WSSU Motorsport Management Introduces Students to Careers

Dr. Hand shows campers how to race their candy cars.

The Motorsport Management Program at Winston-Salem State University recently conducted Diversity In Motion mini-camps that introduced 500 children from the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club to possible careers.

“There are jobs in motorsports, and very few minorities and women are filling those positions,” said Dr. Jim Hand, a professor in the WSSU program.  “We wanted these students to know motorsports can provide a very viable career and that the jobs go beyond drivers, mechanics and pit crews.”

In addition to support from NASCAR’s Diversity Affairs office, Whelen All-American Series Champion Jason Romero was on hand for several sessions to talk with the students about the opportunities for minorities.

Campers gather around a real race car.

The children, who are in the third through the seventh grade, participated in one of six camps conducted July 20-22 at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Winston-Salem.  The sessions were designed to be entertaining as well as educational with a variety of motorsport-themed games, show cars and even a race with cars the students built out of candy.

WSSU is the only four-year university in the country and the only HBCU (Historically Black College and University) to offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in Motorsport Management.  The program prepares students for entry-level positions in motorsport operations, marketing and event planning.