N.C. Senate gives green light to making stock-car racing the official state sport

North Carolina might join the ranks of states that have officially adopted a state sport. The state Senate on Thursday endorsed stock-car racing by a margin of 46-3.

The legislation now goes to the state House. If approved, North Carolina will take its seat among those American regions to have legally declared athletic notoriety, including:

-- Alaska: Dog mushing since 1972

-- Delaware: Volleyball since 2009

-- Hawaii: Outrigger canoeing since 1986, surfing since 1998

-- Maryland: Jousting since 1962, lacrosse since 2003

-- Massachusetts: Basketball since 2006

-- Minnesota: Ice hockey since 2008

-- New Hampshire: Skiing since 1998

-- South Dakota: Rodeo since 2003

-- Texas: Rodeo since 1997

-- Wyoming: Rodeo since 2003

The state sport bill was first presented to the North Carolina General Assembly in February by a group of fifth-graders from Lake Norman Elementary School in the town of Mooresville.

As the largest motorsports facility in North Carolina, Charlotte Motor Speedway not surprisingly welcomed the news.

“North Carolina is truly the world capital of motorsports, and we applaud the decision,” said Marcus Smith, president of Charlotte Motor Speedway.

In proposing the bill, the elementary-school students pointed out the $6 billion in economic contributions that the motorsports industry brings in annually. They emphasized the importance of Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame to the region. More than 200 businesses in Cabarrus County support the motorsports industry, which employs nearly 20,000 people.

Charlotte's motorsports megaplex employs up to 6,000 people during racing events such as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600, both scheduled for May.

Economic studies show the megaplex, which encompasses the famous 1.5-mile superspeedway, zMAX Dragway and a dirt track, contributes more than $400 million yearly.

A full list of activities in Charlotte during the speedway's May race weeks is available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/fan_guide_to_fun.

By Michelle Koueiter