Gov. McCrory kicks off 'Motorsports Month' at Concord Motor Speedway

CONCORD, N.C. — North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory was in Concord Friday morning to kick off "Motorsports Month" across the state.

McCrory, Concord Motor Speedway President Marcus Smith and the state's commerce secretary grabbed paint rollers to put finishing touches on the start/finish line on the track.

They also talked about the economic impact that two weeks of racing and crowds has on the Charlotte region. The numbers are impressive, and reach far beyond the speedway itself.

"Motorsports overall contributes $6 billion a year and 20,000 jobs to the state of North Carolina," said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary John Skvarla.

The region will have a good month because of racing, but the governor is struggling with an even bigger economic issue regarding the state's incentive program. McCrory said disagreement in Raleigh is putting the state, and the Charlotte area, at a disadvantage.

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