Gov. McCrory kicks off ‘Motorsports Month’ at Speedway

Gov. Pat McCrory and other officials kicked off “Motorsports Month” on Friday under blustery gray skies at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, painting the finishing touches on the racetrack’s finish line as they touted the event’s economic benefits.

And as the legislature passes its halfway mark for this year’s session, McCrory also said he’s still pressing hard for the state Senate to approve economic incentives to lure companies.

“I wanted the incentives program finalized in weeks,” McCrory said. “We’re in the third month.”

The House and Senate have passed competing versions of incentives bills, with the House’s version much more closely aligned with McCrory. The governor said he’s still in talks with leaders in both chambers and hopes to make progress soon.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is holding two major races this month: The Sprint All-Star Race on May 16 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. McCrory and other elected officials said the races will bring an estimated $230 million worth of economic impact to the region, drawing tens of thousands of visitors.

Concord Mayor Scott Padgett reminisced about visiting the speedway more than 50 years ago when it was $4 per car to visit the infield, no matter how many people were in the car.

“It’s changed a lot,” Padgett said. But he said the track still benefits the region’s economy. “A lot of sales tax is generated here.”

He and other officials then painted in the word “Charlotte” at the finish line, with long-handled rollers. Most of the officials were able to stay within the lines. McCrory, however, spilled paint at the top of the “R” which had to be wiped off.

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Gov. McCrory kicks off ‘Motorsports Month’ at Speedway."