For more information contact:
Rolando Rivas Director of Marketing & Communications
704-898-3084
rolandorivas@bac.edu
Belmont Abbey College to Host Inaugural Motorsport Symposium and Wheeler Awards Tuesday, January 17th BELMONT, N.C.
BELMONT, N.C. (January 3, 2017) – In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of its Motorsport Management degree program, Belmont Abbey College brings the leadership of the racing world to its campus for the inaugural Motorsport Symposium and Wheeler Awards on Tuesday, January 17. “We are very excited to gather our students, alumni and industry veterans to celebrate ten years of hard work and dedication in building this program,” said Pat Wood Executive Director of Belmont Abbey’s Motorsport program.
Featuring a VIP panel of team presidents and leaders from IndyCar, NASCAR and other racing series, the symposium will discuss various topics vital to the industry such as the state of the racing industry and the promise of a great future in its youngest drivers. Notables such as Steve Lauletta/Chip Ganassi Racing, Jonathan Gibson/Penske Racing, Dave Alpern/Joe Gibbs Racing, Chris Traeger/NASCAR and Ben Geisler/World of Outlaws will give their insights into the world of Motorsport.
The Symposium will kick off at 7 a.m. with the Charlotte Sports and Business networking group, followed by a session entitled “Millennial Marketing in the Social Age” featuring NASCAR young guns Ryan Blaney, Jordan Anderson and Justin Marks. The morning will continue with a Belmont Abbey College Alumni Panel featuring several industry veterans including Jennifer Gibson/Wix Racing, Ian Moye/Chip Ganassi Racing and Dan Guffey/Jeff Gordon, Inc.
The final session of the morning will be the presentation of the Wheeler Award for Excellence in Motorsport. Humpy Wheeler, racing legend and Belmont Abbey College Motorsport board member, is the namesake for the honor and will present the inaugural recognition to legendary promoter, agent and team owner Cary Agajanian for his lifetime contributions to Motorsport.
The Motorsport Symposium is free and open to the public. For a complete agenda see below
The Motorsport Symposium is free and open to the public. Agenda is listed below.
About Belmont Abbey College
Belmont Abbey College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts institution founded by Benedictine monks in 1876. Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. For the past 10 years Belmont Abbey College has been a leader in Motorsport education with its Motorsport Management degree program. Our beautiful and historic campus is conveniently located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, N.C., and is currently home to more than 1500 students. For more information, visit zarchive.bac.edu. ###
AGENDA BISCUITS & BiG SHOTS
7:00am – 7:30am – Charlotte Sports & Business Networking Group, Bojangles Breakfast & Coffee – Welcome from Executive Director Pat Wood and Dr. Bill Thierfelder
7:30am – 8:30am – The State of Racing – A View from the Top
(Steve Lauletta-Chip Ganassi Racing, Dave Alpern-Joe Gibbs Racing, Chris Traeger-NASCAR, Ben Geisler-World of Outlaws, Jonathan Gibson-Penske Racing)
8:30am – 9:00am – Networking Break
9:00am – 9:45am – Motorsport & Millennials – Next Generation Racing
(Ryan Blaney – Wood Bros. Racing, Jordan Anderson – Jordan Anderson Racing, Justin Marks – Ganassi Racing, Matt Dusenberry – DusenberryMartin Racing (NASCAR Heat Evolution)
9:45am – 10:30am – Belmont Abbey Motorsport Alumni Panel – 10 Years Strong
(Dan Guffey, Jennifer Gibson, Ian Moye, Chris Galde, Kate Beran)
11:00am – 11:45am – The Wheeler Awards – Cary Agajanian – Recognition for lifetime contribution to motorsport excellence Most Outstanding Student – TBD, Distinguished Alumni Award – TBD
12:00pm – Program ends.