motorsports management
Frequently Asked Questions
ADMISSIONS:
To learn about the Belmont Abbey College admission requirements, and to speak with an Admissions Counselor, please visit http://belmontabbeycollege.edu/admissions/
Students interested in the Motorsports Management program must meet the following criteria for acceptance into the Business Major and the Motorsports Management Concentration:
The student must:
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better: AC 211, AC 212, EC 201, EC 202, and BU 265
- Complete and submit a Declaration of Major form
It is possible for students in the Adult Degree Program to enter the program, however all four of the Motorsports Management classes take place during the day, and the required internships generally occur during normal business hours. Students in the Adult Degree Program must work within these parameters to participate in the program.
In general, it is advised that students interested in the Motorsports Program focus on math and writing skills in high school. In addition, if your school offers any type of marketing, accounting or statistics classes you may want to consider taking these as well. They will help you with the business curriculum specifically.
Yes, transfer students are allowed to enter the program. To obtain information about entering the Motorsports Management program, you should contact our Admissions Department (http://belmontabbeycollege.edu/admissions/index.aspx). They can provide information regarding specific entry requirements, transferring credits, etc.
Once you are accepted into Belmont Abbey you must complete the following five courses (which can be transferred in) and have a 2.0 GPA in 12 credits of Abbey courses to be officially accepted into the motorsports management program.
Accounting 211 - Financial Accounting
Accounting 212 - Managerial Accounting
Economics 201 - Macroeconomics
Economics 202 - Microeconomics
Business 265 - Spreadsheet and Database Applications
Our Registrar determines which classes will transfer into The Abbey and whether they will fulfill specific requirements or transfer in as electives. When you apply through our Admissions Department and submit an official transcript or if you submit an official transcript to our Registrar, your current classes will be reviewed and you will receive feedback on the classes that transfer.
ACADEMICS:
The Motorsports Management program at Belmont Abbey College is a concentration under the Business major. The Business major develops the knowledge and skills in effective communication practices, critical thinking, intelligent problem solving, informed decision making, and responsible action. This set of knowledge and skills is vital to all businesses, especially that of motorsports. Students will receive a strong background in business practices, and in conjunction with the Core Program in Liberal Arts, will develop the wide breadth of knowledge and abilities that are essential in the motorsports industry.
There are four required courses in the Motorsports Management Concentration: Motorsports Fundamentals, Racing Management, Motorsports Marketing, and Team Management. Courses begin in the Spring semester of a student’s sophomore year and are taken on a sequential basis.
Students in the Motorsports Management Concentration are also required to complete three internships in order to graduate from the program.
For detailed information visit: http://belmontabbeycollege.edu/academics/programs/concentration/motor-sports-management.aspx
The Motorsports Management classes are taught by a highly professional and highly skilled team that includes Belmont Abbey College professors and motorsports industry professionals. Each course features guest speakers directly from the industry to provide students with relevant, up-to-date, and detailed information on the nature of the motorsports industry.
Belmont Abbey College does not offer online classes.
INTERNSHIPS:
As a highly specialized, competitive, and unique industry, the Motorsports field requires leaders and employees that are well versed in how the industry works; its special business practices; and the effective ways to get the job done. By completing three internships in the field students will become deeply acquainted with the industry and will graduate with close to two years of business-related experience in the field. This makes our graduates highly sought after employees who are ready to contribute on Day One.
In addition, the motorsports industry is fueled by personal and business connections – it is very much a “who do you know?” field. The three internships ensure students meet and work with a wide variety of leaders and professionals in the field.
Internships are taken on a structured schedule, beginning with the completion of the first motorsports class. Upon completion of the second class, students will take their second internship. After their third class is completed, students will take on their third and final internship.
The internships are structured as to ensure that students are working their way to graduation, which greatly enhances a student’s ability to find employment upon graduation.
The internships each have “semester options”, meaning there is some flexibility as to when the internships are completed. Internships can be completed in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
No. Internships can be completed anywhere in the region, country, or even the world! Since the greater Charlotte NC area is the long established home of the racing industry, a majority of the internship opportunities do take place in this area. However students are able to seek out internships anywhere they would like to complete them, including a students home town, nationally, or even internationally.
Both. Since payment is determined by each organization, some of the internships are paid and others are not. We recommend that students assess the quality and non-payment benefits of the internship opportunity, and consider any pay as a bonus.
The Motorsports Management Program works with a wide variety of organizations within the Motorsports industry.
We work with and have placed interns at:
- Race sanctioning bodies;
- Local, regional, and national racetracks;
- NASCAR Cup-level teams, as well as Nationwide Series teams, ARCA teams, and other race teams in cars, trucks, and motorcycle series;
- Media, marketing, advertising, and public relations firms;
- Parts producers and distributors;
- Memorabilia producers and suppliers;
- Corporate sponsors;
- Hospitality and other customer related entertainment organizations
For a complete list of organizations that have sponsored internships, visit our Internships page on this site
No. Students are encouraged and assisted to find their niche within the Motorsports industry. Through our classes and the internships students will learn about all aspects of the industry and can plan their own career development course to pursue the career of their interest in the industry.
Our students in the program have diverse career aspirations, and corresponding opportunities in:
- Marketing – Sales – Advertising – Public Relations
- Event and Race Logistics
- Event and Race Management/Customer Service/Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Accounting and Finance
- Information Technology/Website Development
- Media Relations
- Licensing
- Charity/Foundation
- Media (TV, Newspapers, Magazines)
- Track Management
- Team Management
No. Motorsports is a wide and diverse industry that encompasses cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, go-karts, and more. The Motorsports Management program at Belmont Abbey College is designed to provide students with a wide-ranging background and knowledge that will be suitable to lead any type of motorsports organization.
Both. Students are taught how, and are expected to take ownership in, their internship search. Students will research potential organizations, contact employers, network within the industry, and apply for internships on their own.
At the same time, students will receive the full support of the Motorsports Management Program that includes constantly updated postings of available internships, resume/cover letter workshops and critique, and mock interviews, as well as teaching and coaching on how to secure an internship.
Students in the Motorsports Management Program will receive full career development assistance. A major part of the program is focused on students identifying their career field within the industry and then the practical skills and experiences needed to achieve their goal.
Students are provided information, workshops, and opportunities related to: Internship and Job Postings, Resume/Cover Letters, How to Conduct an Internship/Job Search, Networking Skills, Interviewing Practice, and coaching and counseling during their internship on work related issues.
Motorsports Management students have been exceptionally successful in finding internships and jobs within the Motorsports industry.
In our first three years of the program, our students have completed 75 internships within the industry.
Our first graduating class in December 2008 achieved an 80% success rate in locating a job at the time of graduation.
PROGRAMS/EVENTS:
Yes. As part of the program students are provided with opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom to take part in special events and field trip opportunities.
We have hosted special events on campus such as a pit crew demonstration, a mock sales presentation with members of the industry, presentation events, and our numerous guest speakers.
Students in the Motorsports Management program have been taken on race shop and track tours; received free or reduced cost tickets to races and events; worked special marketing functions for corporate sponsors; and more.
Yes. Students are encouraged and are provided with numerous opportunities to volunteer with charitable organizations within the industry, and educational events, as well as other volunteer opportunities related to event marketing and operations.
