Program Intern
Belmont Abbey College was honored with the distinction of the best Four Year Education Program, by the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), for its contributions to the motorsports industry. The third annual NCMA awards were held on January 26, 2009, at the Embassy Suites Convention Hall in Concord, North Carolina. Some of the major players in the industry in attendance included: Richard Childress, Richard Petty, Humpy Wheeler, Mike Helton, the president of NASCAR, and several mayors and congressional representatives. Representing Belmont Abbey College were Dr. Tracy Rishel, Director of the Motorsports Management Program; Matthew Caporale, Director of Career Services and Internships; Jon Blackwell, a Motorsports Management graduate; and me, Anna Donaldson, a current Motorsports Management student.
Not only was I proud to be there representing my school and fellow classmates while receiving such high honors, but I got a sense of pride seeing the large number of people in attendance and the many diverse parts of the industry they represent. I will admit, I have had some anxious moments about choosing such a specialized concentration in light of what’s happening in the economy. But after hearing Mike Helton talk about the future of racing and his optimism surrounding the sport and the people that make up the business, I feel reassured in my choice of study. While it was made clear that the economy has definitely affected the industry (but, hey, what industry hasn’t been affected), continuing job opportunities and the enthusiasm of the people in attendance left me with a positive outlook on the future of racing. Being at the NCMA awards program and watching MY COLLEGE receive recognition among some of the industry’s legends simply confirmed to me that I am at the right college, in the right program that will help me build a career in the motorsports industry. Congratulations Belmont Abbey College!!
