WSSU Motorsports Management Program Will Bring Racing to Kids

MATT MURPHY

"With the help of Matt Murphy, the 13-year-old racing sensation, the Motorsports Management Program at Winston-Salem State University will introduce young people to the many sides of racing at two Diversity in Motion Initiative camps in July.

The camps, which are free and open to local students from kindergarten through high school, will be held from 1 until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at the Sprague Street Community Center, 1350 East Sprague Street and from 1 until 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, at the W. R. Anderson Jr. Community Center, 2450 Reynolds Park Road.

“The Diversity in Motion Initiative camps are designed especially to expose minority youth to career opportunities that exist in motorsports beyond what they may see on television,” said Dr. Clay Harshaw, assistant professor at WSSU and coordinator for the university’s motorsports management program.   “Our program provides students with the education and training they need to work in the management, marketing and communications aspects of this global business.  These camps help us get young people to look at opportunities in field besides being a driver, an engineer or a mechanic.  Plus, we make the events a lot of fun.”

Matt Murphy, who is from Charlotte, began racing at the age of six under the direction of his grandfather, Winston-Salem resident Clarence Millner who is a former winner in the modified 470 stock car division.  In addition to posting outstanding finishes on this track, Murphy is also an A/B student, has created Project SHARE to serve homeless youth, and is gaining a reputation as a motivational speaker.  This year, he is racing in the Pro All-Stars Series Pro Late Model class.

In addition to having Murphy on hand to talk with the young people, the camp will feature the UPS show car and a variety of games and activities centered around auto racing."

A Press Release