The North Carolina Motorsports Association’s Industry Awards Ceremony, presented by Fifth Third Bank, pays tribute to the NC’s $6 billion motorsports industry, the individuals who have worked to grow the industry to where it is today, and those who continue to drive it forward. Choate was honored to attend the 2023 event, strengthening industry relationships and celebrating the excellence and innovation of the motorsports industry. One of the 2023 Industry Award recipients was North Wilkesboro Speedway (NWS), recognized for its efforts in the revitalization of the venerable racetrack.

“This honor and the revitalization of North Wilkesboro Speedway would not be possible without the support of our team, local officials, the governor’s office, and so many others. Choate Construction has been phenomenal,” says Marcus Smith, President, CEO, and Director of Speedway Motorsports (SMI). “Through a lot of hard work, we are now able to bring the NASCAR All-Star Race back to NWS, which is an exciting moment for everybody in Wilkes County, the state of North Carolina, and the racing community as a whole.”

Each year, the Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award recognizes a person whose contributions to racing have made an immeasurable impact on motorsports in NC. Previous recipients were Benny Parsons, Richard Petty, Richard Childress, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, O. Bruton Smith and H.A. Humpy Wheeler. In addition, NCMA presents industry awards to various entities that have positively impacted the motorsports community within the state.

In addition to the outstanding list of award winners, attendees enjoyed a “fireside chat” featuring Kyle Petty as Master of Ceremonies and a panel comprised of Bobby & Donnie Allison, along with Leonard Wood (pictured below), and Larry McReynolds.

The NCMA Awards banquet brought together the greatest minds in the industry and highlighted the role motorsports will continue to play in NC. It was a privilege for Choate to attend this exciting event, staying up to date on what’s new in the industry, and building and strengthening the invaluable partnerships that drive both the construction and motorsports industries forward.

Congratulations to all the winners, and here’s to another year of exciting growth!