The month of May is a pretty busy one in the world of motorsports, particularly in North Carolina.
Charlotte Motor Speedway will be one of the busiest places in the state this month, with its 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder.
Things start at CMS on May 16 with the 30th anniversary of the Sprint All-Star Race.
Just over a week later on May 24, the longest and most grueling race of the year – the Coca-Cola 600 – takes place on the Memorial Day weekend.
With all the upcoming events at CMS as a backdrop, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory on Friday proclaimed May as Motorsports Month in the state.
McCrory particularly recognized the Speedway’s impact upon the Charlotte area, as well as the state’s overall tourism, the economy and the thousands of jobs related to the motorsports industry.
McCrory said the two race weekends provide an estimated economic impact of $230 million, part of the Speedway’s $451 estimated economic impact yearly.
“I’m so proud that we’re the center of NASCAR,” McCrory said in a release. “This is all about jobs and having fun. That’s what racing is all about: great entertainment and bringing jobs to North Carolina. This is the centerpiece of racing throughout the world and we’re proud to be part of it.”
It’s estimated that fans from all 50 states and 15 foreign countries will visit Charlotte and CMS this month.
“May 1st is like Christmas for us here at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” CMS president/general manager Marcus Smith said in a statement. “We had no idea what my dad, Bruton Smith, was thinking when he came out here and started digging some dirt to build Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“I’m not sure he knew how big this would be, but 56 years later, here we are ready to complete the 30th anniversary of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the 56th annual Coca-Cola 600.”
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